Page 19 2024 Spring Home and Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 2024 Before setting up the landscape, create a wish list of what you want to accomplish. Identify areas where you want to relax, entertain, or create a private space. The landscape’s function is important and should not be neglected in the design. Think about where the focal points will be from both inside and outside the residence. Ways Native plants and shrubs can be used in the landscape include: • Creating privacy or a sense of enclosure • Defining boundaries • Screening unwanted views • Using native shrubs in the landscape, or in combination with cultivated plants, enhances natural surroundings. In creating privacy, you may want to shelter some items from view, like a poolside or an outdoor eating area. Using diagrams, overlay your base map and think through design aspects. Consider what you want to conceal in the landscape. The view of the neighbor’s house may be a consideration. To be a good neighbor, before planting, investigate if plants are invasive or have a spread that may encroach on their side of the property line. Investigate what plants are available in your area according to your hardiness zone and create screened views with the right plant in the right place. Select plants based not only on their hardiness and cultural requirements but also their function. A variety of plant sizes can be used to screen a view. The palette of plants available may go beyond the usual thinking. Enjoying the outdoors with a background of well-planned plants creates a nice surrounding of seclusion and offers opportunities for exploration. Additionally, creating privacy can be an important consideration especially in more built up environments. High walls and fences are not the only option. Choosing the right plant is also important. The fastest growing shrubs and bushes for creating privacy include cypresses, arborvitae, pines, privets, laurels, cotoneasters and holly. However, each shrub or bush has advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when deciding whether they are the best option. Cypresses can grow so quickly, they can get out of control, so they might not be the most suitable long term choice for smaller residential gardens. Continued --
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