Discovering the Power of “Solution Gardening”
I love a good conference. Attending landscaping and gardening industry events keeps me up-to-date on the latest trends and innovations in the field. Last January, I had the chance to attend the Georgia Green Industry Association’s Wintergreen Horticultural Trade Show and Conference in Duluth, Georgia. One presentation, in particular, caught my attention – a session on “solution gardening” by the renowned horticulturist, writer, and speaker, Allan Armitage, Ph.D.
The term “solution gardening” was new to me, but as I listened to Dr. Armitage’s engaging talk, I realized that this approach to plant selection and landscape design was something I’d been practicing for years, even if I hadn’t used that specific terminology. Solution gardening, as Armitage describes it, is all about thinking of plants in terms of how they can be used to address specific goals and challenges in the landscape, rather than just as isolated, decorative elements.
Solving Problems with the Right Plants
Let me give you an example of how a solution gardening approach can work. Imagine you’re enjoying your morning coffee, admiring the landscape you’ve worked so hard to create, when suddenly, you spot a doe and her fawn happily munching away on your beloved hostas. Uh oh, you’ve got a deer problem on your hands!
A typical reaction might be to simply plant more hostas, hoping the deer won’t return, or to try some ineffective deterrents like hanging aluminum pie pans from the trees. But a solution gardening mindset would have you take a step back and ask, “What plants can I choose that will thrive in this location and won’t appeal to deer?”
By doing a bit of research or consulting with knowledgeable nursery staff, you could come up with a list of deer-resistant plants that would work well in your landscape. Perhaps you’d discover that native perennials like lavender, Russian sage, or coneflowers would be a perfect fit, providing color and interest while deterring those pesky deer. The key is focusing on the solution to the problem, not just the individual plants.
Meeting Specific Needs
Solution gardening isn’t just about solving problems, though. It can also be a powerful tool for meeting specific needs in your landscape. Say you have a wonderful outdoor space that you use a lot, but it lacks the privacy you’d like. You could go the traditional route and install a tall, solid fence, but that might feel a bit imposing and out of place.
Instead, a solution gardening approach would have you consider factors like the location, slope, growing conditions, and the eventual height and maintenance requirements of a living privacy screen. Maybe you decide that a row of strategically placed, privacy-enhancing shrubs or a lattice trellis with climbing vines would be a better fit, creating the sense of seclusion you desire while complementing the aesthetics of your property.
Fulfilling Wishes in the Landscape
Sometimes, solution gardening is about fulfilling a specific wish or desire, rather than addressing a problem. For example, let’s say you’ve always dreamed of having a cutting garden – a dedicated space to grow flowers for indoor arrangements and centerpieces. Rather than just randomly planting a hodgepodge of blooms, a solution gardening mindset would have you assess the growing conditions of the potential garden site, consider factors like stem length and vase life, and then curate a thoughtful selection of annuals and perennials that will thrive and provide you with a steady supply of cut flowers throughout the season.
By focusing on the specific purpose and desired outcomes, you’re much more likely to end up with a cutting garden that truly satisfies your floral fantasies, rather than one that’s destined for disappointment.
The A1 Landscape Construction Difference
At A1 Landscape Construction, we believe in the power of solution gardening. Our team of experienced designers and builders knows that the key to creating a thriving, functional landscape isn’t just about picking pretty plants – it’s about understanding your specific needs, challenges, and wishes, and then crafting a tailored solution that addresses them.
Whether you’re dealing with a troublesome problem area, looking to meet a particular need in your outdoor space, or dreaming of a landscape that fulfills a long-held wish, we’re here to help. Our comprehensive approach, combined with our knowledge, experience, and top-notch equipment, sets us apart, ensuring that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the landscape of your dreams.
Tackling Tough Landscape Challenges
Of course, not every landscape challenge has a simple, plant-based solution. Sometimes, you need to get a bit more creative and bring in some hardscape elements to get the job done. Let’s say you have a steep, rocky slope that’s prone to erosion – not exactly the most inviting feature in your yard.
According to the team at Eichenlaub, one solution could be to embrace the terrain and create a beautiful rock garden, complete with drought-tolerant plants that thrive in those challenging conditions. If a rocky slope isn’t your thing, they suggest considering the installation of retaining walls to help stabilize the incline and prevent erosion.
And what if your problem area is the opposite – a low-lying spot that tends to collect water and become unusable? In that case, Rocket Homes recommends exploring the option of a French drain to redirect the excess water and keep your landscape functional.
The Artistry of Solution Gardening
At the end of the day, solution gardening is about more than just problem-solving. It’s an artform that allows you to create a landscape that not only looks beautiful but also serves a purpose and brings you joy. By approaching plant selection and design with a mindset focused on solutions, you can craft an outdoor space that truly reflects your unique style, needs, and wishes.
So, the next time you find yourself staring at a problem area in your landscape or dreaming of a new way to enhance your outdoor living experience, remember the power of solution gardening. With a little creativity, a dash of expertise, and the right plants in the right places, anything is possible. After all, that’s the A1 Landscape Construction difference.
