Expect More From Your New back Yard

It's more common now days for your new home builder to provide backyard landscaping, but what are you really getting? Grass, Bark and a couple of evergreens. I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound too exciting to me. It seems like no matter how nice the new home is or expensive it might be, the back yard experience is the same. At Now Just Add Water, we give you options. Options you can see first hand before buying. Don't except the term landscaped backyard without knowing what your getting. Ask your builder if you can have something designed for the same price. You should be able to get nice shrubs, beautiful perennials, maybe some nice ornamental grasses.

Take a look at these designs.













This could be yours if you just asked for it. Just ask your builder to buy a Now Just Add Water plan for your back yard at the time of purchase.

Don't Make Gardening to Hard on Yourself

When I first started landscaping, it seemed so complex. So many options and styles to choose from. But after landscaping for myself for many years I discovered a formula that has helped my garden take off. I stopped using bark for my beauty beads and I started using organic compost as my top dressing. Wow, what a difference. Not only do I not have to fertilize which saves money, but my plants have taken off. I use compost from Cedar Grove Compost in Maple Valley Washington, but I am sure there are many sources out there just like them.

I can say enough how easy it has made my life and I love the dark color that doesn't fade like bark does. I like to use this new product that they have, it's call Northwest Garden Mulch. It's a 50/50 bark/compost blend. The bark makes it spread a bit easier and it gives it a nice texture. Let me know if you have some great tricks for making your garden grow and simplifying your chore.

Why Plant Perennials in Fall?

Spring is when you typically think about planting in your yard - I know I do. But when it comes to perennials, you might consider looking to the fall for a couple of reasons. Fist, prices are a better than in the spring. Also, when a perennial has been in a pot all winter long their roots tend to get bunched up in the pot with frequent watering and fertilization and when they are planted in the spring they are subject to a much bigger change in climate and temperature extremes. Look to the fall to give your perennials a easier transition into the ground and your garden.

Fall is a Great Time to Enhance Your Yardand Save Some Coin

Fall is here and I have always tried to take advantage of discounts at the Nursery. Just a little tip, when the flowers and leaves come off, prices drop too :}. I have used this technique over the years to continue to upgrade my yard.

I have also gone to the back of the Nursery to find extra bargains. Sometimes they will put a selection of plants that look wilted or not as pleasant and you can get these up to 75% off from the summer price. Then I take those plants and put them in a location out of sight, but in an area that will still get some sun and use that area for recovery. You never know what will make it, but in most cases with a little TLC, they'll turn out great.

Tips for Designing your Garden

The formula for designing new gardens is simple, and it all begins with a plan. A plan allows you to complete stages as your budget allows and make sure that what you do this season won't have to be undone next season.

Collect pictures of scenes that please you.
Tastes vary. Some people like precise formal gardens, some want to play croquet on a big lawn, others like the informal country look.

Take an inventory.
Do a "floor plan" of your property on a piece of graph paper.

Consider your needs and preferences.
Do you want to improve your view? Would you like to increase your sense of privacy? Are there unsightly areas you'd like to screen?

Strive for convenience.
If you plan to grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs, choose a sunny spot not too far from the kitchen so you can visit the garden daily.

If that seems like a lot of work, you might consider using one of our pre-designed landscaping pans from Now Just Add Water. What makes our plans different from other design plans you might find on-lines is that we will tailor the plan to fit your yard and we give you all the information you need after your yard is installed to keep it looking great and helpful ideas to keep improving your design every year free of charge.