As any gardener knows, weeds are unwanted plants that compete for nutrients with the ones you’ve cultivated. In an effort to rid your garden of these nuisances, you may spend several hours weeding the front lawn of your lake house. However, before you start pulling any unintentionally grown roots, take a pause. Many plants that are considered “weeds” are actually not pesky at all. In fact, several of them have medicinal or culinary benefits in addition to aesthetic beauty. At Lake Homes Lifestyles, we’re here to help you identify which weeds to pull and which to leave alone.
The butterfly weed earns its name by virtue of its magnetic draw to butterflies. Its bright shades of red, orange, and yellow, attract numerous pollinators as well, including bees. They’re additionally referred to as orange milkweed. Despite their lack of characteristic milky sap, they produce seed pods that release milky-tailed seeds which disperse in the wind. Frequently appearing in home gardens across zones 3-9, the butterfly weed adds an interesting pop of color to any garden.
Like the butterfly weed, the mountain mint attracts many insects like bees and small butterflies. Its strong, fragrant minty scent attracts these pollinators to its nectar and pollen. Also most prevalent in zones 3-9, the mountain mint is home to a wide range of gardens across the U.S. The dainty leaves look like they’ve been dusted with powdered sugar, which embellishes any backyard with a sense of elegance.
If ironweed is growing at your lake house, it’ll be hard to miss. These flowers can grow from up to 7 inches tall, showcasing brilliant purple colors in the late summer. Most prevalent in zones 5-8, ironweeds are most commonly found in prairies and other grassland areas. Prior to gaining the name ironweed, they used to be called compositae flowers because their blooms are a composite of many flower types. Upon looking closely, you can see the distinct fusion of five separate petals in one cluster.
Although this flower is native to Europe, it now grows across mountainous regions of North America in zones 4-9. Also called leopard’s bane and mountain tobacco, the arnica’s large flower head, yellow coloration, and bright green oval leaves resemble a miniature sunflower. Besides its ornamental value, arnica flowers also have medicinal purposes. Although toxic when ingested, the flower can be applied topically to treat arthritis and soothe muscle pain.
Hardy in zones 3-8, the chickweed is a low-growing groundcover plant with medicinal and culinary values. Loaded with vitamins C, D, and B complex plus calcium, iron, zinc, and other healing minerals, these tasty greens can be ground into a nutritious pesto sauce. Outside the kitchen, chickweed has both external and internal uses as an antibacterial and antihistamine agent. Specifically, can be made into a salve that is soothing for healing burns and bug bites.
As a child, you probably made wishes on dandelions and watched their seeds scatter into the wind. But did you know that these shape-shifting flowers are one of the most useful and nutritious herbs? The dandelion has a long history of culinary and medical uses. High in nutrients, the leaves can be either boiled or eaten fresh for a rich, earthy flavor. From coffee to quesadillas, there’s no shortage of ways to use dandelion in recipes. Medicinally, dandelions have been used to treat inflammation, appendicitis, and stomach issues. Between granting wishes, flavoring food, and healing ailments, is there anything dandelions can’t do?
So, before pulling up every unwanted weed in your garden, take a moment to research the plant. Are there potential benefits — aesthetic or otherwise — that you could be missing?
A garden bed is an excellent way to add both aesthetic appeal and gardening ease to your backyard. In this style, soil is raised above ground and enclosed in some way, typically by a wooden frame. It’s a great way of working around less-than-ideal soil conditions in your backyard. Plus, you can choose the location of your plot, offering great flexibility. For the eager gardener, garden beds also warm up more quickly in spring so you can start your planting earlier. Overall, garden beds require less maintenance in the long-run — you can keep them mulched all year which reduces weeds, you’ll spend less time in a smaller garden, and this manageable look creates a sense of organization in your backyard.
If you’ve decided to make garden beds at your lake house, follow these steps!
Just like planting a garden on regular soil, you’ll need to consider all the elements before laying down roots. First off, sun exposure and soil health are key, so you’ll want to ensure that you pick a spot for your garden bed that covers these basics. Keep in mind that your garden will need 8 hours of sun in the summer, so be sure to scope out a plot uncovered by shady trees. If needed, you can get a soil test from your local Cooperative Extension Office to obtain a fuller understanding of what’s going on beneath the surface. This may be especially important if your lake house is an older building with paint on the exterior, in which chemical damage is a risk.
Once you’ve determined the location in your yard, the next step is to choose the frame size. Of course, this decision will vary based on the space you have in your backyard. But regardless of yard acreage, the most important rule of thumb is to be mindful of width. Essentially, you want to be able to reach every plant in your garden without stepping on other crops in the way. In general, 5 feet wide is ideal. If it’s against a fence or wall and you’re unable to reach both sides, aim for less than 2.5 feet wide.
There’s not one way to make a raised garden bed. They come in all different styles, types, and materials — it just depends on your preference, and what looks best in your backyard! Although you can use bricks, steel, or stone pieces to create your frame, the easiest material for beginners is untreated wood. For example, cedar is a widely available and popular material, known for its unique pinkish-red color and ability to thwart insects and decay. But whatever you do, be sure to stay away from treated wood. The infused chemicals could potentially seep into your plant bed and compromise your roots. For the actual construction piece, YouTube tutorials can be a helpful place to start, as well as step-by-step online guides from home improvement retailers.
One of the great benefits of garden beds is their independence from the rest of your yard. If you’re not satisfied with the soil in your backyard — perhaps soil contamination is an issue in your town, or the level of moisture isn’t right — a garden bed is an opportunity to start fresh. To keep your soils separate, the next step is to lay landscaping fabric along the edges of your garden bed. This water-permeable piece of cloth keeps the soil in your garden bed separate from the soil in your yard. Additionally, landscaping fabric discourages weeds and stabilizes soil temperature — a great benefit for helping your plants flourish!
To fill in the garden bed, you’ll want a good mixture of soil and compost. According to blog Homestead and Chill, the target recipe is 40% soil, 40% compost, and 20% aeration. Next you may have to do a little math. First, calculate the volume of your garden bed (multiply width by length by depth) then convert the amount to cubic yards to determine how much soil you need (check out this gardener’s calculator for more help). Finally, the fun part comes next — you can start planting! If you need tips on how to choose the best plants for your gardening zone, take a look at some of our previous blog posts. We cover tips about gardening in all zone regions of the country!
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If you’re a lake homeowner who enjoys gardening, you’re probably familiar with the U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zones. This guide, based on your region’s average minimum rainfall per year, provides basic instructions for how to garden in your zone. According to these guidelines, varying types of plants are native to different regions. For example, a palm tree won’t grow very well in Alaska, but they’re abundant in Florida. This is because palm trees are native plants in tropical climates, due to the environmental conditions that are conducive to their growth.
Previously on the Lake Homes blog, we’ve covered the basics of various gardening zones. While we have divided these instructions based on zones in the past, we’re now taking a look at features of specific regions. No matter what region of the country your lake residence is in, we’re here to help with some gardening basics!
First, we’ll start with the top right of the country. These small states that encompass New England and from Maine down to Maryland, is considered the northeast portion of the U.S. If you own a lake house in these states, the summer growing season happens in June. During this time, it’s a great idea to install bushes and perennials, as well as feed plants that are already in the ground using fertilizers. But it’s not just time for perennials — summer can also be a perfect season to “quick start” annual plants like zinnias and marigolds. If you’re unsure what native plants to incorporate into your garden, try out a Blue Eyed Grass, Swamp Milkweed or Shadblow.
Those in the southeast get to enjoy warm summers with humid, sometimes subtropical, climates. Good news for gardeners — these long and hot summers are perfect for most herbs and vegetables. In the southeast, vegetables actually can grow year-round without too much extra effort. For regions with long growing seasons like the south, it’s best to take advantage of this feature.
However, some southeastern gardeners advise taking a gardening break from July to August because many plants won’t be able to withstand the heat. For instance, fruit trees and perennials are best to plant in the fall when the heat isn’t as big of a threat. Additionally, during this season, be sure to water your plants in the morning so it has time to evaporate in the afternoon. Great native plants to grow in this region are arrowwood viburnum, pholyx, hackberry, and many more.
Midwesterners might be the luckiest gardeners. This region has some of the country’s most fertile soil, making the midwest a gardener’s paradise. Although winters can be rough depending on your specific state, the summers are typically long and hot — perfect for your lake house gardens. But despite the length of summer, you may need to supplement the lack of rainfall with irrigation through soaker hoses and drip systems. Especially during the summer, you’ll also need to weed your garden once a week. Just as your plants enjoy the midwest’s fertile soil, so do the weeds. In this region, cabbage, peas, lettuce, and cauliflower are fantastic vegetables. And let’s not forget corn — the signature crop of the midwest.
If you own a lake house on Puget Sound or another body of water in the Pacific Northwest, you know that a defining feature of this region is its amount of rainfall. The above-average levels of rainfall in states like Washington and Oregon lead to an abundance of lush greenery. Because of its northern location, you may have a harder time growing warm-weather crops like tomatoes. However, you’ll have much better luck with cooler-weather plants such as cabbage and green beans.
The southwest region of the country — Arizona, New Mexico, and surrounding states — shares some common features with the southeast when it comes to growing plants by region. Namely, the heat and long summers. However, one of the main differences is that in the southwest, the climate is arid rather than humid. This feature alone can make a huge difference when determining what to plant. The lack of rain and humidity makes low-irrigation techniques like xeriscaping popular. Pro-tip for gardeners at home — it’s best to water your plants in the evening so that less water evaporates from the sunlight throughout the day.
We hope this is a helpful starting point for learning how to plant in your region! When starting your gardening journey, keep in mind that while these regional differences exist, many microclimates can exist in the same region. For example, the northern and southern portions of a region may have very different groups of native plants. To make the most tailored choices for your lake house, use tools like the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map that provide gardening recommendations based on your specific zip code. From our lake house to yours, happy gardening!
As anyone who owns a lake house knows, landscaping is hard work. Countless hours spent in the garden, mowing the lawn, and keeping pests out of your yard can be tiresome. Plus, it takes away from your time enjoying the lake. On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve written about low-maintenance landscaping solutions to minimize your manual labor. Among these ideas, ground covers are a helpful yet often overlooked strategy.
As the name suggests, a ground cover refers to any plant that covers some part of the ground in your backyard. Unlike grass, ground covers don’t need to be mowed, which will cut down drastically on your work in the garden. So, that slope in your yard that’s too steep for a lawnmower? Or patches of dirt underneath a shady tree where grass can’t grow? Ground covers are the ultimate solution. Not only do they solve your landscape problems, but they’re also beautiful. For clarity’s sake, a ground cover is different from a cover crop. While cover crops are annual plants designed to die and provide mulch for your plants, ground covers are flowery perennials made to last.
If you’re looking to incorporate ground covers into your landscaping at your lake house, check out some of our favorite kinds.
Members of the mint family, bugleweed plants are a common ground cover in zones 3-10. These fast-growing plants are known for filling in shady areas where grass is less likely to grow. Their ability to spread throughout a landscape is also reflected in their species name, reptans, which means “creeping.” In warm climates, bugleweeds are evergreen but are most beautiful in summer. This is when their purple blossoms stand out in your garden.
These small ground covers, perennial in most regions (zones 3-9), are a popular evergreen choice. Most times during the year, the creeping phlox doesn’t draw much attention to itself. However, these small pink, blue, and white star-pointed flowers particularly shine in springtime. When planting these in your yard, be sure to cut them after flowering to promote a second bloom in the following year.
Reliable perennials, hostas make excellent ground covers across a variety of gardening zones. These ground covers boast tall white and purple flowers during the warmer months. At colder times in the year, their leaves are still stunning. Today, there are over 2,500 variations of hosta plants, making these some of the most popular ground covers. When deciding how much sun exposure to give them, you can use the plant’s color as a rule of thumb. A darker hosta will adapt better in the shade, while those with lighter leaves enjoy the sun.
Want a simple, timeless look for your garden? The sweet woodruff, which blossoms lacy white flowers in warmer months, is a popular ground cover for those in zones 4-8. Keep in mind that it can be an invasive plant in moist soil, which makes it harder to keep under control. However, the plus side to its invasiveness is that it’s very low maintenance. So if you don’t mind it overtaking an entire section of your backyard, this plant may be perfect for you.
For lake homeowners looking to avoid high-maintenance ground covers, sedums are one of the more forgiving plants out there. Their thick, drought resistant qualities, typical of most succulents, make them quite hardy. It’s no wonder they’re often named among the best evergreen ground covers. Sedums come in a variety of different species including dragon’s blood, blue spice, and lime twister. Typically found in climates with milder winters, these ground covers flourish best where it’s warm.
In a previous post for Lake Homes Realty, we presented some inspiring hardscaping ideas for your lakeside landscape. For part two of our feature, we’re going to focus on softscapes—the living, growing components of your lake property. Think of these as the soft horticultural elements of your landscape, like trees, shrubs, flowers, grass, and ground covers. To get some expert advice on how to plant in a lake environment, we spoke with Larry Bates, a landscape architect for Russell Lands and a 30-year resident of Alabama’s Lake Martin area, to get his top tips.
Before you select plant materials for your lakeside landscape, you first want to consider what will blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings and facilitate the enjoyment of your property. “By virtue of having a lake property, your home is situated within a natural environment,” says Bates. “The plantings should always blend with that environment and enhance the presentation of the house.”
Bates also suggests keeping in mind that a lake home doesn’t really have a backyard because it typically faces the water, and people will view it from the water. “This is not a backyard, so don’t treat it like a backyard,” he explains. “You essentially have two faces to deal with that are equally important, so you have to invest in both sides—the entrance from the driveway and the lakefront,” he adds.
By applying a few basic principles of landscape design—balance, unity, simplicity—you can create a softscape design that complements the natural scenery, any hardscaping elements such as patios, fire pits, and stone pathways, and your desired level of maintenance.
“If you’re a part-time resident, this isn’t the place for a time-consuming rose or vegetable garden,” says Bates. “Always consider the maintenance of your property and whether or not a yard service is an option when you’re away. Plan how you’re going to take care of your landscape—mowing, irrigation, soil care, weeding—and think through how you’re going to get it done.
Incorporating grass and other soft ground covers into your lake landscape brings textural balance to hardscaping elements and creates softness underfoot. “A lot of Lake Martin landscapes have grass lawns,” says Bates, “but keep in mind you don’t have to grass your entire property. It’s often more visually appealing when the edges of your property segway back into the natural environment with organic mulches and other natural materials,” he notes.
Bates recommends drought-tolerant lawn grasses such as Bermuda, Centipede, St. Augustine, and the ever-popular emerald-green Zoysia for warmer lake climates. “I like to use Zoysia whenever possible because it’s a very dense and durable grass that can withstand the heat,” he says. “In cooler climates, fescue or bluegrass lawns thrive well.”
If you’re looking for a grass alternative, soft ground covers such as sweet woodruff, autumn fern, creeping thyme, and creeping phlox can spread quickly and create a plush, textured landscape look. Ground covers typically require less maintenance, and some are ideal for sloped areas where mowing can be difficult. Use them to cover shady and high-traffic areas where turf grasses won’t grow or perform well. Some ground covers even work to choke out weeds. Always consult with a landscape professional when selecting the best choices for your climate.
When planning your lake landscape design, keep in mind that you want to achieve an ideal balance of softscapes and hardscapes for the best visual appeal. Plants and trees come in an endless array of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures, so you’ll want to make sure your selections complement each other as well as the surrounding environment. Tall trees and shrubs create vertical interest to draw the eye upwards, and lush plants and flowers display their beauty more at ground level. Container gardens placed around the perimeter of a deck or patio can also soften the rough edges of these hardscapes.
“When selecting plants, a big concern on lake properties is wildlife,” says Bates. “On Lake Martin, deer and beaver are public enemy number one,” he laughs. “You need to consider these things when deciding on plant materials and mitigate the damage. If they’re feeding on your plants, they’re not so charming anymore,” he adds.
Bates has had success with a lovely blooming shrub called sweetspire and most anything in the viburnum family for this southern lake region, including evergreen, sweet, and snowball viburnum. “Deer really don’t care for them like they do hydrangeas,” he notes.
Bates suggests native oaks, tulip poplars, and black gum trees for tree options that blend with the surrounding scenery, all of which tend to thrive with little trouble. Heartier evergreen trees like hemlock, fir, and spruce can tolerate colder climates and bring a magnificent forest feel to your lake landscape.
As lake lovers, we strive to preserve nature’s profound beauty by honoring the natural environment encompassing our homes. This is a good guideline to live and plant by as we face the challenges of impending global climate change.
“Lake environments tend to be forested environments,” says Bates, “so it’s desirable to create a landscape that blends and relates to it. And because forests are nature’s filter in keeping the lake clean, it’s a real incentive to have landscapes that transition gracefully into any undisturbed natural eco-systems.”
Bates also points out that a lot of wooded areas are thick with pine trees. The pine needles and natural ground floor filter the drainage, stop erosion, and keep sediment out of the lake—ensuring the water that flows to the lake is high-quality water, clean, and pure looking.
“If you have evasive vegetation like kudzu, you most certainly have to deal with that, but keeping the forest healthy doesn’t require much help from us,” he sums.
For more inspiring softscaping ideas, check out Pinterest. Happy landscaping this summer—we would love to hear about your planting adventures at the lake.
Those of us who love lake life know that water is a precious natural resource. We also know that enjoying a laidback lake lifestyle is far more appealing than spending hours on excessive watering and lawn maintenance. Now, more than ever, water conservation has become vital due to global warming, unpredictable droughts, and daily consumption by millions of people.
Experts estimate that American households use nearly 107,000 gallons of water per year, with about 50 to 70 percent to water their lawns and gardens. According to the EPA, “As much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost due to wind, evaporation, and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation methods and systems.” The good news? Creating a water-wise xeriscape (zer-i-skape) for your lake home can reduce your water usage by as much as 50 percent.
So, what exactly is xeriscaping? Originating from the Greek word xeros, meaning dry, combined with the word landscape, it is an eco-friendly sustainable method of landscaping that will ultimately conserve water, help protect the environment, and require less maintenance overall—a win-win for all of us. Coined in the early eighties by a team of landscape and water industry professionals in Colorado, xeriscaping has become increasingly popular in all areas of the country—not just drier climates.
If you’re ready to embrace the idea of xeriscaping on your lake property, start with the basics. Developed by Ken Ball, ASLA LLA, a landscape architect who was part of the original xeriscaping team in Denver in the 1980s, the Seven Principles of Xeriscaping are a great guide to follow:
Planning & Design
First, sketch out a basic landscape plan on paper. Map out plant materials and hardscaped areas appropriate for your regional climate and include any water-saving solutions. For instance, plot out areas where you could replace turf with drought-resistant plants or mulching. Add stone walkways, a fire pit or barbecue pit, and any other desired seating and entertaining areas that may replace water-thirsty landscaping.
Limiting turf areas that require a lot of water and maintenance is an essential part of xeriscaping. Check with your local garden and lawn care center to learn more about native and low-water grasses suitable to your region and landscape aesthetic. There is no need to replace all your grass with mulch or gravel. Instead, think through how you use your yard and what best appeals to you visually. Consider using Bella bluegrass, a dwarf vegetative grass that thrives in warm and cool climates and most any soil type. It also requires less water and mowing than other typical turf lawns. Consider putting in low-growing ground cover, brick or stepping-stone pathways, or other more durable options that won’t look trampled down for heavy traffic areas.
Choose your plants carefully. Consider the location and grouping of your plant materials and make sure they are drought tolerant and don’t require excessive watering. Remember that plants needing more sunlight will be happier on the western side of your landscape. Also, consider the slope of your lake landscape, as plants requiring little water are best placed at higher elevations, and thirstier plants will catch excess water if they are set lower. When xeriscaping, native plants perform best, but you can check with a garden center for a list of plants appropriate for your climate, soil conditions, and available resources. For more ideas, visit Epic Gardening.
Soil Improvement
Remember that good soil equals healthy plants. Most soil contains a combination of silt, sand, and clay, but silt ultimately performs best for xeriscaping. Clay can sometimes retain moisture too long, and sand can allow too much drainage. Rich, organic soils encourage deeper roots, absorb water better, and reduce water runoff.
Mulching
Adding mulch to your lake landscape is a relatively easy way to help your soil retain moisture, keep your plants—and the ground—cool, and minimize water evaporation. It’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also keeps weeds at bay. Choose from organic wood-based mulches like cedar, pine, and bark for sunny areas and stone-based inorganic mulches such as lava rock and cobblestone for shady spots.
Efficient Irrigation
Make sure you know the water requirements for all your plants and group them accordingly. Some can thrive in drier climates, and others will require more water, especially when newly planted and establishing their root systems. Without enough water, roots will lose their foundation and become weaker. Save watering instructions from your garden center and monitor your plants closely. Automatic sprinkler systems and hose-end sprinklers can provide efficient irrigation for your xeriscape. Keep any irrigation systems low to the ground to avoid excessive evaporation and prevent water from reaching unwanted areas. Micro-spray, drip, and bubbler irrigation systems are ideal for shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Always check with a professional to keep up to date on the most current irrigation technology.
When it comes to xeriscaping, maintaining your lake landscape is surprisingly easy. As pioneer Ken Ball once said, “The further you take a design from the natural environment, the more maintenance you have to apply forever. If you don’t, Mother Nature will reclaim the site.” Think of xeriscaping as a more natural approach to gardening and landscaping. Its very intent is to create an eco-friendly environment, improve sustainability, and cut down on overall maintenance, mowing, and watering. Of course, you’ll want to groom your plants as needed and promote growth by keeping your yard clear of debris, leaves, and branches.
If you’re ready to embrace all the beautiful benefits of xeriscaping on your lake property, talk to a local landscape professional or visit Love Your Landscape for more information.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned ‘green thumb,’ anyone who attempts to garden—from hostas to hydrangeas—needs to have some basic knowledge to get things growing. And as a lake homeowner, it’s essential to know a few lake-specific garden terms to ensure you get the most from your scenic waterside landscape.
We spoke with Peter Wodarz, the owner of Gardenbau Group and a landscape architect/project manager for Michael Schmechtig’s firm Sheldon Landscape in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. This full-service landscape management company and its award-winning staff have served residents throughout the beautiful lake region for more than 42 years. Here, Peter shares—and demystifies—some of his top gardening terms and tells us why these are important to lake homeowners.
An annual is a plant that lives for just one growing season. You must replant annuals every year, as they will sprout, flower, seed—and then die in the winter. “Annuals provide seasonal displays of abundant color and texture,” says Peter. “Their colorful masses—mixed in with perennial borders and shrub beds— brighten the landscape throughout the season, and annual displays in containers bring a splash of color to front entrances, porches, balconies, and piers,” he adds.
The advantage for many lake homeowners is that annual plants quickly display their color and hold it all summer long—the most common time for lake dwellers to enjoy their outdoor setting. New varieties of New Guinea impatiens and begonias are perfect for shadier areas of the garden. Marigolds and petunias are common choices for sunnier spots, and in the southern regions, they can provide three full seasons of color. Pansies, vincas, and zinnias are trusted standbys for long seasonal colors in warmer climates.
Perennials are plants that return year after year with little required care. These “forever” plants are often used to highlight the seasons as different varieties typically provide color for four to six weeks when in bloom. Woven together, they can form a tapestry of color.
“Perennials such as coneflowers, bee balm, catmint, and astilbe found in Midwest lake home regions provide easy care with long seasonal color displays,” says Peter. “They are perfect for those weekend staycation days meant for relaxing at the water’s edge and not toiling in the garden.”
Other easy-to-grow perennials include Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susan, yarrow, hardy hibiscus, aster, Siberian iris, daylilies, hostas, and moss phlox. When designing your lake home garden, be sure to plant a mix of varieties that will flower at different times of the year to ensure a continuous burst of blooms. If you’re unsure of what to plant, ask a gardening professional to recommend perennials—and annuals—that will thrive in your garden zone.
“Native plants thrive in their natural environment—the region’s climate and soil conditions—and therefore require little care and watering,” says Peter. The U.S. Forest Service defines native plants as: “All indigenous terrestrial and aquatic species that evolved and occur naturally in a particular region, ecosystem, and habitat.” Life forms include hardwood trees, conifer trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and others. Generally, native North American species are recognized as those appearing on the continent prior to European settlement.
“Native plants in the Midwestern region such as blazing star, false indigo, and blue star can attract birds and butterflies common to the area, adding movement and activity to the lake home lifestyle,” Peter adds.
These plants also create beautiful landscapes, promote biodiversity, and offer many environmental benefits, making them essential for lake home gardens. Large swaths of native plantings also provide habitat for wildlife such as foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. For a list of native plants in your region, visit PlantNative.
Ornamental grasses bring a dynamic element to your lakeside environment. They sway gracefully with the breeze, color the landscape, and provide beautiful visual interest even in winter. There are many types and sizes of ornamental grasses that can punctuate your exterior spaces with tall plumes or large, vibrant masses low to the ground.
“One type of tall grass ideal for screening out unpleasant views is maiden grass,” says Peter. “Varieties such as ‘Purpurascens’ (flame grass) begin to flower in late summer and retain their showy plumes through winter. It begins to turn red in late summer, changing to a striking orange-red in fall,” he explains. Prairie dropseed is another outstanding ornamental grass that reaches a height of nearly two feet. Airy seed heads appear in late summer and dramatically capture the morning sunlight as it peeks over the water. It can be used in large masses or interspersed with perennials to provide contrasting foliage. To find the best options for sun and shade, visit HGTV.
Raised Beds
Photo courtesy of Hortus, Ltd./P. Allen Smith via HGTV
Raised beds are typically used to grow annual flowers and vegetable gardening. They help prevent overwatering and allow the plants to perform their best. Combined with a permaculture technique of using logs and wood chips at the bottom of the raised bed, proper soil moisture is much easier to maintain. As the logs decompose, they act as a sponge soaking up excess moisture and releasing it when the plants need it. This makes the task of daily watering unnecessary and provides peace of mind when you’re out of town or occupied with friends and family.
“Raised beds typically warm up quicker, giving lake homeowners a jump on the season,” explains Peter. “They also deter slugs and snails, making pest management easier as well,” he adds. By merely adding fresh compost and not tilling the soil every year, weeds are suppressed, freeing up time to enjoy life while still reaping a harvest of fresh vegetables and flowers. For more information, visit HGTV.
One of the most compelling elements of any lake home is the view. When properly placed, an outdoor terrace provides a setting for daily activities while capturing that all-important vista.
Lake homes are typically situated on a sloped lot, with the terrain angled towards the water. This can be used to the homeowner’s advantage to create a beautiful backyard terrace. Nestling the terrace into the hill can be done using a retaining wall of natural stone or other material, which will hold back the slope while also creating the opportunity to incorporate a seating area directed toward the water.
“Constructing the walls of locally sourced materials such as granite boulders or outcrop stone can help tie the area to its natural surroundings, making it feel at home in the landscape,” Peter explains. “You can reiterate this look in the materials chosen for your terrace surface as well. Large irregular flagstone pieces lend a casual lake house vibe, while patterned stone such as bluestone creates a more formal aesthetic,” he notes.
Nothing says relax more than a pair of Adirondack or lounge chairs looking out over the water. Having some moveable seating allows you to capture that perfect sun and water angle throughout the day, and incorporating a fire pit into your terrace extends the entertainment possibilities into the night. Bringing the elements of fire and water together make for a great gathering spot for friends and family. For more techniques on terracing, talk to a landscape professional.
Many shoreline properties are sloped towards the lake and require thoughtful solutions to avoid erosion. Plants play an essential role in stabilizing the sloped areas by setting down deep roots. These plants work together to hold soil in place.
“Plants such as Siberian Iris, fox sedge, and Joe Pye weed are valuable plants used to prevent soil erosion and add color to the landscape,” says Peter. “The Iris variety Caesar’s Brother blooms from late spring to early summer and has graceful grass-like foliage. Fox sedge is very adaptable and has a spray of bronze seed heads in late summer, creating a beautiful display,” he adds.
For more information, visit Solitude Lake Management, or contact your lake management professional to help determine the best plant species for your area.
Ready to start a gardening project at your lake home? Get growing, enjoy, and share your results with us!
Lake living has plenty of mental health benefits. In addition to green space, blue space has a calming effect while the isolation from urban life reduces stress. And even better, leisure is good for you. However, these perks of lake life do not always guarantee freedom from anxiety. Even at the lake, stress and worry can creep in. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), one in five adults currently experiences mental health struggles. Whether this describes you or you’re simply having a bad day, one common lake hobby is likely to help — and that is gardening.
Not only does gardening beautify your yard, but it’s also great for your mind. In fact, there’s a whole subfield of counseling dedicated to it. Horticultural therapy is a professional practice in which therapists guide clients through gardening experiences. More intensified than home gardening, its effectiveness highlights the power of plants. Sarah Schluep, a horticultural therapist at the Horticultural Society of New York, says, “Home gardeners benefit from being with plants in a very personal way, but it’s far less directed or intentional than a horticultural therapy program.”
Even if formal therapy isn’t for you, it’s clear that having a green thumb is valuable. Check out these three mental health benefits of gardening that we’ve learned from horticultural therapy.
Whether you are adding fertilizer to the soil or replanting an annual, caring for a plant necessitates focus and attention to detail. The level of intentionality required in gardening has a calming effect on your mind by keeping you in the present moment. This attention to present-focused details is also known as mindfulness, a skill that is highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Schluep adds, “Plants provide us an opportunity to practice care and attention while also encouraging us to be more intentional with our actions.” This degree of focus required in plant maintenance facilitates mindfulness, and in turn, reduces stress.
One of the exciting things about gardening is watching plants grow. As a gardener, you are both an observer and a catalyst of your plant’s progress. This caretaking role can instill feelings of hopefulness, both for the plant and perhaps in your own life. Schluep says that in her therapy, she might ask her client, “As we remove the spent flowers to encourage new blooms, can you think of anything in your life that time has come to pass, which could allow new growth?” This question helps the client reflect on their own life. While you can certainly bring this introspective question from horticultural therapy to your gardening, it isn’t necessary. Simply observing a plant’s growth can increase feelings of hopefulness in its own right.
Have you ever finished a day of gardening feeling a little peppier than before? There’s a reason behind this. “Anyone who gardens is aware of all the good feelings that happen during and after spending time in the garden or caring for plants,” Schluep comments. “However, I feel that it’s relatively recent that it’s being spoken of in the mainstream.”
In one recent 2020 study from Princeton University, participants reported high levels of happiness after gardening. In fact, it ranked one of the top five reportedly meaningful activities, in addition to biking and walking. Part of this effect is chemical. One 2007 study found that a chemical in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae or M. vaccae releases serotonin when inhaled, which lifts your mood. This is the same chemical targeted in some antidepressant medications.
We all know that physical activity and fresh air are good for the brain, but we sometimes view gardening as a chore. While it does require hard work, the mental health benefits of gardening are worth the labor. So this summer, take a note from horticultural therapists and break out those gardening gloves!
On the Lake Homes Realty blog, we’ve covered a lot of landscaping topics. By now, you’re probably well versed in cultivating gardens that adhere to your USDA zone, as well as new low-irrigation techniques like xeriscaping. But have you heard of the latest trend — vertical gardening? Especially perfect for those with smaller backyards, vertical gardening makes the most use of the space you have. Think of it as the landscaping equivalent of New York City’s architectural strategy — when there’s limited space, build upwards with skyscrapers! Today, we’re diving into the basics of the vertical gardening trend and how you can implement it at your lake house.
In the broadest sense, vertical gardening is essentially vegetation growing on a non-horizontal surface such as a wall, trellis, or fence. Although it’s certainly a hot new trend, vertical gardening has been around since the beginning of recorded history. The history of vertical gardening begins in 3000 BCE with grapevines in the Mediterranean area. Whether for growing food or decorating homes, these vines were known for climbing up walls and trellises. Today, nearly any non-horizontal surface is perfect for growing vegetables, adding beautiful greenery to your landscape, or indoor herb gardening.
One of the most logistical benefits of vertical gardening is that it doesn’t take up too much space. If your backyard is small, or you’re living in a more urban lake area, you may need to conserve space on your property. The limits are your own property with horizontal gardening, but with vertical gardening, the sky’s the limit! From an environmental perspective, they also reduce your carbon footprint — a win-win for both you and the environment. Plus, your plants are more likely to thrive with added air circulation than on the moist ground.
There are also aesthetic benefits to vertical gardening. A wall of blooming greenery adds dimension to your backyard. In the same way that wall art rounds out an interior design, vertical gardening draws the eye upward and offers a holistic look. Plus, there’s no better way to disguise an unattractive wall than with a whole lot of ivy.
Have you ever wanted to incorporate greenery onto your boat dock but didn’t have enough room? Enter vertical gardening. For smaller spaces like boat docks, vertical gardening is the perfect solution. The same goes for your screened-in porch overlooking the lake. Further, vertical gardening is simply another way of showing off your biophilic design. This design trend embraces the natural world and also reflects the values of many lake homeowners who spend a lot of time appreciating nature.
There are tons of different ways to incorporate vertical gardens into your lake home. If you’re looking to get creative, try a DIY project. For example, you can simply re-pot your house plants into wooden crates and stack them on top of each other to create a farm-chic vertical garden. Less mainstream but delightfully creative strategies include succulent frames and monogrammed planters. If you’re not so crafty, look for an existing vertical surface to use. Perhaps you’re not so crazy about one wall of your lake house. Or maybe the fence dividing your home from the neighbor’s could use a makeover. Think outside the box with these vertical surfaces. We bet there’s a way to incorporate vertical gardening.
Whether you’re a gardening newbie or you have a green thumb, we hope you find some fun ways to use vertical gardening at your lake house!
