Increasingly, landscape designers and garden experts are promoting the idea of matrix planting, which is using an assemblage of plants that can thrive together while discouraging unwanted weeds. Created landscapes traditionally rely on mulch to suppress weeds and prevent the soil from drying out. In the wild, plants grow in “communities” which are associations of plants with similar soil, sun, and moisture requirements as well as compatible root systems and growth habits. A specimen that needs frequent pruning to manage its size likely is not the “right plant” for the space and should be replaced. Formally pruned hedges or shrubs consume more time than those allowed to grow in a natural form. Trees and shrubs require less attention than most perennials and annuals, but they may require some pruning or generate leaf fall that needs to be managed. Reseeding annuals, long-lived perennials such as peonies, and bulbs such as daffodils can all play a role in a low-maintenance garden. Planting perennials that come back year after year may seem like less work than growing annuals that last only one season however, perennials have variable life spans and many need lifting and dividing periodically to remain vigorous. When selecting plants for our landscapes, we generally focus on what we want from them-colorful flowers, fragrance, nectar, or seeds for birds-but equally important to consider is what the plant will require from us over the course of the year and how those needs align with our maintenance skills and preferences. Plant community at mailbox / Dale Batchelor An established plant that needs supplemental watering at times other than severe drought may need to be moved to a shadier or moister spot. While this type of watering is fine for shallowly rooted turf, it prevents trees, shrubs, and perennials from putting down deep roots and becoming fully established. Often irrigation systems are set to benefit turfgrass-short periods of water daily or every other day. When establishing new plantings, it is important to monitor rainfall and water thoroughly, about one inch a week, when necessary. Even well sited plants are likely to need some supplemental watering until they are fully established, usually in one to two years. Like most of the Southeast, the Triangle is subject to periods of drought, particularly in the late summer and early fall. An example is to illuminate it at night by installing solar floodlights. Once you choose the right plants, you can then draw more attention to your landscape. Lowering maintenance requires us to analyze our site-what type of soil does it have, is it sunny or shady, what is the soil PH, how is the drainage-and choose plants accordingly. A drier area on the edge of the garden proved to be a perfect spot for an oakleaf to thrive. Alternatively, we may attempt to grow the plants in unfavorable conditions.ĭetermined to grow oakleaf hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) in a spot with poor drainage, I killed three before choosing a shrub less fussy about wet feet. Wanting roses because our grandmother had them or smitten by a plant at the garden center, we may go great lengths to create an ideal spot for them. It is also the most difficult principle to follow. “Right plant, right place” is a gardening mantra and the cornerstone of low-maintenance landscapes.
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