How to even get started??

dm1372

I envy people with beautiful lawns and landscaping because I just don't have that. I have owned my first home for about a year now and we pretty much mow the lawn when it gets too long for our dogs to romp through comfortably and we've done ZERO landscaping. I want to "start fresh" this spring and really be diligent about cutting the grass and putting some work into my lawn.

 But how do I even start?? I have a space right next to the front door and under a window that is begging for SOMETHING but I just don't know what should go there. Shrubbery? I'd like something colorful... but then what flowers would be a good fit for our area (just south of Seattle). 

Where should I begin???

Temp534591562502098

Under windows *they* say its good to have shrubs or even something stickery for a bit of security to make it hard for people to get at the windows. The best idea imo is to investigate what your neighbors have and see what you like from those. Even in a general area there will be warmer, cooler, wetter, dryer, etc. areas so what your neighbors have is usually a safe bet for you.

To me, the biggest issues is how much maintenance you want. I want ZERO maintenance if possible, so I got china doll holly bushes. Other bushes will need different degrees of trimming either once a year or a few times a season. 

I suggest getting a few plant books with lots of images. There will be some for your region that concentrate on all the weather and soil issues your area have and what does well.

Just start looking up what you see around you and figuring out what they are. You may discover you have more of an opinion of what you want than you realize!

 

pdxmouse

My specific recommendation (depending on the size of the area and conditions) is the native red flowering currant (ribes sanguineum). It's a ridiculously easy care shrub, pretty folliage and shape, gorgeous in bloom.

 

 

You could also look at dwarf camelias or redtwig dogwood.

More generally, look for PNW-specific garden advice. Our climate is uh, a little special. The good news is it's easy to grow many things here, our winters tend to be pretty mild. The bad news is what you plant will do best if it can take a good drowning for nine months and follow it up with a drought for three months. Generally unless you really like nursing your plants along (everyone loves to obsessively weed and water all summer, right?) you're best off with native and Mediterranean plants. 

The good people at Great Plant Picks and Rainy Side Gardeners have enough to get you started on individual plants. I also trust Sunset Magazine's series of books, they have a system of "zoning" similar to the familiar hardiness zone, but taking into account highs as well as lows and also rainfall. Much more specific, and some books focus on the PNW (but most will cover all areas). Personally, for design ideas I like to take a tour around the neighborhood and collect ideas that I know will work in my climate (because there they are, working).

Your library should have a good section of gardening books. I would start there, and buy if you find something you really like it. One note of caution, older editions may recommend plants that are now known invasives (ahem, butterfly bush), so double check before you buy. If you're looking to veggie garden Timber Press' Growing Vegetables West of the Cascades is kind of the bible.

Portland has a series of free classes for native and drought-tolerant gardening. I believe King County does as well. They were very helpful when we first moved to our house, so hopefully you can find some.

pdxmouse

Oh! Just found this: King County native plant landscaping plans.

another KT

Get friendly with your local Master Gardeners.  They likely have lists of good landscaping plants for your area and they can give you tips on planting and maintenance.  I find them a great resource for a whole host of landscaping and gardening issues.