How to Design Backyard Plants
- 1). Find out what plants will survive in your region. Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Map for your zone's average minimal temperature. You can also take note of what plants are native to your region. Native plants are generally easier to maintain, because they have evolved to survive the climate and can absorb the soil's nutrients.
- 2). Determine what your needs are of your backyard. You can plant ornamental trees and shrubbery around patio and deck areas to achieve privacy. You can also cover uncomplementary areas of your exterior walls with climbing plants and vines. Make a list of how you want your backyard to work for you.
- 3). Use small areas to your benefit. You can plant herbs, vegetables and small dwarf fruit trees in small backyard areas without having rows of a vegetable garden. String beans and other types of vegetables can be trained to grow on trellises that attach to the outside of the home.
- 4). Monitor the amount of sunlight your yard gets. Make a diagram of the yard and indicate how much light each area receives. Most vegetable plants need full sunlight to grow, which is characterized by an area receiving six to eight hours of sun. To improve the amount of sun your yard receives, prune back any overhanging trees.
- 5). Plant your garden in containers if your yard has poor draining clay soil. You can move around container grown plants to create multiple kinds of looks for your garden. Likewise, you can use container-grown plants around swimming pools, on balconies and on decks.
- 6). Use the design elements in the interior of your home as inspiration. You can plant flowers that are the same colors found in the home or complement the outside home's paint.
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