By Aileen Carroll, UC Master Gardener of Napa County.
Planning ahead comes more naturally to some of us than others. I personally am perfectly happy to fly by the seat of my pants, while many of the people around me stiffen the moment plans change without warning.
Fortunately, when it comes to garden design, either personality type can succeed. If you are someone who likes to plan, there are a few important steps to take before you even place a plant in the ground.
First, study the sunlight. Next, improve your soil. Finally, think carefully about how you want to use the space.
There is a famous saying in the gardening world: “Right plant, right place.” The idea is simple. If a plant is growing in the location that suits it best, then most of your work is already done. Plant a shade-loving azalea in full Napa Valley sun and you will be trudging uphill, fighting against nature, and end up with a plant that never thrives.
Sun exposure is one of the most important factors for plant happiness because sunlight is how plants make their food. Ever wonder why that hedge in your neighborhood grows unevenly? There is a good chance each individual plant is getting a different amount of sun.
At this time of year, the sun is low in the sky and daylight hours are short. That makes winter the perfect season to observe your garden and take note of which areas remain shady throughout the day. Moss on the ground is a telltale sign of deep shade. The list of plants that grow well without sun is relatively short.
Also look for the warm pockets of sun where you naturally want to stand or sit, even on brisk days. Similarly, you’ll want to know the areas that get a full day’s worth of sun year round.
Spaces in your garden separated by mere feet can have drastically different sun exposures.
Once you understand your winter sunlight patterns, mark your calendar to repeat the observation around the time of the summer solstice in June. You may be surprised how differently light moves across your property in the hottest months. Even a small garden is full of microclimates.
Consider drawing a sun map of your garden that you can use to match plants to their “right place.” Plants located only a few inches apart can receive dramatically different light exposures.
While you are studying the sunlight over the next year, do some work on your soil. Many gardeners in Napa Valley must contend with clay soil. Gardeners in the Coombsville area often have rocky ground. Luckily the solution is the same for both situations. Organic matter is your best friend.
Compost mixed into clay or rock improves soil structure, increases air and water flow, and unlocks nutrients. Healthy soil is a living system with microorganisms, fungi and insects all working together. Do not despair if your soil feels heavy or full of stones. Both types of soil can become more productive with consistent care. The key is time.
Soil can’t be fixed in a single day. It needs to be fed regularly with compost, mulch and other amendments. Avoid weed cloth, which harms soil life and rarely performs as well as people hope. An annual application of mulch will yield far better long-term results.
Next, sit down and think about how you want your garden to function. If you love to entertain, you may prioritize having space for a dining table. If what you crave is a quiet retreat, design for that instead. Why plant large trees in a spot where you hope to place a lounge chair for sunbathing? Some beautiful plants shed constantly, which makes them poor companions for a swimming pool.
Pay attention to the paths you naturally walk in your yard. These well-worn routes often reveal where your hardscape should go. Nature is already guiding you toward the strongest design choice.
Now some thoughts for the people who are less inclined to plan. If flowers are your goal, take a simple approach. Visit the garden center once a month and buy a blooming plant that you love. Read plant tags closely and then do a bit of extra research. Many plants sold in our area are grown out of state or in climates that differ greatly from ours, so the tag may not tell the full story.
Choose your planting spot with help from an app like Sun Seeker, which uses augmented reality to tell you where the sun touches your garden soil throughout the year. Embrace the freedom to move plants if needed. Yes, you get do-overs! If something is struggling, you can usually dig it up and replant it in a better location. Some seasons are better for transplanting than others, so take a moment to do your research.
Lean on the expertise of garden consultants at your local nursery. They can guide you in the right direction in real time.
A garden can be meticulously planned or spontaneous. Both approaches can lead to a beautiful space, and in truth, most gardeners benefit from borrowing a little from both. When you listen to your landscape, observe the conditions and stay curious, good design tends to follow.
Workshop: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a workshop on “Winter Rose Care” on Saturday, January 10, from 10 am to noon, via Zoom. The workshop will highlight pruning techniques for all rose types, along with everything needed to make your roses a success. Reserve here to receive the Zoom link.
Workshop: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a workshop on “Starting Your Own Vegetable Seedlings” on Saturday, January 10, from 2 pm to 4 pm, at UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa. We’ll cover all the basics, including proper moisture, temperature and light for successful seed starting, and care of seedlings until they are ready for transplant. We provide some seeds, containers and soil; bring your own seeds if you like. Reserve here.
Workshop: Join UC Master Gardeners of Napa County for a workshop on “Winter Fruit Tree Care” on Saturday, January 24, from 3 pm to 5 pm, at UC Cooperative Extension, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Napa. Tackling dormant season tasks will reward you with bigger and better fruit this summer. Learn about pruning techniques, dormant sprays and how to plant a bare-root tree.
Attendees will be invited to a hands-on pruning session at a future date. Reserve here.
Help Desk: The Master Gardener Help Desk is available to answer your garden questions. Use our online Plant Problem Help Form or email us at mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. Include your name, address, phone number and a brief description of the problem. You can also visit us in person on Mondays and Fridays from 10 am until 1 pm at the University of California
Cooperative Extension Office, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa.