Published: May 03, 2008 11:54 pm            

Making a backyard takes a lot of research

EDMOND — A brand new home, that’s what we bought July 19, 2007. A nice large lot with a large 2,500-square-foot home situated on the lot exactly as it should be. Surrounding this lot is a 6-foot privacy fence — that I didn’t ask my friend to help install, see last week’s article — full sod in both the front and backyards with sprinkler system, plenty of landscaping in the front, but absolutely none in the backyard.

That’s how I introduce the subject of today’s article.

I walk out my back door, step out on my covered patio and have similar feelings to what the Almighty must have had when he stepped out on the edge of nothing to begin creating everything.

No, that’s not quite accurate.

I feel more like I’m standing before a blank canvas with instructions to paint a masterpiece that will endure the test of time.

No, that’s not it either.

The best word to describe the way I feel is, overwhelmed. I don’t have a solid clue what to do. I have several ideas, but they are more smoke than substance.

I need some real help. So I turn to several Internet landscaping Web sites for help. First I find http://springhillnursery.com. This site is filled with helpful information as well as actual planting guides under the “garden’s” section. Not only does it suggest the plants for the garden area, but it actually provides a printable planting guide to help maximize the impact of the garden spot.

Another site features forums specific to Oklahoma gardening. Here you can read posts from other gardeners and make posts of your own. This open interchange of ideas and suggestions is sure to enhance your personal gardening experience. This site is robust with help including recommended nurseries in various parts of the state. The site is http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/okgard/.

Oklahoma State University has an impressive Web site that you really should check out. The lawn and garden portion is located at www.hortla.okstate.edu/hortla/resources.htm. While there, be sure to check out the “lawn and garden” section; it’s full of practical ideas for just about any gardening situation. I found the FAQ section brimming with great ideas to deal with just about any gardening situation. And I can’t forget to mention a new resource linked to this Web site; it is a link called Landscaping in Oklahoma — cd E972. This item is available for purchase for $10 by either writing to the University or online by clicking the link provided.

Anyway, after scouring the Internet for ideas I printed off a short stack of sheets and took them to TLC, my favorite nursery. And boy am I glad I did.

I spent about 20 minutes with its in-store garden specialist. Out of the 20 various plants and bushes I had selected from some of the Web sites — not all were focused on Oklahoma gardening — she showed me eight of them that won’t grow well here in central Oklahoma. She also had several other good ideas about making the gardens I did plant, easier to maintain.

I have to be honest, I bought most of the plants there but a few others from the Internet. I’ve put them all in the ground and as of Friday morning I have to say that the plants I bought over the Internet are not doing quite as well as those I purchased from the nursery.

Here’s my suggestion. Look online for ideas. It’s a convenient way to consider your various options. But then before you make your final decisions, visit with the specialist at your favorite nursery. If you’re anything like me, both your gardening knowledge and your gardening budget have limitations. So maximize both by taking advantage of the ideas you can find both online and at your local nursery … and have a beautiful spring!



TREY BOWDEN is a licensed mortgage professional in Edmond. Read more from Bowden at www.homeownergonemad.blogspot.com.

        

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