New Year's Resolution Check Up
Published Date: Jan 20, 2014
How are your New Year's resolutions coming? If one of your resolutions was to finally get your vegetable and flower garden organized, now is the time to put your plan in motion. With spring right around the corner, it's never too early to start the planter project that is near the top of your list. If you have a sizable yard with lots of dirt dedicated for a garden, then rows with a drip system may be the plan for you.
If you find yourself with limited space for extra flower beds and vegetables, planter boxes are a great way to maximize your space. Planter boxes come in various sizes and materials – wood, stone, concrete. To determine what is best for you, first determine how you plan to use these spaces, how long you anticipate using them during the growing season, and consider the surrounding decor.
For higher quality planters capable of enduring different seasons and weather patterns, blocks or stones are the best option. If you have a nice stone fire pit, retaining walls, or pathways then stone planter boxes will complement your surrounding space. If not, these will be a great beginning to your long term plans on next year's resolution list. They not only have the look of professional landscaping but last longer than wood or concrete applications.
This Old House PBS TV show presents articles and shows for the passionate DIY (do-it-yourself) landscapers on preparing professional garden boxes. Following are a few of the show's suggestions to ensure a quality job.
How to build a stone planter:
• Know your blocks – pick materials and colors that are long lasting while coordinating with your existing landscaping.
• Lay out the planter while analyzing your space for productivity and ambiance
• Dig the base, making sure to level and compact the soil for stability
• Add a quality paver base that also allows for adequate drainage of the soil
• Stack the stones in courses
• Fill and Prep the planter before laying the final row of stones
You are now ready to fill your planter boxes with your favorite vegetable plants or flowers to surround you as you entertain family and friends.
Don't have the time to do it yourself? Call a design expert or schedule a free consultation with System Pavers. You can get a garden full of ideas as well by browsing our gallery of before and after pics.
