Have you ever noticed how some people's gardens look like pictures from magazines, while others' daisies even wilt?
It turns out that it’s not about money or time, but about one simple rule that professional landscapers keep quiet about.
Most gardeners spend years experimenting with plant varieties, expensive fertilizers and watering, but forget about the main thing - the balance between chaos and order.
Nature does not like ideal lines, but even an abandoned area quickly turns into a jungle.
The secret is to create a “controlled naturalness”: group plants according to their light and moisture needs, leave space between them for growth, but don’t be afraid if poppies decide to settle next to roses.
Soil isn't just dirt under your feet. Its composition affects everything from how quickly plants grow to how vibrant their flowers are.
Many people think that the more you dig up the soil, the better. In fact, frequent digging destroys the soil structure, kills beneficial microorganisms and earthworms.
Instead, try mulching: a layer of straw, bark, or even grass clippings will retain moisture, protect the roots from overheating, and gradually turn into fertilizer.
Mulch will also prevent weeds from taking over the area - check it out, and in a month you will forget about weeding!
The main mistake beginners make is to water the plants a little bit every day. This causes the roots to become lazy and stay at the surface instead of going deeper in search of water.
It is better to water less often, but abundantly: the soil should be soaked to a depth of 20–30 cm.
And never do it under the scorching sun - drops on the leaves act like lenses and leave burns. Wait until the evening or early morning, and your green pets will say "thank you" with juicy foliage.
Don't chase exotics. Choose plants that are already adapted to your climate.
Look at what your neighbors are growing, study the wild species in the area - they will definitely survive without greenhouses and chemicals.
And if you want bright colors, plant unpretentious perennials: peonies, daylilies, phlox. They will delight you with their bloom for decades while you relax in a hammock.
Author: Igor Zur
