There’s nothing more peaceful than enjoying the morning in your home garden. Inhaling the fragrance of fresh flowers and grass. Listening to the soothing sounds of a bubbling fountain. Gazing upon the natural beauty of the landscaping. It’s the perfect feast for the senses and a surefire way to get your day started on the right foot.
The benefits of having a garden in Minnesota are nearly endless. Not only do gardens provide a welcoming space for family and guests, they can also be a source of home-grown food and can play a valuable part in the ecosystem by attracting pollinators. Additionally, because gardens are so beautiful to behold, they’re a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal – something that’s especially important if you’re thinking about selling.
If your garden has fallen into disrepair, or you’re just looking for ways to make it shine even more brightly, the team of experts at Ground One recommends these common garden enhancements.
5 Ideas for Enhancing Your Minnesota Home Garden
1. Install spring, summer and/or fall planters on your property. No matter what time of year it is, planters make the perfect addition to any landscape. The great thing about planters is you can put them just about anywhere – in your garden, on your patio or deck or even next to your front door – and you can customize them to match the season.
Use the spring and summer months to give your planters a fun pop of color with daffodils, tulips and pansies. In the fall and winter, take inspiration from the holidays and incorporate features like pumpkins, evergreen branches and even colored lighting to create a truly festive display.
2. Incorporate raised garden beds. Raised garden beds are not only aesthetically pleasing, they’re extremely practical and easy to maintain for even the most novice of gardeners.
Why are raised garden beds so great? Well, for a whole bunch of reasons. They’re less prone to weeds, they drain better, they provide a barrier against invasive critters and they’re great for growing vegetables and herbs.
Plus, because you can tend them without having to crawl around on your hands and knees, you’ll be at less risk of straining your back or your knees.
3. Go native. Choosing plants that are native to Minnesota is a cost-effective and smart choice for gardeners. Because they’ve already adapted to local climate and soil conditions, they don’t need to be watered often in the summer and they’re sturdy enough to survive the harsh winter weather. Plus, they provide seeds, nectar and pollen for birds and butterflies, helping to promote pollination.
4. Opt for location-specific plants. When you’re considering what to grow in your garden, you’ll want to make sure your choices can survive the winter in zone 4. The good news is that there are plenty of plants and flowers that are up to the task. Japanese Painted Ferns, hostas and even certain types of azaleas can be great additions to your home garden.
5. Use sustainable materials. These days, sustainability is the name of the game. Here are a few ways to do this:
- If you’re looking to enhance your garden by adding a walkway or a deck, choose recycled and environmentally friendly building materials.
- Install a rainwater collection system and use what you gather to irrigate your plants.
- Make mulch out of the leaves that fall in your yard.
- Build a composting bin or pile using organic matter from your kitchen blended with leaf cuttings and weeds, cure it for a few weeks and add it to the garden. It’s a great way to keep your plants healthy while doing your part to save the planet.
Enhance Your Garden This Summer!
In summary, there are plenty of ways to enhance your Minnesota garden and make it the envy of your friends and neighbors.
If you’re wanting professional assistance and assured beauty in your garden area, turn to the garden enhancement team at Ground One. We’ve been serving the greater Twin Cities, MN area with garden enhancements and home landscaping services since 1980 and we can help you design, plan and build any gardening or landscaping project.
To set up your free consultation, contact us today!