Last Updated on March 12, 2025 by teamobn
Not everyone is a born gardener but 99.9% of us appreciate a garden that doesn’t just survive. We enjoy the tactile, visual and olfactory experience that a thriving garden provides us. We enjoy seeing and being in a verdant garden oasis surrounded by the beauty and wonders of nature. The colors, the fragrances, the textures and tactile experiences…
But such gardens rarely ‘just happen’. In fact, achieving that ideal look can be quite elusive.
They are usually the result of planning.
While the natural ability and experience of both talented amateurs and professional landscapers matter a lot, much of their success comes from an understanding of basic principles and some well-kept secrets.
Let’s uncover some of those highly impressive and effective tips that can transform a mediocre garden into a stunning landscape. Ready to get started and transform your own backyard into a retreat?
Contents
Learn to Decode Your Soil
In order to get the best results, you must always analyze the soil first. Good landscapers don’t speculate but test. Soils can indicate the pH level ( acidic or alkaline character), the decomposition (silt, sand, and clay), and the nutrient levels ( phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium). Based on this information, you can decide on the right soil adjustments and fertilizers to ensure optimal plant health.
- Why it matters: A very high or low pH can lock out essential nutrients, even if they’re present in the soil. Understanding your nutrient levels also helps avoid over- or under-fertilizing, both of which can be stressful to your plants. You can also plan drainage and aeration considering your soil composition.
- DIY advice: You can get a DIY soil testing kit at your local garden center and follow the instructions to collect a sample. You can interpret the results right there, but sometimes, it’s a good idea to send those samples to a professional soil testing lab for an in-depth analysis.
Professional landscapers often create “soil profiles” for different garden areas while considering sun exposure, slope, and existing vegetation. This helps them develop a better understanding of specific soil needs for different plant communities. You can – and probably should -do the same if you want to create that dream garden that becomes the envy of your neighborhood.
Learn How to Master Water Management
Proper watering is essential to ensure plant health, but good drainage in your garden is just as important. Professional landscapers know that watering and drainage are two sides of the same coin. You need to think carefully about the right watering method, whether it’s one of those fancy outdoor sprinkler systems, or something simpler. However, consider it alongside your drainage needs.
- Why it matters: No matter how you do it (using high-tech sprinkler systems or hand-watering), overwatering can cause fungal diseases, root rot, and nutrient deficiencies. Poor drainage can make the soil too wet, which can smother plant roots and attract pests.
- DIY tip (Irrigation): Purchase a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water plants effectively. You can find sprinkler systems for larger areas, but be sure to consider how much ground they can water before you make a purchase. Remember, it’s vital to plant deeply but infrequently, as you must allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- DIY tip (Drainage): Pay attention to how water drains after rain. Are there any puddles or wet areas? You may need to switch to a better drainage system. You can incorporate organic matter such as compost into heavy clay soils to improve drainage quite significantly. It’s also a good idea to install French drains or dry creek beds to divert water away from problem areas.
Focus On Native Plants
Exotic flowers have the power to catch anyone’s eye, but professional landscapers always advise focusing more on native plants. These plant species have naturally existed in your region for decades, so their chances of surviving in these conditions are far greater than those exotic plants. These native plants also need less water and fertilizer, and are more capable of fighting pests and diseases prevalent in your region.
- Why it matters: Native plants work better because they’re healthy for local ecosystems and provide food and habitat for local pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, birds, and wildlife.
- DIY advice: Be sure to conduct comprehensive research to learn about what will work in your local environment. Create a list of plants that can thrive in your region and conditions (soil, sunlight, moisture). Your local native plant society may also guide you in the right direction.
It’s worth mentioning that professional landscapers often use a hybrid approach. It means they tend to blend native and non-native plants. However, the secret is that they reserve native plants for most of the garden and areas where sustainability is highly critical. You can also use the same approach, but you must be cautious and only use non-native plants to add some color and texture.
Pay Attention to Creating a Focal Point
If you think a winning garden is simply a collection of plants, you’re wrong. It’s more about using plants to create a well-composed scene. Professional landscapers employ focal points to guide the eye and create depth and drama. A focal point is anything that catches the eye, such as a meandering water feature, a dramatic sculpture, a splash of blooms, or even a nicely designed walkway.
- Why it matters: A focal point is the garden’s anchor, and truly helps bring order and balance. Not only does it attract people to come, but it also encourages them to explore it as well.
- DIY advice: Consider the overall style and scale of your garden before deciding on a focal point. It’s never a good choice if it overwhelms the garden and takes attention away from everything else in the garden. A birdbath may look great, but if it’s a bit too small, it might get lost in a vast lawn. Similarly, a towering sculpture can quickly dominate a small patio garden. Be sure to consider how it looks from various spots in your garden to decide on the best place to have it.
Professional landscapers pay huge attention to creating a good focal point, and they often employ the “rule of thirds”. Those who are into photography may already be familiar with this technique, which involves positioning their focal points for maximum impact. To get it right, you need to divide your garden into nine equal squares. Now, position your focal point at one of the line intersections for an attractive effect.
Endnote
By applying these garden tips, you will be able to have a healthy and lovely outdoor area that you will be able to enjoy for a long time. Keep in mind, gardening is a learning and experimenting process that never ends. Don’t hesitate to try new things, but be sure to adjust your ways when needed. With some knowledge, hard work, and imagination, you’ll be able to transform your garden into a breathtaking work of art.
