New homeowners looking to renovate their gardens can find guidance in the advice of seasoned gardeners. As one homeowner, Grace Williams from Morton Grove, prepares to take possession of her new home in early January, she considers how to revamp her garden filled with overgrown plants. Balancing her vision with practicality, Williams emphasizes the importance of making tough decisions about existing flora.
Like Williams, many gardeners hesitate to remove healthy plants, a reluctance that can hinder the long-term success of their spaces. Williams advocates for a decisive approach: “Be ruthless in editing your new garden.” This mindset reflects a common principle in gardening: as tastes evolve or plants underperform, it is essential to adapt the landscape accordingly.
Making Bold Changes for a Beautiful Garden
When Williams renovated her first home, she removed all the plants in the front foundation despite a neighbor’s concern over the discarded greenery. “I did not like how the front looked and wanted to change it,” she said. This transformation allowed her to create a more appealing environment.
In her current home, Williams has also tackled invasive species like the Norway maple, known for its deep shade that prevents other plants from thriving. Over a period of three years, she removed eight large Norway maples, replacing them with more suitable shade trees, such as the sugar maple and ginkgo, along with new shrubs and perennials. The initial shock of losing foliage has been replaced by a thriving border that enhances the beauty of her garden and provides a habitat for local birds.
Williams emphasizes that aggressive pruning of overgrown deciduous shrubs can rejuvenate them, but many homeowners may find it easier to start fresh. Commonly found in home gardens, large yews often require extensive pruning to restore their shape, a process that can take several years. For those short on time or gardening experience, it may be more efficient to remove older yews and introduce new plants that align with their vision.
Creating a Sustainable Garden Environment
For Williams, the goal of her garden extends beyond aesthetics; it aims to be bird- and insect-friendly while requiring minimal maintenance. “Standing in the backyard and watching fireflies in the summertime is very relaxing,” she noted. Her low-impact approach has resulted in only one insecticide application in the past 35 years, indicating a commitment to organic gardening practices.
To ensure a successful renovation, Williams recommends reflecting on personal goals for the garden. Hiring a consultant during winter for rejuvenation pruning can provide valuable insights, with follow-up guidance in spring as plants begin to grow.
As Williams advises, now is the time to make bold decisions about unwanted plants. By acting decisively, homeowners can look forward to a more fulfilling garden experience in the years to come. For additional plant advice, the Plant Information Service at the Chicago Botanic Garden can be reached at [email protected].
Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, echoes the sentiment that a well-edited garden today can lead to a more rewarding outdoor space tomorrow. Embracing these strategies can set the stage for a garden that reflects personal taste and supports local wildlife for years to come.
