Creating A Nature Garden

Creating A Nature Garden design was inspired by a client. Add colorful shrubs to an existing natural setting. Have you ever driven in the country or in the mountains, and been in awe at the environment and how it displays glorious colors? Create a childrens garden and learn about plants, nature, and having fun is a great way to have some quality time together as a family. This is a simple version of the actual design. My clients have a large wooded area in their backyard. They wanted to add in some natural looking shrubs, which would enhance the beauty of the woods. Existing trees in your yard are back drops for different shrubs and flowers. Due to the trees, you will need to look at plants that like shade or partial shade. There are many deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs to pick from. Most trees are green. An idea is to incorporate different colors to accent your backdrop. This is one area you could do some mass planting of certain plants. This design was geared towards zone seven in the United States. I scaled this design up so my client could see the actual colors.

Creating a Nature Garden

1. Existing Trees - Trees already there are eight Maple trees. Any existing tree represents natures finest. In fall the Maples leaves turn into stunning colors of red, orange and yellow. The Maple is a deciduous tree. They can grow thirty to forty feet tall, and up to ten five wide. There are many of different specimens to choose from. Also a group of Pine Trees were nestled together. There were some Scotch and White Pines. Pines are evergreen trees. Pine trees can grow up to forty feet and is good for privacy. Both of these trees do well in zones three through eight.
2. Mountain Laurel - Stunning evergreen shrub. it can grow seven to fifteen feet high and around seven to fifteen feet wide. The Mountain Laurel needs shade to partial shade. It grows slowly, but produces gorgeous light pink color flowers in the summer months. This shrub should not have to be pruned. Let it fit right in with the rest of your nature garden. Great growing in zones four through eight. Thrives in mountain regions.
3. Hydrangea - Deciduous shrub with different large color flowers in the late spring and summer. The Anabelle Hydrangea grow well in partial shade and will grow in zones three through nine. It is a smaller shrub and height will reach three to five feet, and width also three to five feet. Flowers are white. The French Hydrangea does well in zones six through nine. Colors range from purple, blue and white. Grows three to six feet high, and three to six feet wide. (great southern shrub)
4. Rhododendron - Wonderful different color flowers can be seen on this evergreen shrub in nature in the mountains. Great in zones four through eight. Plant can range anywhere from three to twelve feet high, and three to twelve feet wide. The flowers cluster together to create a full look on the Rhododendron. This is a beautiful addition to any type of garden landscape. Great in front of evergreen trees.
5. Aucuba - Variegated evergreen shrub. This shrub has yellow mixed in with the green tones on its leaves. Grows three to ten feet high, and two to three feet wide. Needs partial shade but does great in full shade. Grows well in zones seven through ten. An option for cooler climates in a Kerria Japonica. Grows five to eight feet hight, and five to twelve feet wide. This shrub is deciduous, but has pretty yellow flowers in the spring. Will grow in zones four through nine.
6. Blue Pacific Juniper - Small evergreen sprawling shrub. Grows about one foot high and up to three feet wide. Good in zones four through nine. Great shrub over a series of three to five rocks. A natural looking shrub that fits right into a nature design.
7. Bench - This is really needed in your natural setting. You can sit for hours and listen to the birds and enjoy the beauty of your yard.
8. Bird Feeder - One or two or even three bird feeders will truly accent this landscape area. Birds love trees and shrubs and will enjoy the view as much as you do.
9. Pavers - A row or staggered pavers in front of the bench leading out of the garden is a nice touch. Remember to do an odd number.

If you have woods, you can create any natural landscape garden by adding your favorite shrubs and trees. Install a few Outdoor Features and make your very own natural garden. You can also start from scratch and plant your own trees for shade as a backdrop. Plant shrubs and shade flowers in front of the trees. Either way you approach this particular project, you can take pleasure in knowing you have created a special place to go and unwind.