What kind of garden should I start? There are dozens of gardening books out there. Still, they often don’t include practical information or advice from experts who have done it before. So how do you choose what type of garden to begin?
Gardens require creativity and commitment. Whether you want to create something beautiful or useful, there are plenty of options to consider. If you want to try gardening, now’s the start.
The good news is that you’ll have fun and reap the rewards no matter what kind of garden you decide to start. So dig in to learn about outdoor gardening ideas.
Table of Contents
What is outdoor gardening?
Outdoor gardening is the practice of growing plants and flowers in outdoor spaces such as yards, parks, and balconies. In addition, it also includes cultivating vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, orchids, bulbs, cacti, succulents, ferns, and other flowering plants within a garden or greenhouse. The term “outdoors” refers to places where one can grow plants.
Growing your food is an excellent way to save money while eating healthy. You can have fresh produce year-round, especially near a farm or community garden. It doesn’t need much space, either; just enough room for rows of crops. Grow your herb garden too.
Here are the best outdoor gardening ideas
1. Start small by planting in containers
Container gardening is ideal for people who don’t have much land to work with. You can easily move around your plants to find the perfect spot, and there’s no soil to dig.
Containers come in many shapes and sizes, easily fitting into almost any space. Container gardens also allow you to mix different plants, creating a unique display. If you want to see how container gardening works, here are some tips to help you start right.
Don’t try to build a full-scale garden out of one container. Instead, choose a few pots and fill them with various plants. This way, you’ll have something to show off once you’ve planted everything.
Choose the right size. When choosing a container, consider what size suits your needs best. For example, if you plan to put your herb garden outside during summer, opt for a larger container that won’t tip over too easily.
On the other hand, if you plan to keep your plants inside during winter, go for smaller pots that will allow you to bring them indoors without worrying about them.
2. Subtly landscape
A garden isn’t just about flowers. A beautiful landscape design can greatly affect how you feel about your home. But it doesn’t have to be overbearing. Instead, it can be stylish and understated. Here are some tips for designing a lovely outdoor living area.
Landscaping expert John Pehrson Scott says that “low trees, planted simply in a row of three,” are perfect for defining space while adding height and structure. Instead, he suggests planting evergreen shrubs like Japanese maples, holly, yews, and arborvitae.
They’re easy to care for and provide a clean, simple aesthetic. And because they don’t grow very tall, they won’t block views or compete with taller plants.
3. Add character
Don’t forget about the color. Plants add life to any space, but they can also create contrast. Think about using colorful foliage against a backdrop of greenery. Or use bright red geraniums against a deep green background. These contrasting colors make a space look more interesting.
4. An on-wheels plant
A beautiful way to add some extra interest to your garden without spending too much money, this idea is perfect for those with limited space.
Look around your local area for inspiration and see where old wheelbarrows are being thrown away. Some people want to keep one for themselves; others might like to give it a second life as a container.
Either way, it’s a great project for anyone looking to make something useful and pretty out of something that they otherwise wouldn’t normally find in a garden.
5. Use repeated plantings and colors to make a statement
For an eye-popping, dramatic display of flowers, repeat planting wildflower varieties, and the like is the way to go. This method works best in areas where you want to attract pollinators. And it’s easy to do — plant different wildflowers throughout your yard each season.
For example, you might use annuals such as foxglove, rose mallow, hollyhock, valerian, and globe thistle. Or you could opt for perennial plants, including some of the following: black-eyed Susan, sunflowers, daisies, phlox, salvia, larkspur, cosmos, dahlias, and snapdragons.
6. Create a rock garden
The trickiest part of creating a naturalistic garden is deciding which rocks look good together. It’s not always possible to match every stone perfectly, so focus on pairing similar pieces. For instance, you might try placing two boulders side by side rather than one large boulder next to another.
7. Adding a pop of color will make the room stand out
Choosing just one pop of color is enough to make a flower bed look chic and even a bit expensive without much effort.
The perfect Pantone color combination probably includes items found in your home, so why shouldn’t it also feature in your garden?
Chris Bonnett from gardeningexpress.co.uk suggests using varieties such as Rose campion, silver bush, sear holly, and even some lavenders for their lovely silver color to replicate the grey area, alongside yellows such as tulips, daffodils and, as we can see here in this bright border, gladioli.
8. Fill in bare spots
If you have a bare spot in your lawn, fill it with a low-growing herbaceous plant. For example, consider planting clary sage if you live somewhere where winters get cold. It’s hardy and has little need for attention. But you can still enjoy its delicate aroma all year round.
9. Plant perennials
Perennial plants generally take longer to grow, but they’re worth the wait. They don’t require regular watering or pruning; many are attractive yearly.
10. Festive and subtle
Suppose you plan to spend some quality time outdoors over the summer months. There are plenty of ways to make your garden feel like a magical oasis, whether you’re looking to host a barbecue party or want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon sipping tea.
You’re probably thinking about what you could do to make your yard feel like a festival paradise. But don’t go overboard—it’s best to keep things simple. “Keep your planting pared back,” says designer Fiona Walker-Arnott.”
Investing in cozy modular patio furniture set, festoon lighting, some patterned cushions, or even a patio heater, you’ll be sure your yard feels just as festive and convivial as those around you.”
11. Add a birdbath
A birdbath is a wonderful addition to any garden. They provide a haven for birds while being pretty, too. Birdbaths come in various shapes and sizes, depending on whether you prefer a shallow bowl or a deep basin. Choose one based on the size of the birds you hope to attract.
Here are some tips for outdoor gardening
1. Choose a sunny spot in your yard with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in an area with extreme weather, such as the desert or mountains, choose a location where it is protected from wind and rain.
2. Plant your garden in raised beds to keep soil from washing away during heavy rains. Raised beds also allow water to drain away quickly so it won’t sit stagnantly and cause disease.
3. Use mulch to protect roots and prevent weeds from growing. Mulching also helps retain moisture in the ground.
4. Water regularly throughout the season to ensure your plants receive adequate nutrients.
5. Keep your garden well-maintained by removing dead leaves and debris. This will encourage healthy growth and reduce the risk of pests.
6. Consider adding a pond to your backyard if you’d like a fish tank but don’t have room for one indoors. Ponds are a beautiful way to add aquatic wildlife to your yard.
7. Create a garden path to lead visitors through your yard. Creating a pathway using bricks, pavers, stones, or other materials is easy. You can also use gravel, wood chips, or pea stone to create a walkway.
8. Grow flowers and herbs to beautify your yard. Flowers and herbs not only look lovely, but they also smell good. Plus, they attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
9. Make your yard more comfortable by installing a hammock or pergola. These structures provide shade and shelter for people who need them.
10. Install a fire pit to warm up after a long winter. Fire pits are great conversation pieces and offer a place to gather friends and family.
11. Include a bench or table near your pool or hot tub to relax and unwind.
12. Build a trellis to grow climbing vines. Vines can cover fences, walls, arbors, and trellises. They also help block out unwanted views.
13. Add a bird feeder to attract birds to your yard. Birds eat bugs, which can damage your lawn and trees.
Here are some tools for outdoor gardening
Shovel: A shovel is a tool for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials, such as soil, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or ore. Most shovels are hand tools with a broad blade attached to a medium-length handle.
Rakes: A rake is a tool for gathering loose material such as leaves, hay, grass, or debris. It is also used to level ground or loosen compacted soil.
Hoses: A hose is a flexible tube that conveys water from one place to another. Hoses are also used to convey other liquids and gases.
Gardening gloves: Gardening gloves are worn to protect the hands from dirt and debris.
Gardening shears: Gardening shears are tools used for trimming and pruning plants and shrubs.
What are some useful products for outdoor gardening?
Fertilizers:
Fertilizers are products that are used to add nutrients to the soil. These nutrients can be in the form of organic matter, such as compost, or inorganic chemicals. Inorganic fertilizers are often used in commercial agriculture, as they can be easily applied and provide a quick source of plant nutrients. However, they can also harm the environment if not used correctly.
Pesticides:
Pesticides are products used to kill pests, such as insects, weeds, and fungi. They can be either natural or synthetic chemicals. Pesticides can be very effective at controlling pests but can also harm humans and the environment if not used properly. Therefore, reading the label carefully and following all directions when using pesticides is important.
Weed killers:
Weed killers are products that are used to kill weeds. Weeds compete with plants for resources such as water and sunlight, so they can reduce crop yields if left unchecked. Weed killers usually contain chemicals that will kill any plant they come into contact with, so it is important to use them carefully around desirable plants.
Soil conditioners:
Soil conditioners are products that improve the quality of the soil. They can include things such as fertilizer, mulch, and compost.
Plant food:
Plant foods are products used specifically to promote plant growth. They may contain vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, or hormones.
Organic sprays:
Organic sprays are products that are made without toxic chemicals. They are safe for people and animals and do not pollute the environment.
Watering cans:
Watering cans are containers that hold water and allow users to control how much water their plants receive.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. What Are The Benefits Of Gardening?
Through gardening, we can find the peace, purpose, and pleasure we all seek.
2. Is There A Good Way To Design A Narrow Garden?
You can enhance your flower beds by adding neat raised beds and layering planting from tall to mid-height to low.
3. What Are The Best North-Facing Garden Ideas?
This includes the best shade plants for your borders, including the best shrubs for shade that can keep your garden green throughout summer and winter.
4. Which Are The Best Herb Garden Ideas?
Gardening in one large pot or a series of containers is an excellent way to get creative with kitchen garden ideas. ‘If you are a beginner to gardening or don’t have time for maintaining a garden, herb garden ideas are simple and satisfying,’ says Rachel Crow, the garden editor at Homes & Gardens.
5. How Do Wild Roses Benefit You?
In addition to flowering in early summer, wild roses produce beautiful hips for fall and winter interest. However, if you want to keep your roses – and all plants – healthy, you might need to add calcium to the soil.
Conclusion
I want to say that gardening is a great hobby that helps us relax and enjoy nature. It is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. It is also a great way to learn about yourself and others. Finally, it is a great way to connect with nature and the world. So, don’t wait any longer; take one of the ideas above and start gardening.
