As new homeowners embark on transforming their outdoor spaces this January, expert advice emphasizes the importance of thoughtful garden editing. Grace Williams from Morton Grove reflects on her own experience, stating her intention to renovate a garden filled with overgrown plants that no longer suit her aesthetic.
Homeowners often struggle with the decision to remove healthy plants, yet this can hinder long-term gardening success. Williams advocates for a bold approach to garden management, encouraging others to be “ruthless” when it comes to editing their new gardens. A garden, much like the interior of a home, should reflect personal taste and functionality.
Prioritizing Aesthetic and Functionality
Williams recalls her first home where she opted to remove all front foundation plants, much to the surprise of a concerned neighbor. These plants, while healthy, lacked appeal and were overgrown, prompting her to take decisive action. “I slept better at night after getting rid of the existing plants,” she shares, highlighting the emotional satisfaction that can accompany such changes.
In her ongoing gardening journey, Williams has not hesitated to eliminate invasive species. Over three years, she removed eight large Norway maples from her property, replacing them with more suitable shade trees like sugar maples and ginkgo. This decision, though initially shocking due to the loss of foliage, ultimately transformed her garden into a vibrant habitat for birds and a visual screen for neighboring properties.
As spring approaches, many gardeners may consider rejuvenation pruning. Overgrown deciduous shrubs, when pruned aggressively during the dormant season, can rebound beautifully. Commonly found in home gardens, large yews, often misshapen from years of shearing, can also benefit from such treatment. Yet, Williams cautions that the recovery period for heavily pruned yews can span several years, prompting a recommendation to start anew with fresh plants instead.
Creating a Sustainable Garden
With limited gardening time, Williams prioritizes a natural, sustainable look that supports local wildlife without requiring excessive maintenance or pesticide use. Enjoying evenings filled with fireflies and observing the presence of bald-faced hornets near her garden speaker exemplifies her commitment to a balanced ecosystem. Over 35 years, she has applied insecticides only once, addressing a specific threat to her arrowwood viburnums.
For those looking to rejuvenate their gardens this winter, Williams suggests hiring a consultant for professional guidance on pruning and plant selection. Taking bold steps now can yield significant rewards in the years to come.
Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, encourages gardeners to reflect on their long-term vision for their outdoor spaces. He emphasizes that proactive measures taken today will lead to happier gardening experiences a decade from now. For further assistance, the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden can provide valuable insights, reachable at [email protected].
In summary, as the gardening season begins, homeowners are encouraged to embrace change. By removing undesirable plants and making informed decisions, they can cultivate gardens that truly reflect their personal style and support local biodiversity.