Mature trees are wonderful, but they become safety hazards when they rot—a problem our homeowners face in their front yards. But after removing the trees, they realized their shade plantings were starting to burn in the intense sun.
Combined with the fact that the existing shrubs were planted too close together, they called the team at Ask This Old House for help. Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada knew just what to do, arriving with a plan to reuse some plants, cut others back, and plant new sun-loving plants that would thrive in the front yard.
How to Plant a New Shade Garden Pattern
Every yard is different, as are the shade requirements and existing plants. However, these general steps will help most homeowners how to repurpose their yard after introducing all-day sun to their landscape.
1. Take Inventory of the Yard’s Needs
Take a look at the scope of the project. You’ll want to note any plants that are showing signs of stress from the full-sun exposure. Common signs are wilted and burned leaves. If these plants are in otherwise healthy shape, they can be replanted elsewhere on the property.
Also, look for other issues, such as overgrown plants or shrubs that were planted too close together. Plants that look out of place and don’t blend in with the rest of the landscape should also receive attention, whether that means repurposing them or removing them altogether.
2. Gather the Proper Tools
Depending on the project, you’ll need a few tools. Common tools used in front yard renovations include shovels, hoes, rakes, wheelbarrows, hand pruners, and other basic landscape tools. Also, powered sod cutters can help with removing the grass while rototillers can help mix soil and compost. A garden hose and marking paint can help with the new layout, as well.
3. Plants, Soil, and Mulch
Full-sun yards have specific needs when it comes to plants, soil, and mulch. Look for plants that love sunny landscapes, such as ornamental grasses are great, as are species like Gingko trees, Japanese Yew, Maiden Grass, and Japanese Maple trees are excellent choices. Also, leaf mulch helps retain the moisture that full-sun gardens need and restores nutrients as it breaks down.
4. Get to Work
Now it’s time to get to work following these steps:
- Remove any crowded or burned plants. Be sure to dig around the rootballs of any plants that will be transplanted.
- Prune any overgrown trees and bushes back.
- Use the garden hose to create sweeping curves for the new garden layout, and then mark the outline with the marking paint.
- Use the sod cutter to follow the outline and remove any grass necessary to install the new garden. Remove the loose sod and remove it with the wheelbarrow.
- Apply compost to the fresh soil and mix it into the ground with the rototiller.
- Place both the original plants and the new plants around the garden until the new layout meets your ideal design.
- Dig holes and install the plants. For new plants, be sure to tease the roots loose before planting.
- Place leaf litter around the entire garden to retain moisture.
- Water the plants regularly until they’re established.
Resources
To transplant plantings, use shovels to dig down around the root ball of the plant.
To expand a garden, start by laying out your desired new bed line. You can use rope or a garden hose to figure out the shape that’ll work best. Use spray paint to mark your new bed line. Once your lines are marked, use a motorized sod cutter and cut on the marked line. Remove the sod by raking the cut top layer to expose the soil.
After adding compost to the soil, rake it out and till it into the soil using a rototiller.
Plantings selected for this project:
- Gingko ‘Chi’ Tree
- Japanese Yew ‘Emerald Spreader’
- Gracillimus Maiden Grass
- Japanese Maple “Crimson Queen”
Gilliam & Sons Landscaping, Inc. and Molinari Tree Care provided expert assistance with this project.