Bog Gardens Create an Ecosystem of Beauty in Your Backyard

Once a small, specialty niche where only hard-core gardeners would go, bog gardens have become increasingly popular in recent years because of the variety of beautiful and exotic plants they can add to your garden, and because, once built, they are easy to maintain.

Basic Bog Garden Design
A bog is a spongy, waterlogged area, where the soil is slightly acidic, thanks to the peat and sphagnum moss growing there. It provides a home for distinctive, water-loving shrubs and herbs that are specially adapted to handling the acidic quality of the soil. Bogs form naturally in glacial lake beds over hundreds of years. Most folks don't live near these areas, so a bog garden is a way of replicating this unique environment through the use of excavation and irrigation in your own backyard. Backyard bog gardens are often installed alongside of ponds—a great idea, to be sure—but these gardens are very different in the number and kinds of nutrients they provide.

Four Steps to Building a Bog Garden in Your Backyard

1. The area must first be dug and excavated, so that the right soil and drainage conditions can be created. You want to dig two or three feet deep, so that there is room for your bog plants' roots. The larger an area you have the better, given that small beds tend to dry out quickly.

2. Lay down a sheet of plastic (4-8mm thick). This will keep the water from draining and dissipating. You will want to use a single sheet, as water will leak through the seams of multiple, overlapping sheets. Some users prefer a layer of gravel and hard clay to retain water. For proper, regulated drainage, put holes around the edge of the liner, about a foot below the surface. This will keep your plants' crowns from rotting.

3. The soil should be a mixture of the native soil you have dug up with compost, or any number of specialty soils, such as sphagnum, with sand. Your chosen bog garden plants will determine the best soil type. Check with a gardening professional for tips and advice.

4. Once you have filled your bog garden, you will want to let it settle, keeping it well-watered, for anywhere from a week to a month before you plant. From then on, maintenance involves regular watering, but little weeding, since most weeds don't survive such moist conditions.


Bog Garden Plants
The best bog garden plants are those that require plenty of moisture. These can be your regular garden plants, or, for a more authentic bog atmosphere, plants that prefer the acidity of a real bog. Some examples include:

Giant rhubarb (gunnera manicata), which has big, umbrella-shaped leaves and prickly stems.

Powdered primrose (primula pulverulenta), which feature pretty flowers in tiers up their stems.


Nana (darmera peltata), which produce pink flowers and saucer-shaped leaves that turn fiery in autumn.


Queen Victoria (lobelia), featuring bright red leaves topped with crimson flowers.

Bog garden plants are particularly good at attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other friendly creatures, and many owners find that they are able to create an entire ecosystem in their backyard. In this sense, this type of garden is perfect as a backyard centerpiece for a holistic approach to landscaping. Just like a high-quality hardwood floor might be the focus of an interior living room but must still work within the larger frame work of your interior decorating, your backyard bog garden will work much the same way. Your landscaping can incorporate many components that aren't necessarily "authentic" to bog garden design, but work in harmony and to great effect in creating a thematically cohesive and visually stunning property.

by Marcus Pickett

Create Outdoor Spaces inside your Home with an Interior Courtyard

Travel almost anywhere in the world besides the United States and you'll find that central courtyards are the norm, not the exception, in residential homes. They can serve as secluded retreats, private gardens, protected play areas for children, or nice sitting areas for relaxing and entertaining guests. While courtyards can be a great addition anywhere, they are most popular in warmer climates where they can be incorporated into the rest of the home on a regular basis.

Talk to a Contractor or Home Builder first about an Interior Courtyard
Truth be told, most American homes aren't well suited architecturally for courtyards, with the southwest and its distinctive architecture being a notable exception. Americans' needs for privacy have instead been solved with privacy fences and landscaping that separates us from our neighbors. That being the case, if you are interested in the international feel and privacy of a home with a courtyard, you'll need to have your home evaluated by a contractor to see if a courtyard is a realistic possibility for your existing residence. Another option is to talk to a custom home builder about designing a home that utilizes the courtyard concept from the very beginning.

Planning an Interior Courtyard
Once you've determined your home can accommodate a courtyard, or you commit to purchasing a home with a courtyard, the next step is deciding on your interior courtyard design. Some prefer their courtyards to be a natural oasis, and landscape the courtyard with small trees, climbing vines, and other vegetation. Others like their courtyard a little more in sync with the home, and design it accordingly with outdoor furniture and patio floors that match interior designs. Either way, the key to good built-in courtyard design is taking into account two things: space and your personality. Don't clutter or overdo your courtyard, as these spaces can easily feel cramped and uninviting. And, by all means, make your courtyard a reflection of your life and style, as well.

Interior Courtyard and Long Span Patio Doors
One of the most exciting new products in the door and window industry has actually been a boon to interior courtyard design as well. The main complaint most Americans have about courtyards is that they can feel very confined. With the installation of long span patio doors (glass doors that can span openings up to 24 feet across), you can open up your courtyard to the rest of your home, making both your home and courtyard seem bigger in the process. In fact, few home designs are more attractive, innovative, or pleasant, than an interior courtyard surrounded by long span patio doors. Especially in warmer climates, these doors can be opened up, creating a spacious, fresh, outdoor feel throughout your home.

Can't Afford an Interior Courtyard Remodel?
Of course, these aren't small projects. As mentioned previously, you're most likely talking about a major home remodel, or a new home build, if you want a courtyard incorporated into your home. While that makes these features out of reach for some, it doesn't mean the average homeowner can't create courtyard like spaces despite traditional American architecture. With the proper design and landscaping, any deck or patio can become a secluded, protected, and attractive outdoor area. Bamboo screens, vined trellises, and thick shrubbery can all create an enclosed space for you to enjoy. It won't be an interior courtyard exactly, but it can be an acceptable substitution if that's the design and feel your heart is set on.

by Matt Goering

Garden Ponds and Garden Waterfalls

One of the home improvement projects a homeowner rarely has to be sold on is improving their backyard. Most homeowners realize that with the right landscaping and patio their backyard can be an additional living space. In fact, during summer evenings and spring and fall afternoons, your backyard may very well be preferable to spending your leisure time cooped up inside your home. One of the most common mistakes homeowners make when looking into improving their backyard is to convince themselves certain installations are out of their price range without even getting quotes. Small and moderately designed garden ponds and waterfalls, for example, are rarely as expensive as many homeowners imagine.

Garden Pond Liners
The biggest decision you'll most likely need to make is what material your pond liner will be. More permanent garden pond liners include concrete and fiberglass. More flexible pond liners are generally made from a variety of different plastic products. Permanent garden ponds aren't strictly permanent, but if they're well-built, a fiberglass liner should last 50 years or more, while concrete may last even longer in the absence of extreme freeze/thaw cycles. Concrete has the slight disadvantage of possibly leaking toxins that can affect the quality of your pond water. Fiberglass is much easier to install and maintain but lacks the naturalistic quality of other pond liners.

Plastic pond liners can actually be rigid or flexible, but rigid plastic liners are difficult to work with and are susceptible to damage from ice and other weathering elements. Rigid plastic liners usually work best for homeowners who live in a warm climate and are operating on a strict budget. Flexible pond liners can be any number of materials such as butyl rubber and PVC, among others. These different pond liners may vary slightly in cost and performance, but they generally last 10-20 years, and their flexibility makes them great for customized garden ponds.

Garden Pond Design and Installation
Along with choosing a pond liner, you'll also need to start thinking about your pond design. Obviously shape, size, and location are the big elements of pond design. Depending on what plants and/or fish you plan on putting in your pond, you'll probably want to look for a place that gets a decent amount of shade. Besides being conducive to a healthy pond, shade from the sun will also increase the life of most pond liners. Size and shape are usually a function of the size of your yard and the size of your budget. Creating a more organic shape may be more important than an impressively sized pond. Plus, you may want to save enough money in your budget to install stone edging or otherwise spruce up the surrounds of your garden pond.


Garden Waterfalls
Of course, a garden waterfall is one of the best and most popular ideas for your pond surrounds. Garden waterfalls, like the ponds they typically run into, come in all shapes and sizes. The benefits of a waterfall are two-fold: the relaxing sound of running water and the beautiful look of falling water. With these two qualities in mind, you'll want to find a design that's right for your backyard. One common mistake is to go overboard on the size of the waterfall. You don't want a waterfall that's going to overpower your pond or your backyard. Installing a garden waterfall may or may not be a DIY project, depending on your relative skill and time availability, but the total cost of installing a waterfall for your pond is generally less than most homeowners imagine.

By Marcus Pickett

Ornamental Trees and Plants

Ornamental trees and plants are, as you might imagine, ornamental, as opposed to trees and plants used for commercial gain. For the purpose of residential landscaping, however, ornamental trees also often refer to smaller trees that can't be used to support hammocks, tree houses, or tree swings. Just because you don't have a lot of space doesn't mean you can't plant a tree in your yard. Small ornamental trees can assuage your impulse to have a tree in your yard without overwhelming your home and ruining its curb appeal. For truly tight areas, you may need to be content with an ornamental plant but even these small additions can add beauty and/or fragrance for your home.

Flowering Ornamental Trees
Flowering ornamental trees are often the most prized possession of a homeowner's landscape. They combine the beauty of a flower with the size of a small tree, creating a truly magnificent addition to your yard. You can choose a tree with any number of blossoming traits; you can plant a saucer magnolia for its large pinkish white blooms, crape myrtles for their long blooming period, or dogwood trees for their horizontal branching.

Weeping Ornamental Trees
Weeping ornamental trees are another favorite of many homeowners. Their long, slender, looping branches are coveted for their immense and unique aesthetic value. Some weeping trees, such as the weeping cherry tree, are also flowering trees. Also like a flowering tree, different tree species can be chosen for size, flowering traits, and growth seasons.

Ornamental Plants
Ornamental plants are a great idea for your landscaping and your interior decorating. Plants or shrubs are different from trees not necessarily in size, but in the lack of a single, distinguished trunk. Some shrubs can be pruned to give the appearance of a trunk and are mistakenly referred to as an ornamental plant. While ornamental trees almost always need some sort of care, ornamental plants typically require diligent care to achieve the best results. They are usually planted expressly for the enjoyment of a home gardener.

Ornamental Tree Care and Hiring an Arborist
Hiring an arborist can be a great idea for many homeowners considering ornamental trees and plants. Even if you fancy yourself a generally knowledgeable gardener, an arborist will probably be able to offer you advice you either didn't know or wouldn't have considered. They may be able to warn you about how specific species perform in your local climate, what special care may be required. They can also give you ideas about how your yard can continue to be transformed and beautified for years within the framework of the ornamental tree you're planting this year. An arborist can also help you if you need to remove an old tree currently on your lawn or give advice about pruning and tree diseases in the future.

By Marcus Pickett

5 Basic Stepping Stones to Water Features

Landscaping is a great way to add some curb appeal to your home, thereby increasing its overall value. When sprucing up your yard, there are some essentials to keep in mind. You should always install a patio, put in some native plants, and an irrigation system is never a bad idea. But it never hurts to give your exterior a dramatic makeover, and sometimes a flowerbed or garden just isn't enough. If you have a green thumb and like to spend time in your yard, then a new water feature may be just the thing to add some life to your landscape. Here are 5 basic steps that will prepare you to make the right decision.

Step #1: Sound Selection
First off, what is your intention? Do you want a tranquil pond that will soothe away your worries? A zen-like garden pond or a bubbling brook? Or do you want something a bit more theatrical, such as a splashing waterfall or flowing fountain? Answering these questions will help you determine the size and power of your water feature. Creating a raging river in your backyard will take up more space and increase the cost, but it may also mask the bark of a neighbor's dog or the traffic of a nearby street. On the other hand, a little can go a long way, so installing a small bubbler, lagoon, or grotto may be enough to create a peaceful retreat without overwhelming the landscape (or your wallet).

Step #2: Aquatic Appearance
Next, you should think about appearances. Remember, a water feature can be anything aquatic. It can be as simple as a birdbath, bubbler statues, or potted fish bowls, each of which creates an opportunity to add a little wildlife to your oasis. Or it can be a pond equipped with spurting fountains, floating lily pads, and stream beds. They can even span to larger creations, such as rock-lined pools or waterfall spas. First, decide if you want an above-ground or in-ground addition. An above-ground unit brings things closer to eye-level, are easier to install, and can be a bit cheaper, though they're also louder and are vulnerable to weather problems. In-ground units are naturally insulated by the soil and don't freeze up as much, but they take a bit more digging and manipulating. It may be best to consult a landscape architect who can not only lead you to the right decision but help with the final water feature installation as well.

Step #3: Proper Placement
Matching a model with the rest of your yard is crucial. First off, think about where to locate it. The front yard is a great way to add curb appeal and attract immediate attention, but most homeowners don't spend much time on the front porch. So, though hidden from view, the backyard is probably better since it gives you more room to work around. Second, think about placement. Is it to be a focal point or an accent? When positioning, it's best to avoid other foliage (such as under trees) so as to avoid any falling leaves, debris, or clogs. Also, if you install a fountain, you'll want to think about its exposure to the wind and other elements. Third, make sure it matches your yard. Does the plant life gel with the size and function of the water feature? Is it being used to circulate a pool or is it just for looks? What about the other landscaping (bridges, foot paths, and lighting) to highlight the unit? Each decision will bring you closer to your ideal choice.

Step #4: Water Feature Installation
Though many come in do-it-yourself kits, these additions come with lots of working parts, such pumps, liners, filters, aerators, piping, and motors. Plus, they can come in stone, concrete, metal, wood, or a mixture of materials. Therefore, it may be a good idea to hire a professional landscaper to install the unit for you. What's more, these experts can also work around any utility, cable, or electrical wiring, and they can obtain permits if needed. They can also give you tips about selection, maintenance, and usage. For instance, if you want to erect a giant rock formation around your pool, these contractors can possibly suggest faux rocks that can have the same appearance and texture as stone but is lighter, cheaper, and easier to install.

Step #5: Pricing Philosophy
Remember, bigger isn't necessarily better. When remodeling, only a small portion of your budget should go towards landscaping since it doesn't always guarantee a return on your investment. Therefore, even less money should be allotted to luxury items. So when it comes to water feature installations, it may be best to think small and subtle as opposed to bigger than life. And costs can add up quickly considering all their parts, equipment, and mechanisms. So don't get swept away by the moving water. Instead, remain focused and make your decisions based on value rather than extravagance.

By Marc Dickinson

Do It Yourself Landscaping

Real difference between a project that you do yourself and one that is professionally done is performance, speed, and repair. Of course, you are looking only at how much money you can save, but what does that matter if what you've done isn't right? A landscaping project is one place where this thought is made clear. The act of sodding, planting trees, and creating flower beds, among other things, is back breaking, but doable. The knowledge can be learned by reading several books and studying up on different schools of thought, but you don't need to know codes, understand how to calculate soil compaction, or cubic water pressure.

The real question is will your work be up to standards. If your landscaping will be out in front where everyone can see it, you need to make sure that what you are doing will look right. Not that you will live with a backyard that looks shoddy, but you get the idea.


DIY Landscape Projects


Sodding: If there is no grass in your yard, then sodding is something any homeowner can handle. Do a good deal of stretching first, both upper and lower body, because this is grueling work, and you will be sore after. Read up on how much water is needed once the sod has been rolled out and how to maintain it after. The trick is to find someone who has the yard you want and ask them what they did to get it.

Planting Trees: Here again, this task is grueling but doable. The trick here is knowing the right time of year to plant a particular tree, how much water to use through the first week, if you should use ropes or wire to help it to stand, among other things. Research is key. So is lifting with your legs.

Planting Flowers, Shrubs, & Other Plants: This is a chore that just takes time, but if you like digging around in the garden, then this is right up your alley. Employees at any nursery can tell you what soil combinations will work best and when to plant certain items.

Big Do It Yourself Projects

There are many landscaping projects that require much more work than the items listed above. Some of these projects include laying brick patios, building ponds, fountains, butterfly gardens and many other things.

These projects require not only muscle and time, but construction knowledge and experience. You can learn anything from a book or watching a demo, but in real life problems occur. Parts don't fit, something won't cooperate, and knowing what to do when the book leaves something out or how to fix a problem when you have made a mistake, is where professionals soar.

The professionals have seen all the problems that can occur and know not only how to fix them but how to prevent them from happening altogether. This fact is not to discourage you from trying your own hand at certain projects, but more to acquaint you with the real difference between DIY projects and professional projects. If you can live with mistakes, then charge ahead. Plus, with landscaping, much like a bad haircut, it will soon grow out.

Final DIY Landscaping Thoughts

You should feel encouraged to do the smaller landscaping projects around your home. If you mess something up, just pull it out of the ground and try again. The larger projects that require a little more knowledge and skill are probably best left to the pros, but what you can do is watch them do the project and learn first hand exactly what goes into building a koi pond or a brick paver patio. As you dig around more in your yard and figure some things out, sometime later you will know exactly how to go about the larger projects, and will have a good time planning and completing them.

By Matt Myers

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming is important for aesthetic reasons and to encourage the growth of strong, healthy trees. It isn't as simple as some people think, however. It's important to understand the basics before you start or you could end up hurting your tree instead of helping it. And it's very important to polish up on tree trimming safety so you don't end up hurting yourself in the process!

When Is the Best Time to Trim? 
As a general rule, spring thru early summer is the best time to work on your trees, though this varies depending on the type of tree you're dealing with. Oaks, for example, should not be trimmed at all from April to October because of susceptibility to disease, and maples are best trimmed in the dead of winter when they're dormant to prevent "bleeding." Before performing any tree trimming on your own it's a good idea to talk to an arborist in your area to get the skinny on proper care for the trees on your property.

Basic Trimming Suggestions
If you do your own trimming, there are a few things to keep in mind when you get going. For starters, it's important not to cut a limb too short or leave it too long. Cut it as close to the "collar" of the branch as possible to avoid providing an entry point for disease and insects. Also, never top off a tree or severely cut back major branches. Doing so will seriously damage the natural structure of the tree, and the resulting growths will look thin, disproportionate, and ugly.

Tree Trimming Safety
Finally, there are a lot of safety precautions to consider when it comes to trimming the trees on your property. The combination of sharp cutting tools and working high off the ground can easily lead to serious injury if proper safety practices aren't observed. Here are a few basic suggestions:

Never trim trees on a ladder! Instead, secure yourself to the tree from at least two points, using a harness and ropes. 

Never climb with cutting tools in hand. Have them raised up to you after you get where you're going. 

Always wear a hardhat and safety glasses to protect yourself from falling limbs, flying splinters, and other unexpected debris. 

Improper chainsaw use can cause kickback, and kickback can seriously injure or kill you. Educate yourself about proper chainsaw use and wear protective gear if you're trimming with a chainsaw. 

Leave major branches to the professionals. Large branches are very heavy and behave unpredictably if cut incorrectly. They can seriously injure you in the blink of an eye.

In short, it's important that you know what you're doing when it comes to tree trimming. Heights, cutting tools, and falling tree limbs all combine to make this a dangerous enterprise. On top of that, improper technique and practices can end up hurting your tree more than it helps. If you have any doubts about your tree trimming abilities or knowledge, this is probably one job better left to the pros. Don't shy away from contacting a reputable tree trimming company or arborist in your area about taking care of the most important plants on your property.

By Matt Goering