How do you design a garden?

We have an area on the edge of our yard that has two trees and no grass. We want to make a garden out of it, but have no clue what to put in there and how to design it. Is there any websites or books that can help? We were hoping to do it ourselves.

Re: How do you design a garden?

a veggie garden or a flower garden?

for veggie garden I recommend http://www.squarefootgardening.com/


for flowers - you could look at some of the "maps" at Spring Hill or Michigan Bulb

Re: How do you design a garden?

There are books--look in your library. I don't know titles off hand, but I read a few that had "maps."

You can also buy kits with all the plants & a map for a garden to fit your size from places like

Blue Stone Perennials-pre planned gardens

Message edited 5/6/2010 12:06:50 AM.

Re: How do you design a garden?

Not veggie. Flowers and bushes we are looking for, more bushes I would think.

Re: How do you design a garden?

Michelle - take some photos and go to that garden center in Bayport on Montauk, just west of Nicolls. Last year they ran a promo where you could come in for free advice. I think if you were willing to purchase from them they'd be willing to offer you some direction on what to do.

Re: How do you design a garden?

Seriously, as much as we try to research, design and plan...we always wind up going to the nursery and finding other things we like better

Its all trial and error, at least for us it is...

Just figure out what kind of sun that area gets and head to the nursery to look around and take it from there

Everything should be tagged with lots of info- growth rate, mature size, bloom time, etc

It will all come together

Re: How do you design a garden?

Posted by LisaW

Seriously, as much as we try to research, design and plan...we always wind up going to the nursery and finding other things we like better

Its all trial and error, at least for us it is...

Just figure out what kind of sun that area gets and head to the nursery to look around and take it from there

Everything should be tagged with lots of info- growth rate, mature size, bloom time, etc

It will all come together

Re: How do you design a garden?

Great advice here!

Something I was reminded of yesterday that is so important. Choose plants based on the site and what it can provide. For two years, my parents have been trying to grow flowers and plants in an area that is mostly shade. They can't understand why they don't do well. I told them (again) yesterday that no matter how much they *want* the plants to survive and thrive, the plants need what they need and don't care about their feelings.

So if I were you, I would watch that area and figure out how many hours of direct sunlight it gets. If it gets six or more hours of direct sun, you can grow full sun plants. Three to six hours means part sun/shade. Less than three is shade.

If you push the envelope by an hour or more, you will essentially be wasting your money. You should also figure out how much water, pruning, and fertilizing you're willing to put into them. Some plants are more prone to disease and pests than others also.

Some general guidelines that many people follow with garden design:

Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye
Mixing complimentary colors like blue and orange are good
Looking for a "feel" of hot or cold colors can help (red/orange are hot colors)
Mixing textures and different leaf or flower forms are good
Don't overdo the colors, three different complimentary ones should probably do it
Pay attention to plant forms, whether round, leggy, tall and vertical. Put the tallest vertical ones in the back of the bed, shorter ones to the front
Consider backdrop plants that serve the purpose of providing a contrast to showcase other plants in front of it
Enjoy it!!

Re: How do you design a garden?

Thanks, I guess I should measure it tonight and head out to the nursery to get some ideas.

Re: How do you design a garden?

Though they are pricey, the people at Martin Viette really know their stuff. You can go pick their brains. I think they are in Brookville.