Pre Planned Gardens

So what about pre-planned gardens for do it yourself design?

It use to be that anything that didn't require some thought or hard work was somehow less than professional or truly creative.

However, as I get past my irrational artist syndrome ego, I guess it's o.k. to admit that these garden plans are as close to professional as paying a designer to come up with something for you. And cheaper. And Easier.

But just remember, that while they are a much cheaper way to go, there's also a trade off for economy. It will take part of the season to become a part of the landscape. A little patience is required.

Most folks do a pretty good job of choosing the right plants for a project or entire landscape. Even still, most people just feel more comfortable having someone tell them what kind and where to put them. Whether it's better than you could do yourself or not, it somehow just feels safer. And that's one of the reasons they've become so popular.

And while pre planned garden designs are already much cheaper than a designer, a wise homeowner can find ways to make them even more economical.

In the first place, I wouldn't recommend doing your entire landscape with them. Create some simple mature displays with local commercial stock. This will help to create some establishment. Then use the preplanned gardens as a very professional looking and planned filler. This can save you a lot of money for a professional look.

Next, keep in mind that most of these gardens are perennial plants. Most can be divided and propagated easily next season. However, for now, you can get a little more bang for the buck by spreading the garden a little further than recommended. Remember, they'll multiply.

Since pre-fab garden plans are becoming so popular, several design firms have come about that offer pre made gardens to the general public. We're even planning this for our own greenhouses in the near future. However, until then.....

I've tried several different design firms without any real bad experience. I can't say anything bad about any of them. However, I am a bit partial to the designs of White Flower Farm and Spring Hill Nurseries. Between the two of them I have enough selection to fit almost any application from shade to sun and everything in between. And so far they've consistently had far better quality of plants.

Don't be afraid to give this simple resource a try. And especially if you're horticulturally or color challenged. Try it in one area. If it works for you, you can get more to fit the different applications of your landscape design.