When it comes to enhancing the outdoor spaces of your home in Ulster County, NY, the quest for the perfect plantings and retaining wall blocks can transform a mere backyard into a stunning landscape. Whether you are aiming to create a serene backyard oasis, a vibrant landscape bursting with color, or a structured landscape with elegantly tiered landscape beds, finding the right materials is crucial. Here's how to select the best plantings and retaining wall blocks for your landscaping project.
Selecting the Right Plantings
The choice of plantings can significantly impact the aesthetic and ecological balance of your outdoor space. In our area, the seasonal climate demands selecting plantings that are not only beautiful but resilient. Local planting stores and nurseries are treasure troves of native species that are adapted to thrive in the region's specific conditions.
Native Perennials: Look for perennials native to our area, such as the Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) or the Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), which offer long-lasting blooms and attract pollinators.
Shrubs and Bushes: Consider adding shrubs like the native Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra) or the versatile Hydrangea for structure and year-round interest.
Trees: Trees not only provide shade but can become the backbone of your landscape. Maple trees, Birch trees, and Eastern Redbuds are excellent choices for the area, offering spectacular fall colors and beautiful spring blossoms.
When visiting a planting store, ask for advice on planting combinations that will ensure continuous bloom throughout the seasons, creating a dynamic and engaging landscape.
Related: ESSENTIAL LANDSCAPE MATERIALS FOUND AT A LANDSCAPE SUPPLY CENTER IN THE ORANGE COUNTY, NY AREA
Choosing Retaining Wall Blocks
Retaining walls are not only functional, preventing soil erosion and managing water runoff, but they can also add a significant aesthetic element to your landscape. When selecting retaining wall blocks, consider both the practical and visual aspects to find a solution that complements your home’s architecture and the natural surroundings.
Material: Retaining wall blocks come in various materials, including natural stone, concrete, and brick. Natural stone offers a timeless and organic look, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape. Concrete blocks provide a more uniform appearance and can be engineered for specific structural requirements. Brick adds warmth and a classic touch, fitting well with traditional home styles.
Color and Texture: Choose colors and textures that harmonize with your home and landscape. In a region as visually rich as ours, selecting materials that reflect the local geology and color palette can enhance the sense of place.
Size and Shape: The size and shape of the blocks should be chosen based on the scale of the project and the style of the landscape. Larger blocks can create a bold, dramatic look, while smaller blocks offer more flexibility for curves and intricate designs.
Visiting a local planting store or landscape supply allows you to see and touch the materials, helping you envision how they will look in your landscape.
Integrating Plantings and Retaining Walls
The integration of plantings and retaining walls can turn a functional necessity into a focal point of your landscape. Consider the following when planning your design:
Installing Plantings in Layers: Use the tiered levels created by retaining walls to installing plantings in layers, adding depth and interest. Start with taller shrubs or ornamental grasses at the back and layer down with perennials and groundcovers towards the front.
Adding Texture and Color: Retaining walls provide a backdrop for your plantings, so choose species that will stand out against the material of the wall with their texture and color.
Seasonal Interest: Select plantings that offer visual interest in different seasons, ensuring that your landscape remains vibrant and dynamic throughout the year.
