by Karen Lawson
HomeOwnerNet Columnist
The spring
home improvement and
lawn and garden show season is in full swing, and you're enthusiastic about trying new products and plants for your lawn and garden. Before you undertake a major renovation of your landscaping, it's important to be realistic about which types of plants and grass can thrive in your climate, and also how much time you can spend on
lawn care and gardening.
Knowing What's Growing in Your Region
Researching native plants and trees and their maintenance requirements can provide a "heads up" and give you an idea of what types of plants will thrive there. Also, wildflowers and native shrubs and trees can provide beauty and shade with less care than exotic, or non-native plants, may require. The USDA has developed a numbered chart based on lowest average temperature zones in the US. Most plants are packaged with a tag showing which zones are appropriate for them. Although this doesn't guarantee success, it can help avoid the frustration of losing plants and ongoing problems with lawn care.
Prioritize "Growing and Going"
Many homeowners have their time booked to the minute or more. If you are rarely home and don't want to hire a lawn service, you can select plantings that require little maintenance. Balancing plants and green lawn areas with rocks, decks, or patio areas can help reduce lawn care. Ground covers and wild flowers can add texture and color while conserving water and time. If you enjoy lawn care and gardening, but have limited time, a landscaper or lawn care specialist can help you design a landscaping plan featuring low maintenance plants. You can keep your lawn green and reduce time spent on lawn care by installing automatic watering systems.
About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about nature and the environment. She holds BA and MA degrees in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.
