Planted in Place

Built-in planters create a skyline worth seeing – and smelling – up close. 

The most important view from your deck or patio is the one you have from your favorite chair. As you sketch out your deck or patio remodel, consider the ‘sitting skyline:'  what will you see and sense as you relax with a drink or gather for lunch?

Built-in planters anchor your deck or patio environment . Oversized built-ins can accommodate dwarf trees and shrubs that frame the space and your view, while accent built-ins keep delicate, fragrant and edible plants close by for easy enjoyment.  Built-in planters also deliver surprising advantages when it's time to sell.

Rooted in built-ins, permanent plantings will frame pretty views and screen eyesores.  The taller the plants, the bigger the planter.  Large built-ins must be supported by reinforced footings and framing.  With the view in mind, choose your permanent plantings and make structural decisions accordingly. The one exception: tall grasses, which can be accommodated in medium-sized planters.

•  Use built-in planters to transition from one level to another, and from one material to another.
•  Container plants typically must be watered more frequently than bedding and border plants. Be sure to include a drainage system -- from simple holes or a grate to a gutter system that channels water away from the foundation.  

Consider integrating an automatic watering system into a large deck or patio to ensure that pricey permanent plantings have optimal growing conditions.  Elevated above unwanted animal attention, built-in planters are perfect for growing herbs, tender lettuces and  edible flowers like these bright and delicious nasturtiums.

Once you've decided on how the built-ins will anchor your deck or patio microlandscape, turn your attention to accent built-ins.  Attached containers, like this copper urn, come in a spectrum of styles and sizes.  

Built-in planters open a fresh range of gardening possibilities.

• In arid or drought-prone climates, built-ins let you indulge in a few thirsty plants that aren’t practical for borders  and beds.
• Protect plants from pets - and vice versa.
  Corral a beautiful but invasive plant.
• Create a hanging garden with cascades of trailing vines.  
• Plant delicate crops, like strawberries, that need to be protected from ground moisture and pests.
• Indulge in exotic (and often, expensive) plants that are best enjoyed close up, like lantana.
• Banks of fragrant plants, like lavender, will surround you with perfume.

Image courtesy of Morguefile contributor clarita.

The No-Fuss Garden

The easier the garden, the broader the appeal.

That’s one of the top takeaways from the latest homeowner research conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Low maintenance landscapes – 94.2% - and native/adapted drought-tolerant plants – 88.88% -- are by far the trend. Together, these two preferences dictate that your next landscape project should concentrate on plants suited for your climate. Because those plants will thrive, you will save money, time and effort by avoiding costly replacements.

A drop or water-efficient irrigation system is the choice of 83.1% of the ASLA’s respondents. Water conservation is supported by their preference for permeable paving, smaller lawns, and small, self-contained water features like fountains (the choice of 81%).

It all adds up to a water-conscious plan for long-term landscape health and hardiness.  Water features like small ponds, waterfalls, and fountains can be a major focal point, especially adjacent to seating areas.  But, increasingly, Americans don’t want to be endlessly watering acres of grass. After all, it’s a home, not a golf course.


Image courtesy of Morguefile contributor robbinssky.

Back Yard Curb Appeal

Swinging and sliding do more than wear kids out. Free play, as academics now call it, builds kids’ imaginations, collaborative skills and time management. Who says? The U.S. Play Coalition, that’s who.  

Yes, the cultural juggernaut that is video games has so rearranged American childhoods that free time now has its own advocacy group.

Parents intuitively know that tossing the kids outside for some unstructured time is good for them. Play structures, from tree houses to sand boxes to the old fashioned swingset, can be an asset when marketing a house to the move-up market, which typically consists of growing families.

Play structures are number 10 on the top ten most popular back yard features, desired by 59% of the survey respondents, according to this year’s residential preferences research conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects.

If you are debating the sales value of the play set in your back yard, remember that it’s only an asset if it is in good shape. Check for recalls and safety standards at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additional safety information is at the consumer section of the International Playground Equipment Manufacturers Association.

Common sense indicates that you should remove any outdated, worn, or broken segments of the structure.

•  Cover or cap exposed bolts.  
• Sand and paint untreated wood.  

If it’s beyond hope, take the play set down and repair the landscape. Here are the other top ten back yard landscaping preferences: 

• Fencing (including gates)  
• Arbors 
• Pergolas 
• Steps 
• Ornamental water features 
• Decks 
• Porches 
• Utility sheds/storage 

Keeping these elements in top shape will keep your yard safe and enjoyable for yourself, and will increase sales appeal down the road.  

 Image courtesy of Morguefile contributor sideshowmom.