Designing Your Landscape

Course Overview

This course provides comprehensive guidance on selecting, planting, and maintaining flowering shrubs to enhance your landscape. You’ll learn step-by-step processes for various planting scenarios, ensuring your outdoor space flourishes with color and life.

---

Module 1: Introduction to Flowering Shrubs

Lesson 1.1: What Are Flowering Shrubs?

• Definition: Flowering shrubs are woody plants that produce flowers and can vary in size, shape, and bloom time.
• Benefits: Add beauty, provide privacy, attract pollinators, and offer seasonal interest.

Lesson 1.2: Choosing the Right Flowering Shrubs

• Factors: Climate, soil conditions, sun exposure, and maintenance levels.
• Examples:
  • Mophead Hydrangeas: Large blooms, prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Sun Hydrangeas: Showy blooms through the first frost and can take fell sun!
  • Azaleas: Bright flowers, thrives in acidic soil.
  • Gardenias: Fragrant, loves full sun or partial sun.

---

Module 2: Planning Your Landscape Design

Lesson 2.1: Assessing Your Space

• Measure Your Yard: Use a tape measure to determine dimensions.
• Identify Features: Note trees, structures, and sunlight patterns. Remember, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west.

Lesson 2.2: Creating a Design Layout

• Sketch Your Space: Draw a simple outline of your yard.
• Plan for Heights: Taller shrubs should be placed at the back. It is very important to read the heights and widths of the plants prior to planting them.

---

Module 3: Planting Strategies

Lesson 3.1: Planting Next to the House

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose Your Shrubs: Select low-growing varieties.
2. Measure Distance: Leave 2-3 feet from the foundation.
3. Prepare the Site:
   • Remove weeds and debris.
   • Loosen soil with a spade.
4. Dig Holes: Each hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.
5. Plant:
   • Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
   • Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

Lesson 3.2: Flowering Shrubs Along Walkways

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Define the Walkway: Measure and outline the pathway.
2. Select Shrubs: Choose shorter, compact varieties (e.g., dwarf spireas).
3. Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
4. Prepare Holes: Similar to the previous guide.
5. Planting:
   • Cluster plants for a natural look.
   • Water after planting.

Lesson 3.3: Planting Along Property Lines

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Identify Boundaries: Mark your property line.
2. Select Shrubs: Consider taller varieties (e.g., viburnums).
3. Space Accordingly: Allow 3-6 feet between plants.
4. Soil Preparation: Ensure the area is clear and loose.
5. Plant:
   • Follow the same planting technique.
   • Water regularly for the first few weeks.

---

Module 4: Maintenance and Care

Lesson 4.1: Watering and Fertilizing

• Watering: Deep watering once a week; adjust based on rainfall.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer in spring such as a slow release fertilizer (14-14-14)

Lesson 4.2: Pruning and Shaping

• When to Prune: Typically pruning is done in late winter or early spring, after flowering for specific types. Make sure to read the instructions about your plant.
• How to Prune:
  • Remove dead or damaged branches.
  • Shape for desired look without cutting too much.

Lesson 4.3: Pest and Disease Management

• Common Issues: Aphids, powdery mildew.
• Control Methods:
  • Inspect regularly.
  • Use insecticidal soap for pests; fungicides for diseases.

---

Module 5: Creating Seasonal Interest

Lesson 5.1: Year-Round Planning

• Choose Varieties: Plan for early, mid, and late bloomers.
• Evergreens: Incorporate evergreen shrubs for winter structure.

Lesson 5.2: Adding Complementary Plants

• Select Perennials and Annuals: Choose plants that bloom at different times to enhance color.
• Design for Texture: Mix flowering shrubs with ornamental grasses.

---

Conclusion

We hope the above information is helpful. We have had many visitors just starting out and they had so many questions. Our intent here is to provide everyone with some basis knowledge BEFORE you purchase plants. Purchasing the right plant for your location is so important!