Who doesn’t think of a garden these days? But if you’re at a loss when it comes to a lot (unpolished) in your life, or you’re simply looking to get started, Fernando Wong and Tim Johnson, the duo behind the landscape design firm Fernando Wong Outdoor Living Design, here to help. Wong, who is currently participating in the new Discovery + gardening show sectioned With TV personality Chris Lambton and local goddess Martha Stewart, join Johnson to share with ELLE DECOR their foolproof tips for planning a garden and making it thrive for the seasons to come. And speaking of chapters, be sure to tune in to an epilogue sectioned On June 16.
Do: Invest in Your Landscape (and Yourself)
If your backyard has become your haven during a pandemic, it’s time to give it some TLC in return. “We just came out of a year where the garden was always for you,” Wong says. “If possible, invest in a good garden service. Maintain your trees or even plant some edible flowers for yourself.”
Do: Think Like an Interior Designer
As with any good design project, it’s important to approach your garden with a plan—even if it’s a step-by-step one. Wong advises focusing first on your trees and then prioritizing privacy elements, such as hedges. Once these key elements are in place, you can start working from the ends inwards. “You can get things done over time when funding is available,” Wong explains.
Farming near your home? Keep it trimmed. “We always want to use classic design principles,” Wong continues, and is fond of using boxwood hedges as privacy screens, and a screen or two. Then as you move away from your home, the design can get more brutal and cluttered.
Working on a flower bed? Approach it as you would your living room, choosing tones and colors that suit you. Wong says of his company’s strategy, “We try to match soft colors and not use too many hot or harsh colors.”
DO NOT: Eliminate alien items
According to Johnson, although they can be wonder plants, exotic plants are no longer necessary. Instead, switch to native species. Not only is it beautiful, vibrant and sustainable, it will do the rest of the creatures in your area a favor. He explains, “By using native plants, you not only use less water, fertilizer, and pesticides, but there’s this whole ecosystem that when you plant indigenous peoples come back because it attracts different insects and birds. You can bring back all that nature with indigenous people.”
Do: Think of the Kitchen Garden
Not ready to tackle the entire yard Just after? Try a modern kitchen garden. “We’ve seen a massive increase in the number of people requesting raised bed kitchen gardens,” Johnson notes. “People focus more on growing their own food, being able to go out into their garden and pick salads or tomatoes or get their lime from the tree.”
Do: start small – and ask for help
If you’re new to gardening, start with indoor plants, Wong insists.
Lucky enough to have an outdoor space but at a loss what to do with it? “Start with an inspiring photo. Think about how you feel in your backyard,” Wong continues. Then with this photo, go to the Home Depot or to the garden center. You’ll get a lot of fulfillment from learning about gardening.”
For garden beginners and green thumbs alike, Johnson recommends the Picture This plant application. “It can identify literally millions of plants. If you see something you like, it will tell you what it is.” He says. “Also, if there is a brown leaf, it will tell you what is wrong with your plant.”
You don’t like your plants very Much
“Eighty percent of houseplant murders are caused by overwatering,” Johnson warns. “You want to soak it, but let it dry again.”
Do: Social distance between your plants
According to Johnson, many first-time gardeners make the mistake of cramming their new plants too closely together—a move that can prevent plants from reaching their full, lush potential. “First-time gardeners don’t give plants a chance to grow,” he says. “The garden should look beautiful when you enter, but it should grow and mature and become more beautiful over time.”
This leads to Johnson’s last – and perhaps most important – point: “Be patient.”
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and is imported into this page to help users provide their email address. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
.