A simple garden or planter can brighten any yard, and gardening is a fantastic way to spend time outside enjoying the fresh air and sunshine! Planting a garden can look complicated, but many lovely gardens require little care to produce a beautiful space.
Wildflower/native plant garden. Research the kinds of flowers and plants that grow naturally in your area-these are easier to maintain and more likely to thrive. Check online to see what plants are native to your area, and make a visit to your local nursery to see what grows well. Your local library may have resources as well; if your county has an active extension office, check with them to see if they have information about local flora. Local plants are already adapted to the water and weather patterns of your area; they will still need to be cared for, but will not require vast amounts of time or effort to keep them happy.
Drought garden. If you live in a drier area, a drought garden is a lovely way to bring some color to your yard without using a lot of extra water. Cacti are one option (the prickly pear will even produce beautiful flowers for you!), but you can also plant the stunning “Sunset Strain” (Lewisia cotyledon), purple-flowered Lavandula multifida, orange desert mallow, or delicate Salvia Pozo Blue. Check with a local nursery to see which plants are available for your water budget.
Perennial garden. Perennials grow back year after year, so you don’t have to replant! Perennials put down root systems that stay intact long after the flowers are gone, so they sprout anew every year. Garden phlox, asters, peonies, and daffodils are great plants to begin a garden; they can be cut and brought indoors for bouquets, or simply enjoyed in their natural environment. Check with your local nursery to see what other perennials are well-suited to your sunlight and water situation.
Have a good one and let me know if you need anything.
