Tag: gardening

Four Ways to Make a Deer-Resistant Lake Homes Landscape

Posted on Staff
deer fawn
Photo courtesy of Lori Grant via Country Magazine

By Fletcher Allen, Noah Ryan, and Kristen Carr

Anyone that lives in a rural or even suburban environment will tell you hungry deer can make annoying neighbors. Deer are generalist herbivores, meaning they prefer to consume a variety of plants. They rely on all their senses to navigate their environment and forage for food, and once deer find a spot with food to eat, they are likely to return for more. With a little planning, creating a deer-resistant landscape is easy.

There are an array of plants, barriers, tools, and deterrents, however, that can assist in discouraging our furry-tailed friends. Using a combination of two or more methods is the most effective way to make your landscape deer-resistant. Here are four effective ways to create a deer-resistant landscape.

Deer-Resistant Plants

White Irises
Photo courtesy of Peter Krumhardt via Better Homes & Gardens

One classification of plants to consider is fuzzy or hairy plants. Deer generally consider the soft bristles on certain plants to be unpalatable and thorny plants can prove difficult to consume. An exception to this rule is roses. While they may seem like a good choice, deer seem to have no issue gnawing on their thorny canes.

Plants in this category include lamb’s ear, lady’s mantle, Siberian Bugloss, flowering tobacco, yarrow, and many others. Online companies like Garden Goods Direct and Amazon are great places to find these plants. You can also find them at many local nurseries or markets if you prefer to see them in person before you purchase them.

Deer don’t seem satisfied with fibrous or leathery plants, as the texture can be hard to chew and digest. Examples of these plants are elephant ear, pachysandra, irises, and peonies. Just like the thorny plants, these can typically be found at your local flower market, but online shops like Holland Bulb farms can save you the trip, and you can order them online.

The following plants are nothing to snub your nose at, as deer have an acute sense of smell and use this when seeking a meal. Plants emitting heavy fragrances may encourage deer to search elsewhere. Their sense of smell is a powerful tool, but overwhelming scents may cause disorientation.

Various types of herbs like this Hidcote lavender, mint, dill, and sage plants from Burgess Seed & Plant Co. are great options.

Some plants are toxic to deer and cause nausea or constipation. Note that these plants may also be harmful to people or pets, so exercise caution when selecting. A few examples of these toxic plants include daffodils, false indigo, and poppies.

Fencing

Deer fence
Photo courtesy of cropsreview.com

Proper fencing is one of the most efficient methods to make your landscape deer-resistant. Erecting a fence for this purpose can be costly and could prove pointless if done wrong. Deer can jump up to eight feet high, so your fence must be at least this tall.

Choose your fence type wisely, as a deer is much more likely to hop a fence it can see through. Stockade fencing like this one from Lowe’s is a good choice in this regard. Using chicken wire to protect singular plants can prove helpful but may not stop a deer from crushing the frame.

Electric fences are another popular option that discourages deer. Places like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Amazon have multiple options for you to choose from. The shock will be enough to fend off the deer, but they won’t be harmed.

Scare Them

Motion floodlight
Photo courtesy of pestrepellerultimate.com

Protecting your lake home from deer is already laborious, especially if it’s your vacation home. Having a few passive methods to scare deer away from the property is a popular approach to managing wildlife.

Overpowering the senses is a powerful way to deter deer. Using motion-triggered floodlights like this Bell and Howell Bionic Floodlight Max may cause them to panic and flee the area. Another method is using sound-emitting devices. The Guardian thermal motion sensor has specific frequencies that you can choose depending on what pest animals you are trying to repel. A loud noise ringing in a deer’s ear has proven effective but can be an expensive route.

Motion-activated sprinklers like this one are a good option but be aware of a few caveats to this method. If you’re trying to protect a large area around your house or the perimeter of your property, you’ll need more than one. Invest in an Ultrasonic Repeller that sends out ultrasonic waves to protect your property night and day.

During the winter, hoses can freeze and render your sprinklers useless, so employ more than one method for the best results.

Deer Repellant

Deer & Rabbit Repellent
Photo courtesy of Amazon

There are a plethora of deer repellents available on the market that can be effective. 

The key to making the best out of your deer repellant is to be consistent; one spritz of repellant is not enough. Make sure to follow the instructions for application rigorously if you want good results. 

Just like the plants that deer will avoid, repellants rely strongly on the senses of smell and taste. Some good brands for repellent are Deer Out and Liquid Fence. Both options are rain resistant, can be sprayed directly on plants without harm, and are environmentally friendly.

While there are some DIY repellents, the smell and ingredients of store-bought repellents tend to bother humans less and won’t lure raccoons or other critters to come and check out the formula.

There’s no way to completely avert deer from your yard or garden and some solutions might work better than others, depending on your area. Consider asking your neighbors or local garden experts their solutions and execute some trial and error to find what works best for you.

A Guide to DIY Weed Killer

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Almanac.com

As any gardener knows, keeping weeds away from your prized plants can be a hassle. Even in the most successful gardens, weeds will creep into the soil and sunlight that your plot provides. Luckily, there’s a myriad of options for weed killers. However, many of the store-bought options contain herbicide chemicals that you may choose to keep out of your garden. If you’re looking for an all-natural DIY option, we’ve got you covered!

A Weed Killing Recipe

Photo courtesy of getgreenbewell.com

For a safe and effective weed-killing recipe, a combination of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap will usually do the trick. The acetic acid in the vinegar and salt help to draw out moisture from the weeds, wilting them. To complete the concoction, dish soap serves as a surfactant which helps the plant to absorb this toxic mixture, instead of sitting topically on the leaves in beaded form. To create this mixture, just combine a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. If you want to add some extra potency, try squeezing some lemon juice too. 

Don’t have vinegar or liquid soap handy at the lake house? As an alternate DIY weed-killing solution, you only need one ingredient — boiling water. Its high temperature can help by killing the invasive plants down to the roots, permanently killing the weeds. However, you just want to make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process! Be sure to stand far away from where you’re pouring, and exercise caution.

Pros and Cons of DIY Weed Killer

Photo courtesy of Cook’n

Let’s start with the pros. With just a few simple ingredients, this herbicide is super simple to create. It doesn’t require a trip to the store, and it doesn’t expose your backyard to harsh chemicals. A win-win! However, one downside of a DIY solution is that it doesn’t get to the root of the problem (no pun intended). Chemical herbicides directly target the plant’s root system, while the DIY solution may require multiple spray sessions to finally kill the weeds. Despite its limitations, this quick, low-cost homemade solution is perfectly effective in managing a lake house garden.

When to Apply Weed Killer

Photo courtesy of Glen Carrie on Unsplash

To make the mixture most effective, it’s best to apply it to a group of weeds on a bright, clear sunny day. In the sunlight, the effects of your handiwork would be evident within a few hours. When you see wilting leaves and browning stems, you know the herbicide is working. Usually, they’ll turn fully brown before finally withering away.

Weed Prevention

Photo courtesy of Green Lawn Fertilizing

In addition to killing weeds once they’ve already sprouted, developing solutions for deterring weed growth in the first place is an excellent prevention strategy. Mulch is one easy solution that obstructs sunlight and prevents weed growth. It also retains moisture in the soil, carving out less watering time for you. Additionally, practicing good lawn care such as mowing at a taller height, regular watering, and checking on the health of your plants can be helpful. 

When it comes to properly kill weeds, you might have all you need right in the kitchen of your lake home. For more gardening tips, continue to check out our blog!

Five Garden “Weeds” That You Won’t Want to Pull

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Dawn Arlotta/CDC via KOAM News

As any gardener knows, weeds are unwanted plants that compete for nutrients with the ones you’ve cultivated. In an effort to rid your garden of these nuisances, you may spend several hours weeding the front lawn of your lake house. However, before you start pulling any unintentionally grown roots, take a pause. Many plants that are considered “weeds” are actually not pesky at all. In fact, several of them have medicinal or culinary benefits in addition to aesthetic beauty. At Lake Homes Lifestyles, we’re here to help you identify which weeds to pull and which to leave alone.

Butterfly Weed

Photo courtesy of JMortensen/IStock via vpr.com

The butterfly weed earns its name by virtue of its magnetic draw to butterflies. Its bright shades of red, orange, and yellow, attract numerous pollinators as well, including bees. They’re additionally referred to as orange milkweed. Despite their lack of characteristic milky sap, they produce seed pods that release milky-tailed seeds which disperse in the wind. Frequently appearing in home gardens across zones 3-9, the butterfly weed adds an interesting pop of color to any garden.

Mountain Mint

Photo courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery

Like the butterfly weed, the mountain mint attracts many insects like bees and small butterflies. Its strong, fragrant minty scent attracts these pollinators to its nectar and pollen. Also most prevalent in zones 3-9, the mountain mint is home to a wide range of gardens across the U.S. The dainty leaves look like they’ve been dusted with powdered sugar, which embellishes any backyard with a sense of elegance.

Ironweed

Photo courtesy of Lauren’s Garden Service

If ironweed is growing at your lake house, it’ll be hard to miss. These flowers can grow from up to 7 inches tall, showcasing brilliant purple colors in the late summer. Most prevalent in zones 5-8, ironweeds are most commonly found in prairies and other grassland areas. Prior to gaining the name ironweed, they used to be called compositae flowers because their blooms are a composite of many flower types. Upon looking closely, you can see the distinct fusion of five separate petals in one cluster.

Arnica Flowers

Photo courtesy of ucantribe.com

Although this flower is native to Europe, it now grows across mountainous regions of North America in zones 4-9. Also called leopard’s bane and mountain tobacco, the arnica’s large flower head, yellow coloration, and bright green oval leaves resemble a miniature sunflower. Besides its ornamental value, arnica flowers also have medicinal purposes. Although toxic when ingested, the flower can be applied topically to treat arthritis and soothe muscle pain.

Chickweed

Photo courtesy of sodsolutions.com

Hardy in zones 3-8, the chickweed is a low-growing groundcover plant with medicinal and culinary values. Loaded with vitamins C, D, and B complex plus calcium, iron, zinc, and other healing minerals, these tasty greens can be ground into a nutritious pesto sauce. Outside the kitchen, chickweed has both external and internal uses as an antibacterial and antihistamine agent. Specifically, can be made into a salve that is soothing for healing burns and bug bites.

Dandelion

Photo courtesy of Common Sense Home

As a child, you probably made wishes on dandelions and watched their seeds scatter into the wind. But did you know that these shape-shifting flowers are one of the most useful and nutritious herbs? The dandelion has a long history of culinary and medical uses. High in nutrients, the leaves can be either boiled or eaten fresh for a rich, earthy flavor. From coffee to quesadillas, there’s no shortage of ways to use dandelion in recipes. Medicinally, dandelions have been used to treat inflammation, appendicitis, and stomach issues. Between granting wishes, flavoring food, and healing ailments, is there anything dandelions can’t do? 

So, before pulling up every unwanted weed in your garden, take a moment to research the plant. Are there potential benefits — aesthetic or otherwise — that you could be missing?

How to Make a Raised Garden Bed

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Real Simple

A garden bed is an excellent way to add both aesthetic appeal and gardening ease to your backyard. In this style, soil is raised above ground and enclosed in some way, typically by a wooden frame. It’s a great way of working around less-than-ideal soil conditions in your backyard. Plus, you can choose the location of your plot, offering great flexibility. For the eager gardener, garden beds also warm up more quickly in spring so you can start your planting earlier. Overall, garden beds require less maintenance in the long-run — you can keep them mulched all year which reduces weeds, you’ll spend less time in a smaller garden, and this manageable look creates a sense of organization in your backyard.

If you’ve decided to make garden beds at your lake house, follow these steps!

Consider the Elements

Photo courtesy of Shain Rievley via HGTV

Just like planting a garden on regular soil, you’ll need to consider all the elements before laying down roots. First off, sun exposure and soil health are key, so you’ll want to ensure that you pick a spot for your garden bed that covers these basics. Keep in mind that your garden will need 8 hours of sun in the summer, so be sure to scope out a plot uncovered by shady trees. If needed, you can get a soil test from your local Cooperative Extension Office to obtain a fuller understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface. This may be especially important if your lake house is an older building with paint on the exterior, in which chemical damage is a risk.

Determine the Size

Photo courtesy of Garden in Minutes

Once you’ve determined the location in your yard, the next step is to choose the frame size. Of course, this decision will vary based on the space you have in your backyard. But regardless of yard acreage, the most important rule of thumb is to be mindful of width. Essentially, you want to be able to reach every plant in your garden without stepping on other crops in the way. In general, 5 feet wide is ideal. If it’s against a fence or wall and you’re unable to reach both sides, aim for less than 2.5 feet wide.

Build the Frame

Photo courtesy of Home Depot

There’s not one way to make a raised garden bed. They come in all different styles, types, and materials — it just depends on your preference, and what looks best in your backyard! Although you can use bricks, steel, or stone pieces to create your frame, the easiest material for beginners is untreated wood. For example, cedar is a widely available and popular material, known for its unique pinkish-red color and ability to thwart insects and decay. But whatever you do, be sure to stay away from treated wood. The infused chemicals could potentially seep into your plant bed and compromise your roots. For the actual construction piece, YouTube tutorials can be a helpful place to start, as well as step-by-step online guides from home improvement retailers.

Lay Landscaping Fabric

Photo courtesy of Grow Food Guide

One of the great benefits of garden beds is their independence from the rest of your yard. If you’re not satisfied with the soil in your backyard — perhaps soil contamination is an issue in your town, or the level of moisture isn’t right — a garden bed is an opportunity to start fresh. To keep your soils separate, the next step is to lay landscaping fabric along the edges of your garden bed. This water-permeable piece of cloth keeps the soil in your garden bed separate from the soil in your yard. Additionally, landscaping fabric discourages weeds and stabilizes soil temperature — a great benefit for helping your plants flourish!

Fill In the Garden Bed

Photo courtesy of Garden Gate Magazine

To fill in the garden bed, you’ll want a good mixture of soil and compost. According to blog Homestead and Chill, the target recipe is 40% soil, 40% compost, and 20% aeration. Next you may have to do a little math. First, calculate the volume of your garden bed (multiply width by length by depth) then convert the amount to cubic yards to determine how much soil you need (check out this gardener’s calculator for more help). Finally, the fun part comes next — you can start planting! If you need tips on how to choose the best plants for your gardening zone, take a look at some of our previous blog posts. We cover tips about gardening in all zone regions of the country!

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Growing Plants by Region

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo by Vivian Wong on Unsplash

If you’re a lake homeowner who enjoys gardening, you’re probably familiar with the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones. This guide, based on your region’s average minimum rainfall per year, provides basic instructions for how to garden in your zone. According to these guidelines, varying types of plants are native to different regions. For example, a palm tree won’t grow very well in Alaska, but they’re abundant in Florida. This is because palm trees are native plants in tropical climates, due to the environmental conditions that are conducive to their growth. 

Previously on the Lake Homes blog, we’ve covered the basics of various gardening zones. While we have divided these instructions based on zones in the past, we’re now taking a look at features of specific regions. No matter what region of the country your lake residence is in, we’re here to help with some gardening basics!

Northeast

Photo courtesy of greatnonprofits.org

First, we’ll start with the top right of the country. These small states that encompass New England and from Maine down to Maryland, is considered the northeast portion of the U.S. If you own a lake house in these states, the summer growing season happens in June. During this time, it’s a great idea to install bushes and perennials, as well as feed plants that are already in the ground using fertilizers. But it’s not just time for perennials — summer can also be a perfect season to “quick start” annual plants like zinnias and marigolds. If you’re unsure what native plants to incorporate into your garden, try out a Blue Eyed Grass, Swamp Milkweed or Shadblow.

Southeast

Photo courtesy of Gardening Know How

Those in the southeast get to enjoy warm summers with humid, sometimes subtropical, climates. Good news for gardeners — these long and hot summers are perfect for most herbs and vegetables. In the southeast, vegetables actually can grow year-round without too much extra effort. For regions with long growing seasons like the south, it’s best to take advantage of this feature.

However, some southeastern gardeners advise taking a gardening break from July to August because many plants won’t be able to withstand the heat. For instance, fruit trees and perennials are best to plant in the fall when the heat isn’t as big of a threat. Additionally, during this season, be sure to water your plants in the morning so it has time to evaporate in the afternoon. Great native plants to grow in this region are arrowwood viburnum, pholyx, hackberry, and many more.

Midwest

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Midwesterners might be the luckiest gardeners. This region has some of the country’s most fertile soil, making the midwest a gardener’s paradise. Although winters can be rough depending on your specific state, the summers are typically long and hot — perfect for your lake house gardens. But despite the length of summer, you may need to supplement the lack of rainfall with irrigation through soaker hoses and drip systems. Especially during the summer, you’ll also need to weed your garden once a week. Just as your plants enjoy the midwest’s fertile soil, so do the weeds. In this region, cabbage, peas, lettuce, and cauliflower are fantastic vegetables. And let’s not forget corn — the signature crop of the midwest.

Northwest

Photo by Sandra Martins on Unsplash

If you own a lake house on Puget Sound or another body of water in the Pacific Northwest, you know that a defining feature of this region is its amount of rainfall. The above-average levels of rainfall in states like Washington and Oregon lead to an abundance of lush greenery. Because of its northern location, you may have a harder time growing warm-weather crops like tomatoes. However, you’ll have much better luck with cooler-weather plants such as cabbage and green beans.

Southwest

Photo courtesy of Duralawn

The southwest region of the country — Arizona, New Mexico, and surrounding states — shares some common features with the southeast when it comes to growing plants by region. Namely, the heat and long summers. However, one of the main differences is that in the southwest, the climate is arid rather than humid. This feature alone can make a huge difference when determining what to plant. The lack of rain and humidity makes low-irrigation techniques like xeriscaping popular. Pro-tip for gardeners at home — it’s best to water your plants in the evening so that less water evaporates from the sunlight throughout the day.  

We hope this is a helpful starting point for learning how to plant in your region! When starting your gardening journey, keep in mind that while these regional differences exist, many microclimates can exist in the same region. For example, the northern and southern portions of a region may have very different groups of native plants. To make the most tailored choices for your lake house, use tools like the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map that provide gardening recommendations based on your specific zip code. From our lake house to yours, happy gardening!

The Best Types of Ground Covers for Your Backyard

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Lowes

As anyone who owns a lake house knows, landscaping is hard work. Countless hours spent in the garden, mowing the lawn, and keeping pests out of your yard can be tiresome. Plus, it takes away from your time enjoying the lake. On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve written about low-maintenance landscaping solutions to minimize your manual labor. Among these ideas, ground covers are a helpful yet often overlooked strategy. 

As the name suggests, a ground cover refers to any plant that covers some part of the ground in your backyard. Unlike grass, ground covers don’t need to be mowed, which will cut down drastically on your work in the garden. So, that slope in your yard that’s too steep for a lawnmower? Or patches of dirt underneath a shady tree where grass can’t grow? Ground covers are the ultimate solution. Not only do they solve your landscape problems, but they’re also beautiful. For clarity’s sake, a ground cover is different from a cover crop. While cover crops are annual plants designed to die and provide mulch for your plants, ground covers are flowery perennials made to last. 

If you’re looking to incorporate ground covers into your landscaping at your lake house, check out some of our favorite kinds.

Bugleweed

Photo courtesy of Gardenia.net

Members of the mint family, bugleweed plants are a common ground cover in zones 3-10. These fast-growing plants are known for filling in shady areas where grass is less likely to grow. Their ability to spread throughout a landscape is also reflected in their species name, reptans, which means “creeping.” In warm climates, bugleweeds are evergreen but are most beautiful in summer. This is when their purple blossoms stand out in your garden.

Creeping Phlox

Photo courtesy of Gardenia.net

These small ground covers, perennial in most regions (zones 3-9), are a popular evergreen choice. Most times during the year, the creeping phlox doesn’t draw much attention to itself. However, these small pink, blue, and white star-pointed flowers particularly shine in springtime. When planting these in your yard, be sure to cut them after flowering to promote a second bloom in the following year.

Hosta

Photo courtesy of Gardening Know How

Reliable perennials, hostas make excellent ground covers across a variety of gardening zones. These ground covers boast tall white and purple flowers during the warmer months. At colder times in the year, their leaves are still stunning. Today, there are over 2,500 variations of hosta plants, making these some of the most popular ground covers. When deciding how much sun exposure to give them, you can use the plant’s color as a rule of thumb. A darker hosta will adapt better in the shade, while those with lighter leaves enjoy the sun.

Sweet Woodruff

Photo courtesy of Mother Earth Living

Want a simple, timeless look for your garden? The sweet woodruff, which blossoms lacy white flowers in warmer months, is a popular ground cover for those in zones 4-8. Keep in mind that it can be an invasive plant in moist soil, which makes it harder to keep under control. However, the plus side to its invasiveness is that it’s very low maintenance. So if you don’t mind it overtaking an entire section of your backyard, this plant may be perfect for you.

Sedums

Photo courtesy of The Spruce

For lake homeowners looking to avoid high-maintenance ground covers, sedums are one of the more forgiving plants out there. Their thick, drought resistant qualities, typical of most succulents, make them quite hardy. It’s no wonder they’re often named among the best  evergreen ground covers. Sedums come in a variety of different species including dragon’s blood, blue spice, and lime twister. Typically found in climates with milder winters, these ground covers flourish best where it’s warm. 

From our backyard to yours, happy landscaping!

Softscapes 101: Lush Plantings for Your Lakeside Lawn

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Jeff Sinon Photography / Swenson Granite Works

In a previous post for Lake Homes Realty, we presented some inspiring hardscaping ideas for your lakeside landscape. For part two of our feature, we’re going to focus on softscapes—the living, growing components of your lake property. Think of these as the soft horticultural elements of your landscape, like trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and ground covers. To get some expert advice on how to plant in a lake environment, we spoke with Larry Bates, a landscape architect for Russell Lands and a 30-year resident of Alabama’s Lake Martin area, to get his top tips.

Balance, Unity, & Simplicity

Photo courtesy of Landscape Trades

Before you select plant materials for your lakeside landscape, you first want to consider what will blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings and facilitate the enjoyment of your property. “By virtue of having a lake property, your home is situated within a natural environment,” says Bates. “The plantings should always blend with that environment and enhance the presentation of the house.” 

Bates also suggests keeping in mind that a lake home doesn’t really have a backyard because it typically faces the water, and people will view it from the water. “This is not a backyard, so don’t treat it like a backyard,” he explains. “You essentially have two faces to deal with that are equally important, so you have to invest in both sides—the entrance from the driveway and the lakefront,” he adds.

By applying a few basic principles of landscape design—balance, unity, simplicity—you can create a softscape design that complements the natural scenery, any hardscaping elements such as patios, fire pits, and stone pathways, and your desired level of maintenance. 

“If you’re a part-time resident, this isn’t the place for a time-consuming rose or vegetable garden,” says Bates. “Always consider the maintenance of your property and whether or not a yard service is an option when you’re away. Plan how you’re going to take care of your landscape—mowing, irrigation, soil care, weeding—and think through how you’re going to get it done.

Grass & Ground Covers

Photo courtesy of Landscaping Network

Incorporating grass and other soft ground covers into your lake landscape brings textural balance to hardscaping elements and creates softness underfoot. “A lot of Lake Martin landscapes have grass lawns,” says Bates, “but keep in mind you don’t have to grass your entire property. It’s often more visually appealing when the edges of your property segway back into the natural environment with organic mulches and other natural materials,” he notes. 

Bates recommends drought-tolerant lawn grasses such as Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine, and the ever-popular emerald-green Zoysia for warmer lake climates. “I like to use Zoysia whenever possible because it’s a very dense and durable grass that can withstand the heat,” he says. “In cooler climates, fescue or bluegrass lawns thrive well.” 

If you’re looking for a grass alternative, soft ground covers such as sweet woodruff, autumn fern, creeping thyme, and creeping phlox can spread quickly and create a plush, textured landscape look. Ground covers typically require less maintenance, and some are ideal for sloped areas where mowing can be difficult. Use them to cover shady and high-traffic areas where turf grasses won’t grow or perform well. Some ground covers even work to choke out weeds. Always consult with a landscape professional when selecting the best choices for your climate.

Trees, Flowers, & Plants

Photo courtesy Belknap Landscape

When planning your lake landscape design, keep in mind that you want to achieve an ideal balance of softscapes and hardscapes for the best visual appeal. Plants and trees come in an endless array of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, so you’ll want to make sure your selections complement each other as well as the surrounding environment. Tall trees and shrubs create vertical interest to draw the eye upwards, and lush plants and flowers display their beauty more at ground level. Container gardens placed around the perimeter of a deck or patio can also soften the rough edges of these hardscapes.

“When selecting plants, a big concern on lake properties is wildlife,” says Bates. “On Lake Martin, deer and beaver are public enemy number one,” he laughs. “You need to consider these things when deciding on plant materials and mitigate the damage. If they’re feeding on your plants, they’re not so charming anymore,” he adds.

Bates has had success with a lovely blooming shrub called sweetspire and most anything in the viburnum family for this southern lake region, including evergreen, sweet, and snowball viburnum. “Deer really don’t care for them like they do hydrangeas,” he notes.

Bates suggests native oaks, tulip poplars, and black gum trees for tree options that blend with the surrounding scenery, all of which tend to thrive with little trouble. Heartier evergreen trees like hemlock, fir, and spruce can tolerate colder climates and bring a magnificent forest feel to your lake landscape.

Go With the Flow

Photo courtesy of TripAdvisor

As lake lovers, we strive to preserve nature’s profound beauty by honoring the natural environment encompassing our homes. This is a good guideline to live and plant by as we face the challenges of impending global climate change.

“Lake environments tend to be forested environments,” says Bates, “so it’s desirable to create a landscape that blends and relates to it. And because forests are nature’s filter in keeping the lake clean, it’s a real incentive to have landscapes that transition gracefully into any undisturbed natural eco-systems.”

Bates also points out that a lot of wooded areas are thick with pine trees. The pine needles and natural ground floor filter the drainage, stop erosion, and keep sediment out of the lake—ensuring the water that flows to the lake is high-quality water, clean, and pure looking.

“If you have evasive vegetation like kudzu, you most certainly have to deal with that, but keeping the forest healthy doesn’t require much help from us,” he sums.

For more inspiring softscaping ideas, check out Pinterest. Happy landscaping this summer—we would love to hear about your planting adventures at the lake.

Xeriscaping Basics: Creating a Water-Wise Lake Landscape

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Mirage Landscaping

Those of us who love lake life know that water is a precious natural resource. We also know that enjoying a laidback lake lifestyle is far more appealing than spending hours on excessive watering and lawn maintenance. Now, more than ever, water conservation has become vital due to global warming, unpredictable droughts, and daily consumption by millions of people.

Experts estimate that American households use nearly 107,000 gallons of water per year, with about 50 to 70 percent to water their lawns and gardens. According to the EPA, “As much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.” The good news? Creating a water-wise xeriscape (zer-i-skape) for your lake home can reduce your water usage by as much as 50 percent.

So, what exactly is xeriscaping? Originating from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry, combined with the word landscape, it is an eco-friendly sustainable method of landscaping that will ultimately conserve water, help protect the environment, and require less maintenance overall—a win-win for all of us. Coined in the early eighties by a team of landscape and water industry professionals in Colorado, xeriscaping has become increasingly popular in all areas of the country—not just drier climates.

Xeriscaping 101

Photo courtesy of How Stuff Works

If you’re ready to embrace the idea of xeriscaping on your lake property, start with the basics. Developed by Ken Ball, ASLA LLA, a landscape architect who was part of the original xeriscaping team in Denver in the 1980s, the Seven Principles of Xeriscaping are a great guide to follow:

Planning & Design

First, sketch out a basic landscape plan on paper. Map out plant materials and hardscaped areas appropriate for your regional climate and include any water-saving solutions. For instance, plot out areas where you could replace turf with drought-resistant plants or mulching. Add stone walkways, a fire pit or barbecue pit, and any other desired seating and entertaining areas that may replace water-thirsty landscaping.

Strategize Turf Areas

Photo courtesy of Redfin

Limiting turf areas that require a lot of water and maintenance is an essential part of xeriscaping. Check with your local garden and lawn care center to learn more about native and low-water grasses suitable to your region and landscape aesthetic. There is no need to replace all your grass with mulch or gravel. Instead, think through how you use your yard and what best appeals to you visually. Consider using Bella bluegrass, a dwarf vegetative grass that thrives in warm and cool climates and most any soil type. It also requires less water and mowing than other typical turf lawns. Consider putting in low-growing ground cover, brick or stepping-stone pathways, or other more durable options that won’t look trampled down for heavy traffic areas.

Plant Selection

Photo courtesy of Habitat Network

Choose your plants carefully. Consider the location and grouping of your plant materials and make sure they are drought tolerant and don’t require excessive watering. Remember that plants needing more sunlight will be happier on the western side of your landscape. Also, consider the slope of your lake landscape, as plants requiring little water are best placed at higher elevations, and thirstier plants will catch excess water if they are set lower. When xeriscaping, native plants perform best, but you can check with a garden center for a list of plants appropriate for your climate, soil conditions, and available resources. For more ideas, visit Epic Gardening.

Soil Improvement

Remember that good soil equals healthy plants. Most soil contains a combination of silt, sand, and clay, but silt ultimately performs best for xeriscaping. Clay can sometimes retain moisture too long, and sand can allow too much drainage. Rich, organic soils encourage deeper roots, absorb water better, and reduce water runoff. 

Mulching

Adding mulch to your lake landscape is a relatively easy way to help your soil retain moisture, keep your plants—and the ground—cool, and minimize water evaporation. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also keeps weeds at bay. Choose from organic wood-based mulches like cedar, pine, and bark for sunny areas and stone-based inorganic mulches such as lava rock and cobblestone for shady spots.  

Efficient Irrigation

Make sure you know the water requirements for all your plants and group them accordingly. Some can thrive in drier climates, and others will require more water, especially when newly planted and establishing their root systems. Without enough water, roots will lose their foundation and become weaker. Save watering instructions from your garden center and monitor your plants closely. Automatic sprinkler systems and hose-end sprinklers can provide efficient irrigation for your xeriscape. Keep any irrigation systems low to the ground to avoid excessive evaporation and prevent water from reaching unwanted areas. Micro-spray, drip, and bubbler irrigation systems are ideal for shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Always check with a professional to keep up to date on the most current irrigation technology.

Maintenance

Photo courtesy of Lankford Architecture

When it comes to xeriscaping, maintaining your lake landscape is surprisingly easy. As pioneer Ken Ball once said, “The further you take a design from the natural environment, the more maintenance you have to apply forever. If you don’t, Mother Nature will reclaim the site.” Think of xeriscaping as a more natural approach to gardening and landscaping. Its very intent is to create an eco-friendly environment, improve sustainability, and cut down on overall maintenance, mowing, and watering. Of course, you’ll want to groom your plants as needed and promote growth by keeping your yard clear of debris, leaves, and branches.

If you’re ready to embrace all the beautiful benefits of xeriscaping on your lake property, talk to a local landscape professional or visit Love Your Landscape for more information.

Green Thumb Glossary: Need-to-Know Gardening Terms for Your Lake Home

Posted on Jeanne Delathouder
Photo courtesy of Bullis Photography via HGTV

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ‘green thumb,’ anyone who attempts to garden—from hostas to hydrangeas—needs to have some basic knowledge to get things growing. And as a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know a few lake-specific garden terms to ensure you get the most from your scenic waterside landscape.

We spoke with Peter Wodarz, the owner of Gardenbau Group and a landscape architect/project manager for Michael Schmechtig’s firm Sheldon Landscape in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-service landscape management company and its award-winning staff have served residents throughout the beautiful lake region for more than 42 years. Here, Peter shares—and demystifies—some of his top gardening terms and tells us why these are important to lake homeowners. 

Annuals

Photo courtesy of Lynn Coulter via HGTV

An annual is a plant that lives for just one growing season. You must replant annuals every year, as they will sprout, flower, seed—and then die in the winter. “Annuals provide seasonal displays of abundant color and texture,” says Peter. “Their colorful masses—mixed in with perennial borders and shrub beds— brighten the landscape throughout the season, and annual displays in containers bring a splash of color to front entrances, porches, balconies, and piers,” he adds. 

The advantage for many lake homeowners is that annual plants quickly display their color and hold it all summer long—the most common time for lake dwellers to enjoy their outdoor setting. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens and begonias are perfect for shadier areas of the garden. Marigolds and petunias are common choices for sunnier spots, and in the southern regions, they can provide three full seasons of color. Pansies, vincas, and zinnias are trusted standbys for long seasonal colors in warmer climates.

Perennials

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Perennials are plants that return year after year with little required care. These “forever” plants are often used to highlight the seasons as different varieties typically provide color for four to six weeks when in bloom. Woven together, they can form a tapestry of color.

“Perennials such as coneflowers, bee balm, catmint, and astilbe found in Midwest lake home regions provide easy care with long seasonal color displays,” says Peter. “They are perfect for those weekend staycation days meant for relaxing at the water’s edge and not toiling in the garden.”

Other easy-to-grow perennials include Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, hardy hibiscus, aster, Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, and moss phlox. When designing your lake home garden, be sure to plant a mix of varieties that will flower at different times of the year to ensure a continuous burst of blooms. If you’re unsure of what to plant, ask a gardening professional to recommend perennials—and annuals—that will thrive in your garden zone.

Native Plants

Photo courtesy of Julie Martens Forney via HGTV

“Native plants thrive in their natural environment—the region’s climate and soil conditions—and therefore require little care and watering,” says Peter. The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants as: “All indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat.” Life forms include hardwood trees, conifer trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and others. Generally, native North American species are recognized as those appearing on the continent prior to European settlement.

 “Native plants in the Midwestern region such as blazing star, false indigo, and blue star can attract birds and butterflies common to the area, adding movement and activity to the lake home lifestyle,” Peter adds.

These plants also create beautiful landscapes, promote biodiversity, and offer many environmental benefits, making them essential for lake home gardens. Large swaths of native plantings also provide habitat for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. For a list of native plants in your region, visit PlantNative.

Ornamental Grasses

Photo courtesy of Donald Pell via HGTV

Ornamental grasses bring a dynamic element to your lakeside environment. They sway gracefully with the breeze, color the landscape, and provide beautiful visual interest even in winter. There are many types and sizes of ornamental grasses that can punctuate your exterior spaces with tall plumes or large, vibrant masses low to the ground.

“One type of tall grass ideal for screening out unpleasant views is maiden grass,” says Peter. “Varieties such as ‘Purpurascens’ (flame grass) begin to flower in late summer and retain their showy plumes through winter. It begins to turn red in late summer, changing to a striking orange-red in fall,” he explains. Prairie dropseed is another outstanding ornamental grass that reaches a height of nearly two feet. Airy seed heads appear in late summer and dramatically capture the morning sunlight as it peeks over the water. It can be used in large masses or interspersed with perennials to provide contrasting foliage. To find the best options for sun and shade, visit HGTV.

Raised Beds

Photo courtesy of Hortus, Ltd./P. Allen Smith via HGTV

Raised beds are typically used to grow annual flowers and vegetable gardening. They help prevent overwatering and allow the plants to perform their best. Combined with a permaculture technique of using logs and wood chips at the bottom of the raised bed, proper soil moisture is much easier to maintain.  As the logs decompose, they act as a sponge soaking up excess moisture and releasing it when the plants need it. This makes the task of daily watering unnecessary and provides peace of mind when you’re out of town or occupied with friends and family.

“Raised beds typically warm up quicker, giving lake homeowners a jump on the season,” explains Peter. “They also deter slugs and snails, making pest management easier as well,” he adds. By merely adding fresh compost and not tilling the soil every year, weeds are suppressed, freeing up time to enjoy life while still reaping a harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers. For more information, visit HGTV.

Lakeshore Terracing and Viewing Terraces

Photo courtesy of Westphalen Photography via HGTV

One of the most compelling elements of any lake home is the view. When properly placed, an outdoor terrace provides a setting for daily activities while capturing that all-important vista.  

Lake homes are typically situated on a sloped lot, with the terrain angled towards the water. This can be used to the homeowner’s advantage to create a beautiful backyard terrace. Nestling the terrace into the hill can be done using a retaining wall of natural stone or other material, which will hold back the slope while also creating the opportunity to incorporate a seating area directed toward the water.

“Constructing the walls of locally sourced materials such as granite boulders or outcrop stone can help tie the area to its natural surroundings, making it feel at home in the landscape,” Peter explains. “You can reiterate this look in the materials chosen for your terrace surface as well. Large irregular flagstone pieces lend a casual lake house vibe, while patterned stone such as bluestone creates a more formal aesthetic,” he notes.

Nothing says relax more than a pair of Adirondack or lounge chairs looking out over the water. Having some moveable seating allows you to capture that perfect sun and water angle throughout the day, and incorporating a fire pit into your terrace extends the entertainment possibilities into the night. Bringing the elements of fire and water together make for a great gathering spot for friends and family. For more techniques on terracing, talk to a landscape professional.

Plants for Shoreline Stabilization

Photo courtesy of Sheldon Landscape

Many shoreline properties are sloped towards the lake and require thoughtful solutions to avoid erosion. Plants play an essential role in stabilizing the sloped areas by setting down deep roots. These plants work together to hold soil in place. 

“Plants such as Siberian Iris, fox sedge, and Joe Pye weed are valuable plants used to prevent soil erosion and add color to the landscape,” says Peter. “The Iris variety Caesar’s Brother blooms from late spring to early summer and has graceful grass-like foliage. Fox sedge is very adaptable and has a spray of bronze seed heads in late summer, creating a beautiful display,” he adds.

For more information, visit Solitude Lake Management, or contact your lake management professional to help determine the best plant species for your area.

Ready to start a gardening project at your lake home? Get growing, enjoy, and share your results with us!