Landscaping For Any And All Climates
A well designed landscape or garden plan needs to consider all details and factors first before deciding on the different elements that will make up the design. One very important and often overlooked consideration is the climate. Whatever landscape design you choose should be a fit with the weather that you are in. Having severe climate changes that you’re not aware of can affect your landscaping and your plants. If you live in an area where you get to experience all four seasons, your garden will also feel the same climate changes. Paying close attention to landscaping plans and ideas in this area that may be effected is important to a successful long term design. Here are a few tips to help you design a landscape or garden that will stay beautiful in any climate.
Good plant choices should be supported by a little study of what works and what tou have access to in your area. Planting native plants, which is a common practice of most Southwest landscape designs, will increase your chances of a successful landscape in any climate. Designing natives into your landscaping plans wherever they’ll work can help make your landscaping more beautiful and maintenance free all year long. Native plants are already adapted to local soils so there’s no problem from different soils. Because they grow in your area, they should also be adapted to the climate of your region. There’s a good chance that there are a lot of decorative native plants in your area that will work well in your garden or landscaping.
Another way to design for climate, almost regardless of what kind of climate you have, is by planting some tropical or Mediterranean landscaping design plants. Tropical plants often have bright and colorful flowers that will add a lot of flavor to most landscapes and gardens. Unknown to most folks, some tropical plant varieties actually grow well in colder climates. Do a little research on tropical plants and you may find a few that will thrive in your area. Some of the tropical plants that you can grow even in non-tropical climates are Oo-La-La Bougainvillea or Purple Queen Bougainvillea; MidKnight Blue Agapanthus; Full Moon Hibiscus; and the Itsy Bitsy Red Hibiscus. Lantana, which is a profuse continuous bloomer, is also a good selection that comes in several different bloom colors from light purple to bright yellow. Mandevillas, which have beautiful trumpet shaped flowers attached to long vines are also a great choice that is extremely fast growing, . If you choose, there are probably enough tropical plant varieties that will work in your area and possibly give your landscaping some interest all year long.
Another important element for a multi climate landscape or garden design is diversity. For example, you can use plants in the landscaping with different bloom times and patterns. In this way, when one type of plant finishes its season, you’ll still have something blooming to look at in your landscaping or garden. The key here is knowing the different seasonal bloom schedules of your different plant choices. Choose at least one or two that blooms in each season.
And of course, besides just plants, you can also use other decorative elements in your landscaping to add even more interest and aesthetic value. Ornaments, garden decor, and other decorative items generally work well since you don’t have to worry about them getting damaged because of climate or weather changes. Basically, you can use a lot of different elements like ponds, pavers, pathways, sculptures and other hardscapes to make your landscaping more visual and appealing.
