| When I discovered that I love gardening, I have | | | | When using this technique be sure to stagger |
| to say... it really took me by surprise. I am a | | | | your bloom times and put the larger plants |
| bookish person by nature and would almost | | | | toward the back of your bed so that your garden |
| always rather read a novel than do anything | | | | always looks nice. |
| outside, but gardening somehow is different. It is | | | | #2. Use hardscaping. |
| relaxing and interesting all at the same time. | | | | Hardscaping is simply everything in your garden |
| As you can imagine, I've learned quite a bit about | | | | that is not a plant. Using decorative pots, statues, |
| gardening over the years, and I've discovered a | | | | fountains, and fencing can be a very effective |
| couple of techniques that really make your garden | | | | way to make your garden stand out. |
| stand out. | | | | A single (or double) panel of 4 foot fencing can be |
| #1. Plant your perennial flowers in groups. | | | | a very effective backdrop to colorful flowers or |
| I know this may seem obvious, but it is often | | | | lush greenery. It can give your garden structure |
| overlooked. When you plant your flowers in large | | | | and interest, even in the winter time. |
| groupings. Say 3 to 5 of the same plant you | | | | When you are using hardscaping in your garden |
| create a stunning visual effect. Your plants will | | | | be careful to use restraint. While it can make a |
| just look better because they are so eye | | | | huge impact, too much can be too much. |
| catching. | | | | |