A beautifully designed landscape not only enhances curb appeal, but also improves functionality and sustainability. From planting vibrant flower beds to creating functional garden paths, hands-on projects allow homeowners to personalize their landscapes while gaining a deeper connection to their environment.
Inevitably, some landscaping tasks will feel daunting, and this is where specialized expertise ensures long-term success. Complex projects like erosion control, drainage solutions and outdoor lighting installation benefit from the guidance of professionals.
No matter the landscaping project, The Good Earth Garden Center blends DIY enthusiasm with expert insight, offering the best of both worlds to help homeowners achieve a stunning and sustainable landscape. Their team provides tailored solutions that combine beauty with practicality, ensuring your outdoor space thrives.
Jennifer Gibson, horticulturist at The Good Earth Garden Center, offers some tips for common issues to get you started, along with insights into when calling in an expert can save you time, effort and ensure lasting results.
Credit: The Good Earth Garden Center
What are the most important daily/weekly tasks homeowners should do between professional visits?
Between professional visits, homeowners can keep their landscapes thriving by regularly checking for issues such as broken sprinkler heads, pest activity and weed growth, and addressing any issues before they get out of hand.
“Staying proactive with minor maintenance ensures your garden remains in top shape year-round. Our team can provide seasonal maintenance plans to keep your landscape looking pristine with minimal effort on your part,” Gibson says.
How can I create a landscape that remains attractive throughout the year?
There are numerous plants for both sun and shade spaces, and a well-planned landscape ensures long-term beauty all year long.
“The first step is to determine how much sun the area gets and at what time of day it gets those sun rays. The next step is to measure the space,” Gibson says. “Write down your goals for the space and visit the garden center or reach out to our landscape services team for all the options.”
How can I incorporate seasonal color into my garden to ensure year-round interest?
Adding seasonal color is a simple way to refresh your garden throughout the year. Gibson recommends planting warm-season annuals in spring and replacing them with cool-season flowers like pansies before winter.
“Seasonal color adds visual interest. The bigger the planting area, the more attention it will draw. Accenting throughout your landscape, with bigger areas near the entrance of your home or walkway, works wonderfully,” Gibson says. “Our team can design a seasonal rotation plan, ensuring vibrant color displays no matter the time of year.”
Credit: The Good Earth Garden Center
What strategies can I use to create functional outdoor living spaces within my landscape?
Your landscape should be as functional as it is beautiful. Consider traffic flow, focal points and comfort to ensure seamless integration into your overall landscape.
“Some families will benefit more from an outdoor kitchen and dining area, others would prefer an outdoor fireplace and a more casual sitting area. It’s all possible,” Gibson says. “Working with a landscape architect or designer on how best to incorporate an outdoor living space is key. They will understand traffic flow, focal points and how to best bring it all together for a professional look and feel.”
How do I enhance my landscape with energy-efficient outdoor lighting?
The Good Earth Garden Center specializes in LED lighting systems that provide consistent illumination while using up to 80% less energy than traditional options.
“Our team can design a lighting plan that highlights key landscape features, including uplighting for trees, path lights for walkways and downlights for a soft, ambient glow,” Gibson says. “With smart lighting controls, you can adjust brightness, colors and schedules from your phone, offering both convenience and energy savings. The options truly are endless.”
Credit: The Good Earth Garden Center
How do I manage sloped areas for erosion control and visual appeal?
Gibson recommends using well-chosen groundcovers to stabilize the soil while enhancing visual appeal. The Good Earth landscape designers can assess your terrain and design a custom erosion control construction plan to protect and beautify your landscape.
“We are fortunate to have a lot of hills in many areas of our state, but sloped areas can experience erosion,” Gibson says. “For sunny areas that aren’t under regular irrigation, consider hardy, low growing junipers such as procumbens, blue rug, greenmound or blue pacific. For areas with some shade, groundcovers such as Asiatic jasmine or mondo grass might be a good option. Depending on how steep the slope is, it might be helpful to add in strategically placed boulders or a terrace with natural stone walls to create planting beds that step down a hillside.”
How do I optimize water runoff and drainage for a healthier garden?
Proper drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and plant stress. If your garden experiences excess runoff, The Good Earth landscape team can help develop a construction plan to redirect water flow through strategic grading or the installation of drains.
“For example, if water is emptying into a bed from downspout off gutters, a possible solution would be to have that downspout release water elsewhere,” Gibson says. “The team can determine the main point of entry and whether it is surface water that can be managed through grading or the installation of drains. Another solution that can have a wonderful look is a dry creek bed. This involves working with the grade and existing water patterns to create a natural stone creek bed that integrates seamlessly into the landscape plan.”
Which tree species are recommended for vibrant blooms in the area?
Incorporating flowering trees can bring seasonal beauty to your garden. Gibson recommends dogwood, redbud, ornamental cherry and Japanese snowbell for spring blossoms. Summer options include chaste tree, crepe myrtle and little gem magnolia.
“For evergreen interest, large-growing camellias bloom in late fall or winter,” Gibson says. “Before selecting a tree, we evaluate sun exposure during different seasons and mature size to ensure optimal placement and long-term success.”
Credit: The Good Earth Garden Center
What are some specimen plants that can serve as focal points, and how do I care for them year-round?
Focal points draw the eye and add structure to your garden. Gibson notes specimen trees like Japanese maples are perfect for shaded areas, while multi-trunk sweetbay magnolia, chaste tree and yoshino cherry thrive in sunny spots.
“Our team can help you select and position the perfect specimen plants to create visual impact and harmony within your landscape design,” Gibson says.
How do I assess and improve the soil quality to promote healthy plant growth?
Soil tests will give you the information you need, from fertilizer recommendations to pH levels. The Good Earth Garden Center team conducts soil tests to analyze pH levels, drainage and nutrient needs. Based on the results, they can recommend and apply appropriate amendments to optimize soil conditions, promoting lush growth and plant vitality.
“Drainage tests are also helpful,” Gibson says. “This will help determine how fast or how slow the soil is draining. Once you know what you are working with, it’s a matter of matching a soil amendment to the situation.”
At The Good Earth Garden Center, professionals bring expertise, creativity and top-tier service to every landscaping project. Visit today to explore options and take the first step toward your dream landscape.
For more information, visit thegoodearthgarden.com/landscape-services.
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