By Gary Pike
Lake Oconee Breeze
LAKE OCONEE —
There are many things to do in your landscape during the upcoming planting season, so it is a good time to consider adding accent areas to your plans. Whether it is adding a patio, water feature, pots along paths and walkways or interesting plant material to existing areas, there are many choices to make, all of which will bring definite interest to your yard.
Patios are great interest points because of the many material choices available, such as stone, pavers or concrete, and the endless variety in design and shapes. One popular choice for patios is flagstone, which can be installed with room to plant ground covers between them.
Water features are also a great addition because of the soothing sounds and eye-catching appeal of waterfalls and fountains. They can be constructed from pots, free-formed using a liner or quickly installed using pre-formed basins. Nozzles are used for a fixed spray effect; waterfalls can be created free form or by using ready made forms. Pond-less fountains are a great choice if you have young children.
Another great accent is created by walkways and paths made of rock, concrete, pebbles or mulch. Walkways and paths can have either free form or formal style. People often look to see where walkways and paths will lead them.
Plant material is probably the most interesting accent in landscapes. Trees, shrubs, ground covers, annuals and perennials all come in many varieties with interesting bloom and leaf colors, unique leaf shapes, fall foliage colors and growth habits. The choices are just too numerous to list.
Visit the garden center and browse the large selection of interesting and unique plant materials available for the coming planting season.
Happy Gardening
