The Perfect Garden

Looking for tips on how to design and execute the perfect garden for your home? Follow these four steps:

1. Know Your Space

Monitor your yard for a day to see the amount of sun each space gets, pick up a soil test at your local garden center, and use the U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone map to determine your zone. Hint: Woodbury is Zone 4.

2. Determine Your Time Commitment

The amount of time you spend in the garden can be determined by the varieties you choose and how you plant them. For something that wows without needing a lot of care, plant Jade Parade® Sand Cherry. This is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant shrub that’s a pollinator favorite.

3. Get Inspired

Not sure about what plants to use or what design aesthetics you like? Start browsing through garden books, blogs, magazines and social media.

4. Design and Shop

Grab a pen and paper, and start drawing out your design. It’s important to take into account how big each plant will get at maturity to ensure it has enough room to grow and thrive. When it’s time to start shopping, either in person or online, keep that design with you as a reference. You did all the planning, so now it’s time for some fun!

Gretchen McNaughton is the communications and content specialist at Bailey Nurseries. Learn more about care for your garden shrubs and trees at firsteditionsplants.com.

Abode

Living in Luxury

Don’t be afraid to get bold and use a few luxe materials or good “dupes” for luxury finishes. Consider using porcelain slabs that mimic an expensive Calacatta marble or polyester rugs that give the look of handknotted wool or silk rugs. If you have carpeting in the room, layer an area rug on top of the carpet to add interest, pattern and color.

Using sophisticated, rich colors adds drama and highlights features in the room.

Try painting your walls and trim all one color for a classy, yet custom look. Adding applied millwork, such as wainscoting or panels, to this look creates even more elegance. Statement light fixtures can also make the room look high-end. There are so many options available online that look expensive but aren’t. Curate a cozy effect by adding wall sconces for ambient lighting.

Choose rich textures for your furniture fabrics. Swap out that microfiber sofa for one in faux velvet, chenille, rich tweeds or boucle to really show off your style.

Look for gently used or vintage pieces, such as end tables or coffee tables, to look like heirloom pieces that were passed down from previous generations. Get rid of boxstore, “matchy” coffee and end table sets.

Add “jewelry” to the room by accessorizing, adding beautiful throw pillows, artwork and layers of texture. Don’t leave surfaces bare. You can easily find inexpensive accessories and art at retail stores, thrift shops or home décor websites. Have fun with it, and add your personality to the room. Expensive-looking spaces are always well decorated.