How can I bring this yard back to its natural beauty (pic)?

R.A.
by R.A.

I just moved into a home that has had an avid Gardener living here I'm not quite sure what to do with what I've got that exist preparing to make this a beautiful place again.

???

Would like all year round color

  7 answers
  • I would start by weeding the flower beds and identifying the plants you have.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Sep 05, 2019

    I would simplify the flower beds and use mulch and landscape cloth to control weeds.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 06, 2019

    Hello there,

    As a gardener myself. I would suggest you mow the lawn as necessary, with a grass box attached. Edge the lawn. Pull out any obvious weeds as they grow, but leave the borders more or less untouched to see what comes up over the seasons. Mark and label plants you want to keep and thereby become familiar with your garden. Once you have had the garden for a year, you will know what is a weed and what is plant, you will also have more of an idea of what you want to do - leave as is with maintenance or change some of it ................Enjoy!

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Sep 06, 2019

    I can't tell as it's posted sideways but it appears the bed next to the driveway is taken over by weeds. Remove them and see if anything comes up next season. Focus on removing the weeds from the bed at the back of the house.


    Take close up pics of plants you aren't sure of what they are. Take pics to a nursery (print them out so you can write on them) for ID. From there you can make a "map" of your beds and what plants are there so you know how to care for them.


    HAVE FUN!

  • Ellis Ellis on Sep 08, 2019

    I agree with the advice to pull obvious weeds, and wait to see what other things might be, or what might come up. But one other piece of advice: while you're waiting, pay attention to the light you get on each bed, and make a note of it. Some might be in shade all day, or only get sun for a couple of hours each morning or afternoon, etc. Knowing that will help you decide what to plant in each bed. The last picture, though it's sideways, looks like the thin green leaves are liriope, a shade-tolerant plant, though I can't be sure. There are plant identifier apps available for your smartphone, one I know of is PlantSnap, and there are others. You take a picture, and the app will identify the plant.


    Good luck, it's going to be great.

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Sep 09, 2019

    If you want the grass revived, start by dethatching. We had a yard that had been desimated by pitbulls. After dethatching and watering it began to fill in.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 10, 2019

    Green grass can look very nice, but it requires high maintenance to get and to keep it that way: fertilizing, weeding, clipping, spraying, watering, mowing.


    From the picture you posted, it looks as though those big trees are already interfering with the ability of the grass to grow attractively.


    In many parts of the U.S. due to water shortages and drought, green lawns are becoming less of the norm.


    If you have your heart set on lush lawn and are willing to commit to its upkeep, then by all means, go for it. Otherwise, I would encourage you to check into alternate coverings, such as mulch, rock, and landscaping gravel.