Favorite Things in the 515-Adam’s Pick-Landscaping Options
Next month marks a great time to start landscaping for maximum impact next spring. Landscaping can be the beauty and bane of a homeowners existence. The desire for curb appeal and relaxing outdoor spaces is there, but it can be daunting. What do I plant? Will it look good later? Is it a good investment? Where do I even start?!
Having installed full landscapes for everything from new construction to 70 year old neglected lawns, I get it. At the end of the day, I adhere to a few key principles proven to be solid guidance.
Look forward/invest now. I have a bias toward planting perennials almost exclusively. I don’t want to dig year after year. Do a little research and plan for the size and space those little plants will be at maturity. Meghan is bad at this, she wants everything perfect, today. Patience is your friend.
Timing is key. Find a window that works with the weather and your schedule. Starting in an Iowa August is going to cause you hearthache and money on plants that won’t thrive. The season is earlier than you think.
Step outside the box. There is a reason all of your neighbor’s landscaping looks the same. They bought it all at the same place. Find plants that don’t look like the cover of the latest Menard’s flyer, just be sure they are viable in DSM from a climate perspective.
At the end of the day, incorporating quality landscaping into your yardscape is one of the better investments you can make financially and for the calming benefits for daily enjoyment.
Here are some places I have found amazing plants and people:
Bedwell Gardens/Norwalk: Their succulent selection is unparalleled.
Goode Greenhouse/Ankeny: Fabulous perrenial selection and great staff.
Local sales/everywhere: I have bought many amazing plants from local vendors happy to share their joy.