Enhancing existing landscapes can be as simple as adding more shrubs to your foundation plantings or removing tired shrubs. Enhancing existing landscapes can be a cost-effective measure if done correctly. The first thing you should consider when enhancing existing landscapes is what part of the landscape can stay and what can go. Existing plant material can be re-utilized in several different ways. If you have large perennials you can separate them in the fall or spring to increase the number of plants you have. This will reduce stale growth from mature plants and encourage new growth in the divided plants. Some examples of perennials that separate good are day lilies and hosta’s. These plants may look a little un-uniform the first growing year after the transplant. The following season after dividing your perennials, you can expect the plant to take on a more uniform shape. Divided perennials can be spread out in your existing landscape beds to fill in bare areas or replace other plants.
Enhancing existing landscapes by adding color.
Adding color can make a boring landscape pop. Annuals or perennials provide the best color enhancements to a landscape. The summer long blooms of annual flowers decorate the landscape from spring to fall. Summer blooming perennials will also add a color interest. Some perennials are spring blooming and some are also fall blooming. It is important to incorporate a variety of these plants so that your existing landscape will have consistent color during the growing months.
Enhancing existing landscapes can also be done through the use of topdressing mulch or adding rock. Just adding a fresh layer of mulch every spring will make your plants stand out. Weed covered and bare landscape beds will take away from the focal point of a landscape which is the plant material. Pruning will also keep your plants looking uniform and in shape.
