FredTalks
by Environmental Enhancements
THE PROBLEM: Hey, Fred, I have this weird competitive thing where I always want my yard to look better than my next door neighbor’s (I’ll call him Jim). It never does. Jim just seems to have a knack for landscape design, an innate skill I’m lacking in. I keep reading magazines, hoping I’ll get ideas, but every year, his garden outshines mine. He makes it a point to compliment my efforts, but I detect a smugness each time he says: “Hey, Sam, looks great!” This fall, I want my place to look brilliant—at the very least, better than Jim’s. What should I plant so I can finally win?
FRED SAYS: So the Hatfield and McCoys are alive and well! You might not like this, but if you really want your yard to look brilliant, you’d be well-advised to watch how Jim does what he does and even ask him for ideas. Beyond that, here are a few suggestions for freshening up your yard so it truly shines this fall.
Think of your yard in terms of layers—or tiers—and start low-to-the-ground. Perennials are always a safe choice, since you don’t need to replant every year and they tend to spread as they mature: Black-eyed Susans, Asters, Russian sage, and Dianthus to name a few.
Moving up, ornamental grasses add movement and color to your next tier: Fountain grass, Maiden grass, Pampas—and lots of other choices. Shrubs, too, are an important part of this layer, as Plethora, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Spirea, and Viburnums all bring a vibrant red to eye-level.
And finally, add some color to the top tier by planting mature Japanese Maples, Dogwoods, Smoketrees, Winterberry or Crape myrtles.
But if you really want to enjoy your fall landscape, make peace with your neighbor. Gardening is much more fun when you trade tips, stories—even plants—with someone who loves it as much as you do.
Please reach out if you’d like to hear about our landscape design services. 703.421.7400 or [email protected]
Fred Peratt is president of Environmental Enhancements Inc., an award-winning landscaping company serving the DC metro area since 2001. Fred is well-known in the landscaping industry for his dedication to innovation, teamwork, and the highest standards of workmanship.
www.eelandscaping.com
540.764.4433
Environmental Enhancements is a premier landscaping company that offers industry-leading service to commercial, HOA, and residential clients in the northern Virginia and DC area.
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