Landscape Architects' Secret: Achieve a Lush Garden in Three Steps for Unforgettable Summer Gatherings

Creating a garden that is both lush and orderly for summer gatherings is achievable with a strategic approach, according to landscape architects and professional gardeners. The key lies in thoughtful planting and consistent maintenance, transforming even the most untamed yard into an inviting oasis.

One fundamental principle is the repetition of plants. Landscape architect Gerardo Loayza notes that a common mistake is buying single specimens of various plant types, leading to visual chaos. Instead, repeating the same plants in multiple locations creates a sense of harmony and makes the garden appear larger, neater, and more professionally designed. Professional gardener Corrina Stellitano Andrews emphasizes balancing volume, texture, and color, suggesting the use of plants with airy growth habits to add movement and openness, rather than dense foliage masses. She points to groups of hydrangeas, like the 'White Wedding' variety for sunny spots or 'Big Daddy' for shade, as examples of impactful plantings.

Softening the hard edges between paved areas and garden beds is another crucial step. Landscape architect Katie Sunderlage recommends creating smoother transitions to give the garden a more relaxed feel. Using ground cover plants can guide the eye through the space, enhancing the perception of size. "Soft edges are achieved with plants of drooping and cascading growth," she explains, recommending Japanese forest grass for shady areas and smaller fern varieties, such as the Japanese painted fern, for a sense of lightness.

Finally, selective pruning is essential, especially during the peak growth of June. Instead of pruning all plants uniformly, the advice is to remove approximately one-third of any growth that appears unruly or problematic. This targeted approach helps manage the garden's exuberance, preventing it from looking messy or neglected while maintaining its vibrant, full appearance. By following these three steps, strategic repetition, softened edges, and selective pruning, garden owners can cultivate a beautiful and functional outdoor space ready for summer enjoyment.

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Soft edges are achieved with plants of drooping and cascading growth.