Sometimes even the most beautiful landscapes require a little extra refreshing as the weather warms up. Simply getting plants from a big box store won’t be enough to build a vibrant landscape and there will hardly ever be enough variety to make something really exciting. Before you start digging in the dirt this spring and summer, see what your local plant experts can provide. Here’s why you should visit a garden center for the best quality and variety of plants in Hudson Valley, NY and Bergen County, NJ.
Related: SEARCHING "GARDEN NURSERY NEAR ME" IS A GREAT START TO A NEW SOFTSCAPE PLAN IN BERGEN COUNTY, NJ
A Greater Selection of Native Plants
The cornerstones of a successful landscape are native plants. As you select plants for this season’s additions to your landscape, be sure to prioritize those that are native to your area. They will be perfectly adapted to the local climate which will drastically reduce watering and other maintenance needs.
Native plants also support local pollinators, birds, and wildlife. From ground covers to grasses, flowers to shrubs, and of course trees, give preference to plants that have evolved to thrive in the area - and there are plenty of incredibly beautiful specimens to choose from for dry and sunny areas, moist and shady areas, and everything in between.
Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle
Consider planting some new additions to your landscape that can offer edible delights such as berries or fruit. Fruit trees and berry shrubs suitable to the Hudson Valley and northern NJ climate include apples, pears, cherries, plums, grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and more can be a delicious and colorful part of your landscape. Your local garden center will have varieties that are perfectly suited to the area, along with advice on their care.
Greater Landscape Integration
Each piece of your landscape will fit together much better with the curated addition of plants. Your local plant nursery experts will advise you on which plants to choose to surround your outdoor living spaces. This will include advice on shade, privacy, color, and fragrance.
Most importantly, the experts will advise you on proper planting. Many homeowners choose younger, smaller plants because they are less expensive; but then plant them too close together in an effort to make their landscape look more complete. This will backfire in the future as plants grow too close together and start competing for resources. A nursery expert will help you properly space shrubs and trees, and advise you on the best plants to use to fill in the empty spaces while these keystone plants mature.
Design Techniques
The experts at a plant nursery can also advise you on how to choose plants with varying “showtimes'' so that your landscape is constantly colorful and beautiful. For example, you don’t want to choose plants that all bloom in June, or trees that all show their colors in October.
As well, you can get assistance on choosing plants that complement each other in creating a layered (and much more interesting) landscape of plants with varying heights, densities, widths, and shapes. A layered approach isn’t just about placing bigger and darker plants in the background; that’s the basis for a beautiful landscape, but there’s much more to consider - and the experts will help.
When it comes to learning about the needs of various plants, the experts at your local garden center in Bergen County NJ are there to support you. Come with specific or general questions and see what there is to learn!
