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The “Minimal” Garden
02/06/12
Johann Erickson
Some people who lead busy professional and personal lives, don’t feel
they have the time to invest in the constant upkeep of floral and other gardens,
but would still like to do something about landscaping or decorating their property.
And there are others for whom gardens are simply not their “thing”,
but they like a little decoration, without the fuss of digging, planting, and
constant weeding. For them, the “minimal” garden or yard arrangements
may be the best choice.
Strictly speaking, not all these ideas involve a garden, but do utilize garden
accessories and other items of garden décor, to create the look or atmosphere
that a homeowner can enjoy, while not feeling guilty about getting behind in
the care of their plants and flowers.
If you are fortunate enough to have a large property, or if your yard borders
on a field, the ideal “garden” that takes little care is one that’s
planted with wild flowers. With the proper set up, not only will this provide
you with colorful blossoms and beautiful grasses, but it will also attract a
variety of birds and butterflies.
First, check to see what kind of soil you have, and whether it is suited to
the wildflower seed that is available in your area. Next, if you don’t
have a garden that you are letting revert to the wild, you may need to have
someone use a rotor-tiller to break up a long swath of earth along the side
or back of your lawn. Make sure this has been well-turned, and there is sufficient
soil on the surface for the seeds to take anchor in, as opposed to scattering
them on hard clumps of sod that may be dense with grass roots.
“Wild” garden seed can be purchased in containers, in pre-seeded
strips of bio-degradable material, and in “sheets”, which are simply
laid on top of ground that has been prepared and watered. Check the progress
of your garden as it begins to sprout, and if there are any bare patches that
show no promise of growth, you can scratch up the surface with a garden rake,
and sprinkle some more seed. Even if you used the pre-planted materials, a little
dirt added on top, with some seed, will help fill in the open spaces.
The effort put into wild gardens is all in the beginning. After that, you’ll
be able to sit back in your Adirondack chairs under the trees, and enjoy the
sights and sounds of nature. As the flowers grow and begin to bloom, you’ll
see just what kind of bonuses they bring. And you can increase the pleasure,
by providing extras for the visitors to your garden.
Natural grasses that go to seed will attract birds. A birdbath at the edge
of your garden, or even further onto the lawn will provide water for the visitors,
and allow them to splash and drink, then return to their browsing in the garden.
Designs in bird baths have gone way beyond the classic Roman column with a cement
bowl, and now offer delightful reproductions of fairies, cherubs, angels, and
animal figures, such as a squirrel holding a birdbath.
You may find that your yard is suddenly extra popular with all kinds of feathered
friends, in which case, you might like to provide further feeding stations for
them. Birdfeeders come in a wide variety of shapes, designed for placement at
different levels. There are gazebo and stained glass feeders to be hung from
tree branches, Pelican or fairy dish-style feeders that sit on the lawn for
ground feeders, and the wasp-proof feeders that can be hung out, or mounted
in planters for the tiny and charming hummingbirds.
Don’t forget yourself, once you have your “minimal” garden
set up to admire. Place a garden swing on your patio, or a patio table and chairs
in the shade where you can sit and enjoy nature at its best.
About the Author
Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less.
He is also a contributing writer for sites such as Helpful Home Ideas. Please
include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.
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