Let's Get Creative!

When you want to build a garden the first thing you have to do is decide what kind of garden you are going to have. Is it going to be one to draw the butterflies, hummingbirds and other birds into it, ornamental only, or do you want an edible garden? So many choices, but for this time around, we will focus on planning the basics. After you have chosen what kind of garden you want, then you must decide if you want a raised bed or one that is level with the ground.

If you decide to do a raised bed the best materials to use are landscaping timbers and weed-retardant cloth to go on the bottom of the bed. Then the comes the layering. You have to have good drainage so the roots of your plants are not sitting in water when it rains. Start with the weed-retardant cloth, then some small pea-gravel, sand, and then topsoil – lots of it. Make sure you incorporate vermiculite and fertilizer into the soil for good aeration and growth of the plants.

If you are planting a ground-level garden, you will want to put some weed-retardant cloth down and some weed-deterrent edging along the edge of the garden. This can either be straight, or you can make it a rambling arrangement that follows the natural roll of the ground. Flower gardens are often used to create decorative seating places as well.

Whatever you plan to do, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors. The creation you are making can last a season, or years to come depending on what you plant.