Turning a grassy area into a lush garden bed adds visual interest to your landscape and allows you to cultivate various plants. Below, we’ll take you through the process of converting lawn space into a beautiful garden bed, drawing inspiration from a recent project by landscape contractor Jenn Nawada on Ask This Old House.
Assessing Your Yard’s Garden Potential
Before you begin, take a moment to evaluate your yard’s current state and imagine its potential. By understanding your space, you can make better decisions about plant selection and layout.
- Factoring in sun exposure and soil conditions: Observe how sunlight moves across your yard throughout the day. This will help you choose plants that will thrive in your new garden bed. You’ll also want to test your soil to determine its composition and pH level. This will guide your plant choices and any necessary soil improvements, which can make a big difference in how well your garden grows.
- Identifying existing plants and issues: Take a good look at your yard and note any plants that are struggling, overcrowded, or have outgrown their space. Identifying problems—like burned hostas or overgrown shrubs—can help you decide which plants to remove or relocate to create a healthier and more appealing garden bed.
- Planning the new layout: Use a garden hose or rope to outline the shape of your new garden bed. This allows you to experiment with different designs before making any permanent changes. Curved edges create a more natural, flowing appearance, helping to blend the new garden bed with the rest of your yard.
Preparing the Site for a Garden Bed
Proper preparation gives your plants the best chance to thrive. Here’s what to do.
Remove Existing Grass
Clearing the grass is the first step in preparing your garden bed. Here are a few options for grass removal:
- Sheet mulching: A gradual method where you smother the grass with layers of mulch and cardboard.
- Manual removal: Use a shovel to dig out smaller sections of grass by hand.
- Sod cutter: For larger areas, a motorized sod cutter can quickly strip the grass away.
Improve Soil Quality
Once the grass is removed, it’s time to improve the soil. These steps help create a rich environment for your plants to thrive:
- Add a layer of compost to improve nutrient content and soil structure.
- Till the compost into the existing soil to a depth of 6–8 inches.
- Level the area with a rake, checking for proper drainage.
Edge the New Bed
Add edging material to create a clean border between your new garden bed and the remaining lawn. Edging keeps grass and weeds from creeping into your garden. You can use any of the following materials:
- Metal edging
- Plastic edging
- Stone or brick borders
Selecting and Arranging Plants for the Garden Bed
The plants you choose for your new garden bed should suit your yard’s conditions as well as your style preferences.
Choosing Sun-Loving Plants
If your new garden bed is in a sunny spot, you might use:
- Ginkgo trees
- Japanese maple
- Japanese yew
- Ornamental grasses
These plants, featured in Nawada’s project, thrive in sunny conditions and add variety to your landscape.
Creating Visual Interest
Incorporate plants with different heights, textures, and bloom times to create a dynamic garden bed. Place taller plants towards the back of the bed and shorter ones in front for a layered look. Mixing plant types helps create a visually interesting space.
Considering Maintenance Needs
Pick plants that match your desired level of maintenance. Here are some low-maintenance options:
- Drought-resistant shrubs
- Groundcovers
- Native perennials
Garden Planting Techniques
Proper planting techniques will give your garden bed a strong start. Here’s how to get your plants in the ground.
Preparing Plant Roots
Before planting, gently loosen the roots of container-grown plants. This encourages roots to spread out into the surrounding soil, promoting healthier growth.
Proper Spacing
Make sure to leave enough space between plants to allow for their mature size. Overcrowding can lead to poor air circulation and increase the risk of disease.
Watering and Mulching
After planting, follow these practices to keep the soil moist and promote healthy plant growth.:
- Water the plants thoroughly after planting to help them establish.
- Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around your plants, but keep it away from stems to prevent rot.
- Use leaf mulch or another organic material to help retain moisture and nourish the soil as it breaks down.
Integrating Garden Features
Adding extra features to your garden bed can make it more functional and attractive. Here are a few ideas:
- Adding pathways: Incorporate pathways through the garden bed to provide easy access for maintenance. You can use materials like gravel, stepping stones, or mulch to create practical and visually appealing paths.
- Including decorative elements: Adding garden sculptures, birdbaths, or benches can give your garden bed personality. Choose elements that complement the overall design and provide focal points within the space.
- Installing irrigation systems: Install an irrigation system to reduce manual watering. Drip irrigation is an efficient option that delivers water directly to plant roots, helping to conserve water.
Maintaining Your New Garden Bed
Regular maintenance will keep your new garden bed looking its best. Here are a few maintenance tips.
Watering Schedule
During the first growing season, you need to establish a regular watering routine. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage plants to develop strong roots. Adjust the schedule based on soil moisture and plant needs.
Pruning and Deadheading
Regular pruning helps maintain plant shape and encourages healthy growth. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continued blooming in many perennials. Pruning also helps manage plant size and prevent overcrowding.
Seasonal Care
Adapting your maintenance routine according to seasonal needs provides year-round garden health:
- Spring: Clean up debris and apply fresh mulch.
- Summer: Monitor for pests and water as needed.
- Fall: Plant spring-blooming bulbs and cut back perennials.
- Winter: Protect sensitive plants from frost.
Addressing Common Issues
Even well-planned gardens can encounter issues. Identifying and addressing common problems promptly guarantees the continued health of your garden bed.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Yellowing leaves or stunted growth may indicate nutrient deficiencies. Conduct soil tests and amend the soil with appropriate fertilizers to balance nutrient levels.
- Pests and diseases: Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests or diseases. Early intervention can prevent widespread damage. Use organic or chemical treatments as necessary, thinking about the impact on the surrounding environment.
- Weeds: Weeds compete with garden plants for nutrients and water. Regularly remove weeds by hand or use mulch to suppress their growth.
