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This narrow backyard garden has non-stop appeal by incorporating all 6 garden design principals outlined in this article.

Last month we launched a three-part series on good landscape design. I wanted to address design issues that are specific to our Capitol Hill gardens. This guide will be useful to anyone who has ever wanted to have a great urban garden, yet some how, though try they might, their garden seems to have fallen short of greatness.

We have explored the important role that contrast, balance and symmetry, and repetition must play in the development of a great garden. Gardens that look well thought-out are. Simply throwing things into a hole never does a great garden make. With last months outline in hand, you are well on your way. Now we have to discuss the design limitations that every urban gardener must embrace.

You can have a great landscaped garden and patio if a little planning is done before the first plant is installed. When working within the constraints of a small space, there are several very important things that must be considered. The following list is important to any good garden design, but utterly indispensable when gardening in small spaces.

1. When do you want the garden to look its best? (season).
2. How much time can you dedicate to installation and maintenance?
3. Perennials vs. annuals.
4. Evergreen vs. deciduous.
5. Important elements: water feature, stones, statuary.
6. Structure and design.

1. When do you want the garden look its best? (season).
Perhaps the most common thing that people want is a garden that is at peak performance all the time. This is not possible unless silk plants are installed. However, it is possible to have a garden that has continuous interest. There are numerous plants available that add interest even in the middle of winter. The plants chosen will dictate when and how often the garden is at a peak.

2. How much time can you dedicate to installation and maintenance?
How may times has a great garden been installed only to die the slow, or quick, death due to neglect. When planning your space it is important to be realistic about time limitations that may exist. Plants need regular care not just the incidental, monthly weeding and fertilization. Proper installation and maintenance will turn your garden into a beautiful space.  There are many concerns that need to be addressed prior to installation. Be realistic, perhaps the best garden would be one that is maintained, for the most part, by a professional.  Do the plants need to be tough and low maintenance to fit your busy lifestyle?  Maybe you should take a gardening or landscaping course before setting yourself up for garden failure.

3. Perennials vs. annuals.
Simply put true Perennials return every year, may or may not require extensive care during the growing season, and usually make a better show with each passing year. Annuals are plants that provide a long lasting nonstop show during the growing season, and are not cold hardy to the region. (There are many plants that are considered annuals that are not in their native region). Once again the choice is up you, the gardener. Many people tend to create mixed borders therefore having as close to a continuous show as possible.

4. Evergreens vs. deciduous.
Evergreens are exactly what their name suggests; they have green vegetation the entire year. Deciduous trees and shrubs will loose their leaves with the onset of fall and winter.

5. Important elements; water feature, stones, statuary.
What are the elements that are important in your ideal garden? Take the time and do the research. There are many great, functional, scaled to town home size, products on the market. Remember that your space is limited and less can be more.

6. Structure and design.
What is the overall look and feel that you want for your garden? This can be decided by using garden design books. Taking the time to walk through neighborhood streets and get ideas from existing gardens. Imitation is still the highest form of flattery. You can take a class on garden design. You may decide to hire a landscape professional to consult, design, install, and or maintain your garden.

The remaining parts of this article are an overview of the importance of proper exposure, healthy soils and proper watering.

It makes no difference how well you address design principals if the plants once installed are doomed to die due to ignorance of these important design considerations.

Exposure
During the growing season improper exposure is perhaps the surest way to destroy a good garden quickly. Full sun vs. total shade and all the microclimates that can exist even in the smallest of landscapes must be considered. You will not have a successful sun garden if your exposure is northern. There are many reference books on the market, if you decide to do it yourself purchase one and use it. You can ask your garden center professional which plants perform in you particular situation. However, the exposure must be included in the design process if you want your plants to thrive.

Soils
After sun exposure is determined then your soils condition must be assessed. In the Washington area the soils tend to be heavy clay. This is not an impossible gardening condition. Clay is loaded with nutrients however, amending a heavy clay soil with compost and an organic fertilizer will greatly improve the success and happiness of your garden plants. Compost should be applied twice a year. Organic fertilizers can be applied according to the products directions. Make sure that you do not over fertilize. Over fertilizing can be just as stressful on plants as no fertilizing.

Proper watering
Watering must be considered. Proper watering will help to establish a healthy root system. Putting together a good garden design will not matter if the plants die due to lack of water. As a basic rule it is better to water deeply every second or third day when plants are newly installed, usually for the first two weeks.  If installing in the summer keep a watch on plants that have smaller root systems as they may need to be watered for the first three to four weeks every other day. Also consider the exposure, southern exposures will dry out quicker than northern. Mulch will help to retain moisture, add beauty, and as it breaks down increases the organic content in you soil.

Next month we will wrap our three part series on good garden design. The three articles are designed to help all gardeners achieve garden greatness. Enjoy.