Landscape Design Tips: Planting in Layers
To keep your
garden full of color, texture and plant variety, try a new approach to
gardening, planting in layers. Planting
in layers is an idea that drove the gardens of the 20th century.
Traditionally the English Garden consisted of three layers, specifically three
layers of perennials.
Today the theory of layering focuses on the idea that
plants grow in clusters and drifts and overlap and interlock as they merge.
This adds a greater level of interest to the garden.
Planting in layers allows
for trees and shrubs to be located in the back, intermediate plants in the
middle and shorter plantings in the foreground. Not only does this type of
planning avoid monoculture design, but it provides greater habitat and food sources
for bees, butterflies and birds but it staggers blooming, making your garden
color last all summer.
Vertical layering
is the staggering of plantings in height, while horizontal layering adds
variety on the ground plane. By grouping your plantings in clusters of 3 to 5
plants, each layer provides greater interest. Overlap the plantings for a flow,
but remember to give the plants enough room for their size at maturity. By
grouping the planting, a pattern can be created of texture and form. Use a zig-zag
pattern to draw the eye into the design. While playing with the idea of layering in
your yard, try substituting a large hedge or tree for a trellis in the third
layer. Pick a trellis with an artistic design or a simple trellis for use as a
growing medium. It can be used as a focal point and add more variety to the
design.
Are you an
apartment dweller and want to try these layering techniques but don’t have a
yard? Try layering in a container. Introduced by the Dutch, bulb lasagna is a
way to bring the garden to your apartment window or balcony.
Bulb lasagna is
the layering of bulbs in containers. When using this method, choose bulbs with
less foliage so the bulbs are not competing for space. Using a large pot, or
garden container, put a layer of compost or soil rich in organic matter and the
base of the pot. Layer daffodil bulbs at the base, and then add a layer of compost.
In the second layer add tulips and again cover with compost. Finally add dwarf
bulbs and cover with another layer of compost or soil. Then follow a once a
week watering schedule and wait for buds, then blooms. This process works both
in traditional gardens and container gardens and extends the period of
blooming.
Leave comments to let us know if you have ever
tried this method or if you will attempt this method of layering and bulb
lasagna this fall!
No comments:
Post a Comment