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| From time to time, we look at our gardens and they seem to have lost their luster. Your own well-established landscape may have become bewilderingly overgrown and out of balance. If you’ve recently purchased an older home, its garden may need a complete makeover. Rejuvenation and renewal for the garden can be accomplished with minimal effort and a certain degree of enjoyment. So let the fun begin. There are actually four steps required for renewal and rejuvenation of older gardens. Bringing new life to these oases requires appraising the garden; identifying existing garden problems; solving those problems; and completing projects to complement the already-established garden area. As you appraise your garden area, you’ll instantly recognize that as gardens reach their maturity, subtle changes occur. An area once bathed in full sun has now become shaded from tree growth, or sometimes an anchor plant has overwhelmed its complementary friends. As time moves forward, a gardener’s needs change. Perhaps a large outdoor area for entertaining is desired. Gradual small improvements can bring new charm, interest, and use back into a garden area. During this step, try to avoid drastic landscape schemes because they can be expensive and disappointing. Most long-time gardeners admit that a garden once well-manicured can spread and become a shapeless mass. Plants are competitive and jockey for sunlight, water, and root space. Without demanding effort or unnecessary expense, gardens can be revived and renewed. Good garden face-lift candidates are often a bewildering tangle of plant growth. Don’t be tempted to completely denude a planted area. There may be some well-hidden introspective specimens waiting for your attention. And don’t forget that there may be a treasure trove of now-dormant bulbs as well as herbaceous perennials just waiting to be liberated. By the time you’re ready to revitalize your garden, you will have identified the shrubs that have grown together and lost their individual character. Another cry for help is bare or twiggy lower growth in what should be robust plants. Pruning is the answer to this problem. When pruning, attempt to bring shrubs back to their original form and vary their individual heights. If necessary, relocate one or two of the least attractive shrubs. They may find success elsewhere. Although it is difficult for passionate gardeners to admit, often less is more. Leaving space between specimens will allow them to flourish and bring interest to the area. Allowing space in the garden offers a more generous look, while providing more root space for plantings. In shaded areas, there are often masses of surface or near-to-the-surface roots. If so, consider paving the area. Paving the offending space can give it purpose, especially when adding an element such as a garden seat, bird bath, or statuary. If paving is not appealing, ground covers such as low-growing evergreens, vinca minor, or periwinkle add splashes of color and interest to an otherwise drab area. If you’re a gardener who wants it all, paving stones surrounded by low-growing ground covers will probably add the qualities you’re looking for. If paving stones or a pathway are implemented, be sure these walkways deliver the observer to a special place such as a bench or a refreshing location. On the other hand, barren sunny locations can feel off-putting. Many gardeners recommend these sunny and often dry spots as good locations for perennials. Because these areas are often too dry for most annuals, succulents are a good choice. A well-thought out grouping of three to five colors works well in such an area. Low-maintenance perennials and bulbs are also good candidates for an area bathed in sunlight for most of the day. Practical aspects must be considered when rejuvenating a garden. At this point of the garden renewal, trees are often an integral step. Deciduous trees offer the densest shade in the summer. There is of course an ongoing dialogue regarding deciduous trees and their evergreen counterparts. Both types of trees can be a wonderful addition to any garden. Evergreens are always green and offer their beauty year-round. But in defense of their deciduous cousins, these leafless forms in winter offer their own character when throwing their tracery onto walls and lawns. They charm us with their silhouettes against any wintery sky. When considering what type of tree to plant, remember that deciduous trees reflect each of the four seasons, while evergreens remain the same throughout the year. Whichever species of tree is planted, be sure to place it far enough away from the house and other buildings so that it does not cause damage to existing structures. The list of projects to complement the garden is endless. Even though the choices for enhancement are limitless, be careful. In my own garden, temptation runs rampant. Fortunately, I have been blessed with several garden areas well spaced from each other. One garden features the Virgin Mary. Another area is all about frogs. Gnomes populate another area, while those huge funky plastic bugs and butterflies occupy the hollyhock bed. I think gardens with themes are the most appealing. Whether your projects include new plantings or garden accents such as a fountain or pathway or statuary, take it easy. Because many mature gardens reach an overgrown look or a cluttered feeling, you do not want to make your garden seem overcrowded with more plantings and more garden accents. Rejuvenating a mature garden can be lots of fun, without breaking the bank. Make a plan and a budget. You’ll be glad you did. Editor’s Note: Sharon has been a master gardener since 2003 through Iowa State University. She lives on a small farm in southwest Iowa. |
Renewing Older Gardens |
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