Build a garden that’s more than just flowers

There’s more to growing a garden than just planting some flowers, giving them water and watching them bloom.

This year, help your garden stand out by focusing on a specific element:

Landscape: The overall landscape of your garden will shape how the plants and flowers grow. Depending on the size of your garden there are quite a few different things you can do. A small path made from rocks or designed tiles adds separation, while also giving you a safe place to walk when watering the plants. Adding more soil to create a small hill can add depth and a beautiful rolling effect for short, colourful flowers. Or if you’re feeling especially adventurous, a small pond with a fountain or waterfall adds a serene space to complement the colourful petals.
Garden landscape advice can be found nearby on Roblin Road at Shelmerdine and J&H Garden Centre, or on St. Mary’s Road south of the Perimeter at nurseries such as Lacoste Garden Centre.

Environment: Wouldn’t it be great if butterflies wanted to live in your garden? Planting native prairie wildflowers will attract butterflies to your yard, as they provide nectar as food. It’s important to also plant food for caterpillars, who will grow into several species of butterflies. Aside from plants, you can create a sanctuary by providing peeled fruit, water and shelter in the form of trees and bushes.

More information can be provided from the Living Prairie Museum. A great resource for filling your garden with beautiful flowers, fruits and plants can be found on Roblin at T&T Seeds. 

Accessories: Adding characters or statues can make your garden fun, especially for kids. A gnome or a frog come to mind - but you can create a whole world in your garden. Consider a miniature or fairy garden. You can add castles, houses, furniture and even little figures of your garden world’s inhabitants.

Photo credit: Steve Drolet

Whether it’s a sense of sophistication or whimsy, use your imagination to express your personal style in your garden.

Focusing on one of these elements will help you build a garden you’ll be proud of, and happy to invite your friends and neighbours over to show off.

Happy Gardening!