How-to - ONCE UPON A CONEFLOWER

Making A Garden Plan

Written plans can be as simple or elaborate as you wish

All of us end up revamping our landscape or garden at some point, whether it’s because plants died and need replacing, we’re having hardscape installed, or a flowerbed has become overgrown and needs an overhaul.

Here’s where a written landscape plan is invaluable. If your needs involve significant hardscaping like laying pavers or excavating a retaining wall or pool, you will want to hire a professional. But for simpler garden makeovers, drawing up your own plan is easy, costs nothing and is exceedingly helpful.

This article covers two types of plans: A simple sketch that anyone can do, based on my own plan to refurbish my front bed. And a much more complex plan intended for large properties, or just for fun.

Erecting A Garden Gate

A single-door gate is fairly straightforward, but with a double-door gate, there is a bit more to it. Installing either style correctly is very doable if you know basic carpentry, have someone willing to lend a hand, and access to the right tools. A few tips help, too. Take the time to do it right the first time. You’ll end up with an attractive, serviceable gate that lasts for years.

Even if you have no interest in this project now, it pays to know how to install a level gate on uneven ground.

Growing Agapanthus in Pots

Lily-of-the-Nile, African Lily, Agapanthus— it’s a lovely tropical plant whatever you call it. The flowers resemble a cross between an allium and an amaryllis. In fact, it is a member of the Amaryllis genus. Until just recently, no agapanthus cultivar was reliably hardy in the ground below zone 7. This is starting to change, with cultivars bred for colder regions starting to come to market.

Still, if you want to grow this plant reliably in zone 6, a pot or planter is the best way to do it. Luckily agapanthus adapts readily to pots.