lake landscaping Archives

Flowering Shrubs for Year-Round Blooms

Posted on April 21, 2023June 12, 2023 Brittany Smith

Flowering shrubs to plant based on seasonality:
- Summer
- Spring
- Fall
- Winter

You work all year tending your garden, only for all your gorgeous blooms to dwindle in the winter. You begin to grow tired of all your hard work and dedication going to waste. But fear not, as today we’re going over 12 flowering shrubs to keep your lake home landscape filled with big beautiful blooms all year-round.

Each shrub thrives in different environments based on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones (see below).

map of plant hardiness zones — Photo courtesy of Gilmour.com

Summer

Oleander

This pretty but poisonous flower blooms beautifully in early summer to mid-fall. Although well-loved because of its fast-growing nature and drought resistance, be careful growing around pets and small children. Oleander can is tremendously poisonous if eaten.

Blooming season: early summer to mid-fall
Color: orange, yellow, red, and pink with dark green foliage
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: deep soak every three
Zones: 8-10

Abelia

Pink and white flowers with green leaves — Photo courtesy of Carol Robacker

A beginner-friendly plant, this low-maintenance shrub embodies the spirit of summer. Abelias boast many benefits as they resist drought when planted, repel deer, and their pest-free nature ensures longevity — and your garden’s overall health. This flowery shrub blooms through summer and into fall in shades of white, yellow, and pink.

Blooming Season: summer and into fall
Color: shades of white, yellow, and pink with glossy green foliage
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: fertile, moist, and well-drained
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: once or twice weekly; best to water once soil is dry
Zones: 6-9

French Hydrangea

You will capture the attention of all your neighbors and guests during the summer and throughout fall with the alluring colorful blooms of French Hydrangeas. The pH level of the soil affects the color of the flower. The more acidic the soil (pH below 6), the more blue the flower. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), the flower will turn shades of pink and red.

Blooming season: early summer and lasts until early fall
Color: pink, blue, and white
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: moist, well-drained
- Light: morning sun, light afternoon shade
- Water: three times weekly
Zones: 4-9

Rose of Sharon

white flowers with green leaves — Photo courtesy of Pennington.com

Add a tropical look to your lake home when you plant this low-maintenance flowering shrub. Its blooms begin in midsummer and last through fall with petals infused with blue, purple, pink, and white.

Blooming season: midsummer through fall
Color: blue, purple, pink, and white
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: moist, well-drained
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: weekly
Zones: 5-9

Spring

Forsythia

shrub with yellow blooms — Photo courtesy of Liz West

You will definitely add sunshine to your garden when you plant this low-maintenance, fast-growing bright yellow flower. Not only will they bring instant joy to your lake home, but they are also deer-resistant and become drought-tolerant when established. Although these blooms may start in the early spring and last for about two weeks, the color and sight of these beauties are unforgettable.

Blooming season: early spring
Color: yellow
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: moderately moist, well-drained
- Light: at least 6 hours of direct sun
- Water: regularly water until established, then give a good soak once a week if there is an extended period with no rainfall
Zones: 5-8

Azalea

When you think of spring, azaleas instantly come to mind. These colorful flowering shrubs are the epitome of spring. Bursting with colors of white, purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow, their blooms start in early spring and last through fall.

Blooming season: early spring to fall
Color: white to purple, pink, red, orange, and yellow
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: moist, well-drained
- Light: partial sun
- Water: once or twice weekly
Zones: 6-9

Bloomerang Lilac

purple bloomerang lilcas — Photo courtesy of The Spruce

Why settle to see your lilacs bloom once when you can plant a shrub that will bloom multiple times during the year? Bloomerang Lilacs, unlike other lilacs, bloom in the spring, takes a break, and rebloom again from July to early winter— hence the name “bloomerang.” This delicate pale purple flower can repel deer as well.

Blooming season: first bloom is in spring, takes a break, and reblooms again from July to early winter
Color: purple
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: rich, well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: once or twice weekly
Zones: 3-7

Flowering Quince

pink flowers with green leaves and branches — Photo courtesy of Monrovia.com

You will receive a two-for-one when planting Flowering Quince in your lake home garden. With a blooming season of early spring, this multicolor plant of red, pink, orange, and white not only brings life to your vegetation — but also produces crabapple-like fruit that tastes similar to a cross between an apple and a pear!

Blooming season: early spring
Color: red, pink, orange, and white with dark green foliage
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: deep soak once weekly
Zones: 4-9

Fall

Sasanqua Camellia

big pink flower — Photo courtesy of G ardenia.net

The stunning visuals of this graceful flora will leave you breathless with its shades of pink, red, white, and glossy green foliage. This evergreen shrub typically blooms in late fall and is drought-tolerant which can help it survive extreme wintry conditions.

Blooming season: late October and lasts through winter
Color: shades of pink, red, and white with glossy green foliage
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: moist, well-drained
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: regularly
Zones: 7-9

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums typically bloom in early fall and are popular options for autumn and Thanksgiving holiday decor. Coming in beautiful hues of white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, and red, this perennial flowering shrub can be placed in outdoor gardens as well as planted in containers.

Blooming season: early fall depending on zones (could be spring/fall or fall only)
Color: white, yellow, orange, lavender, purple, red
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: fertile, well-drained
- Light: direct sunlight
- Water: consistently and deeply; keep moist
Zones: 5-9

Drift Rose

With vibrant hues of pink, yellow, peach, white, red, and coral, this low-maintenance plant can catch your eye from anywhere. Their vibrant fall blooms start in October/November and last until the first frost.

Blooming season: fall blooms start in October/November and last until the first frost
Color: pink, yellow, peach, white, red, and coral
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: rich, moist, well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: weekly
Zones: 4-9

Teasing Georgia Rose

Your garden will be filled with the enticing scent of a sweet tea rose fragrance when you plant this shrub. Its delicate beauty comes in a deep yellow color with the outer petals fading to a pale yellow. This hardy plant’s blooms begin in spring and will continue throughout the fall season.

Blooming season: spring through fall
Color: yellow
Requirements to help plant grow:
- Soil: moist, well-drained
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: two to three times weekly
Zones: 5-9

Winter

Winter Heath

A must-have in your garden for the winter, this low-maintenance evergreen bursts with white and shades of pink and purple. Keeping the deer away is a primary perk — adding to the overall health of your lake home garden.

Blooming season: winter and last until early spring
Color: from white to shades of pink and purple
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: once or twice weekly until established
Zones: 6-8

Rosemary

If you are looking to keep those bloodthirsty mosquitos away, planting rosemary is the way to go. Said to repel mosquitos, their blooms last all winter in shades of pale blue, pink, and white. They also become relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Blooming season: winter
Color: pale blue, pink, white
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: full sun
- Water: frequently; once established, water when soil is dried out
Zones: 7-9

Winter Daphne

pink flowers with green leaves — Photo courtesy of Gardenerspath.com

Just like the name implies, this pale pink plant blooms in mid-to-late winter. The sweet fragrance from these beauties will fill you with warmth all winter long.

Blooming season: mid-to-late winter
Color: pale pink
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: thrives in partial shade
- Water: deep soak once weekly
Zones: 7-9

Winter Jasmine

Only seeing white during winter can be a bore. Pop some color into your garden this winter with this bold and beautiful golden bloom. Blooming from midwinter until spring, this flowering shrub keeps its color even in the cold.

Blooming season: mid-winter
Color: yellow
Requirements to help the plant grow:
- Soil: well-drained
- Light: full sun to partial shade
- Water: at least twice a week
Zones: 6-9

We hope you consider these flowering shrubs as potential options to plant in your lake home garden. Now you can finally enjoy beautiful blooms all year long!

Is Oleander poisonous?

Yes, make sure to be careful growing Oleander around pets and small children. It is tremendously poisonous if eaten.

Why do French Hydrangeas change colors?

The pH level of the soil affects the color of the flower. The more acidic the soil (pH below 6), the more blue the flower. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), the flower will turn shades of pink and red.

Do Bloomerang Lilacs rebloom?

Yes! Bloomerang Lilacs, unlike other lilacs, bloom in the spring, takes a break, and rebloom again from July to early winter— hence the name “bloomerang.”

What kind of fruit does Flowering Qunice produce?

It produces crab-apple-like fruit that tastes similar to a cross between an apple and pear.

Is a Chrysanthemum perennial or an annual?

Chrysanthemums are perennials.

What do Teasing Georgia Roses smell like?

They have an enticing scent of a sweet tea rose fragrance.

Is Rosemary good at repelling mosquitoes?

Yes! Rosemary is very effective at keeping mosquitoes away.

Does Winter Jasmine keep its color all winter?

Yes. Blooming from midwinter until spring, this flowering shrub keeps its color even in the cold.

A Guide to DIY Weed Killer

Posted on May 27, 2022July 8, 2022 Camille Smith

As any gardener knows, keeping weeds away from your prized plants can be a hassle. Even in the most successful gardens, weeds will creep into the soil and sunlight that your plot provides. Luckily, there’s a myriad of options for weed killers. However, many of the store-bought options contain herbicide chemicals that you may choose to keep out of your garden. If you’re looking for an all-natural DIY option, we’ve got you covered!

A Weed Killing Recipe

For a safe and effective weed-killing recipe, a combination of white vinegar, salt, and liquid dish soap will usually do the trick. The acetic acid in the vinegar and salt help to draw out moisture from the weeds, wilting them. To complete the concoction, dish soap serves as a surfactant which helps the plant to absorb this toxic mixture, instead of sitting topically on the leaves in beaded form. To create this mixture, just combine a gallon of white vinegar, a cup of salt, and a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. If you want to add some extra potency, try squeezing some lemon juice too.

Don’t have vinegar or liquid soap handy at the lake house? As an alternate DIY weed-killing solution, you only need one ingredient — boiling water. Its high temperature can help by killing the invasive plants down to the roots, permanently killing the weeds. However, you just want to make sure you don’t burn yourself in the process! Be sure to stand far away from where you’re pouring, and exercise caution.

Pros and Cons of DIY Weed Killer

Let’s start with the pros. With just a few simple ingredients, this herbicide is super simple to create. It doesn’t require a trip to the store, and it doesn’t expose your backyard to harsh chemicals. A win-win! However, one downside of a DIY solution is that it doesn’t get to the root of the problem (no pun intended). Chemical herbicides directly target the plant’s root system, while the DIY solution may require multiple spray sessions to finally kill the weeds. Despite its limitations, this quick, low-cost homemade solution is perfectly effective in managing a lake house garden.

When to Apply Weed Killer

Photo courtesy of Glen Carrie on Unsplash

To make the mixture most effective, it’s best to apply it to a group of weeds on a bright, clear sunny day. In the sunlight, the effects of your handiwork would be evident within a few hours. When you see wilting leaves and browning stems, you know the herbicide is working. Usually, they’ll turn fully brown before finally withering away.

Weed Prevention

Photo courtesy of Green Lawn Fertilizing

In addition to killing weeds once they’ve already sprouted, developing solutions for deterring weed growth in the first place is an excellent prevention strategy. Mulch is one easy solution that obstructs sunlight and prevents weed growth. It also retains moisture in the soil, carving out less watering time for you. Additionally, practicing good lawn care such as mowing at a taller height, regular watering, and checking on the health of your plants can be helpful.

When it comes to properly kill weeds, you might have all you need right in the kitchen of your lake home. For more gardening tips, continue to check out our blog!

The Best Types of Ground Covers for Your Backyard

Posted on July 22, 2021August 11, 2021 Camille Smith

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.

Bugleweed

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.

Creeping Phlox

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.

Hosta

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.

Sweet Woodruff

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.

Sedums

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.

From our backyard to yours, happy landscaping!

Xeriscaping Basics: Creating a Water-Wise Lake Landscape

Posted on June 28, 2021March 6, 2023 Jeanne Delathouder

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.

Xeriscaping 101

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.

Strategize Turf Areas

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.

Plant Selection

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.

Maintenance

Photo courtesy of *Lankford Architecture*

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.

Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips for Your Lake House

Posted on August 21, 2020March 16, 2021 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of salliehilldesigns.com.

There’s nothing better than a beautiful landscape overlooking your lakefront property. However, behind every polished garden is hours of intense gardening work. What if you want a gorgeous backyard at your lake home, but don’t want all the labor? Fortunately, there are several ways to practice low maintenance landscaping. Check out our tips below.

Use Hardscapes

Who says that your landscape has to be completely green? Hardscapes are a great way to add variety and dimension to your outdoor space. As a simple first step into hardscaping, you can customize your yard with one of these DIY stone walkways. For a more classic garden, choose a brick path. If you’re seeking an artistic flare, create a mosaic trail. It all depends on your taste.

Additionally, hardscapes make excellent outdoor dining areas and outdoor kitchens. Once you’ve laid the floor material, add a dining table and chairs, a grill, and a fire pit, and you’re all set. Nothing beats grilling burgers while looking out at your lake view.

Plant Perennials

It’s best for low maintenance landscaping to reduce the amount of time you spend with gardening gloves and a shovel in hand. Annual plants are a hassle because you have to replant every season. By contrast, perennials only require one planting session. Because they grow back naturally each season, you can enjoy watching them grow without the heavy lifting. When picking perennials for your garden, make sure you choose native plants acclimated to your climate. Of course, make sure you plant according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones. If you live in a warm climate in Zones 7-9, it’s helpful to select heat-tolerant perennials like Russian sage and lavender. Both are low maintenance and attract pollinators that help your garden flourish.

Get Ground Covers

It’s no secret that grass is high maintenance. As gardener Peter Weeks writes in The Daily Gardener, most people mow their lawn once a week. This task is exhausting and time-consuming. To reduce the square footage of your yard that requires mowing, consider planting ground covers. These plants sit close to the earth and spread out across your landscape. Not only will they replace grass as a lawn cover, but they also add color and interesting texture. Further, they do not require frequent watering. Although typical ground covers like succulents cost more than grass seeds in the short term, they’ll save you both money and energy in the long run.

Try Xeriscaping Techniques

If you don’t live in a dry climate, you may not have heard of xeriscaping. This low maintenance landscaping practice involves selecting plants that require little to no irrigation. In desert areas with sparse rainfall, this practice is perfect for creating a low-maintenance yard. Xeriscaping is also beneficial to the environment, as it reduces water waste and creates a more sustainable landscape. Even if your climate is humid, you can still borrow xeriscaping techniques to build a low maintenance garden. For example, try choosing hardy, water-wise plants such as aloe or Pride of Madeira. While you’re planting, replace the surrounding grass with rocks and mulch– a common xeriscaping practice.

In comparison to grass, mulch is lower maintenance, provides natural fertilizer, and chokes weeds. To further reduce water waste, ditch the watering can, and install irrigation systems under the soil. With this tool, water travels directly to your plants instead of scattering across the leaves. This way, you aren’t using a drop more than necessary.

Group Plants Wisely

When designing subsections of your garden, it’s tempting to focus solely on aesthetics. The plant by number technique creates visual appeal, and bold color combinations leave guests in awe. While there’s nothing wrong with prioritizing beauty, grouping plants based on similar needs is an easy gardening hack to create a low maintenance garden. Specifically, try groupings based on specific growing conditions like sunlight need, shade requirements, and tolerance of wet and dry soil. This easy shortcut will simplify the maintenance process, and you’ll always be able to remember which areas of your garden need more care than others. Once you’ve grouped plants according to these conditions, then you can focus on looks.

We hope these tips will help with your low-maintenance landscaping practices. After all, we’d all rather spend time admiring our lakeside landscapes than working in them.

Sustainable Scapes: Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Solutions

Posted on June 25, 2020June 17, 2020 Camille Smith

Imagine your dream landscape in the backyard of your lake house. Maybe the freshly cut grass is a vibrant shade of green, your flowers and shrubs are perfectly manicured, and a sprinkler is installed to keep everything looking fresh. However, this vision of a perfect green space may not actually be sustainable. Andrew Gabries, the owner of Go Green Lawn and Pest Control, warns, “A yard that looks good but isn’t healthy is difficult to maintain.” Despite the green grass appeal, it’s best to design an environmentally friendly landscape. Fortunately, there are several solutions to creating a beautiful — and eco-friendly — backyard at your lake house.

Reduce Water Use

Despite long showers and multiple dishwasher runs, most residential water usage is concentrated outside the home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical American household uses 320 gallons of water per day. Further, 30% of this amount is used for outdoor purposes like landscaping. In dry climates like the Southwest, this number increases to 60%. Simply put, this common practice is wasteful.

In contrast to popular opinion, you don’t need to water grass daily. By watering less, utilizing hardscapes, and planting artificial grass, you can reduce the amount of water waste at your home. At the end of the day, even though bright green grass might look ideal, grass with slight brown tones is healthier.

Choose Native Plants

Planting non-native flowers and shrubs may add a fun, exotic flair to your garden. However, they are not likely to flourish without manually engineering the environment. This is not helpful for environmentally friendly landscaping. Pablo Solomon, environmentalism leader and science consultant for the U.S. Department of Education, advises, “Whenever possible, use local natural plants and trees in your landscaping. This will reduce watering and dependence on herbicides or pesticides.” For example, lupines and willowherbs are native to Lake George in New York, while crown beards and evening primroses will grow naturally at Lake Lanier in Georgia. If you aren’t sure which plants are native to your lake area, the National Wildlife Federation created an interactive Native Plant Finder tool to help.

Reconsider the Lawnmower

Photo courtesy of The Wall Street Journal.

Although many lake homeowners have a standard gas lawn mower on hand at their properties, these tools emit fuels that can be toxic to the environment. Further, at a lake property, landscaper Steve Ambrose comments, “These fuels can easily float in the air and into the lake as vapor, even if you are far above the water.” Luckily, there are several environmentally-friendly alternatives to the traditional gas lawnmower. Solomon advises gardeners to “use hand tools if your time and health allow. You not only help the environment but stay in shape as well.”

However, if you don’t have the time or physical capabilities for hand tools, electric mowers are another great environmentally friendly solution. Ambrose adds, “Electric maintenance equipment saves on fossil fuels and pollution, but also cuts down enormously on noise pollution.” You may even consider investing in an automatic electric mower. With this tool that essentially functions as a Roomba for your landscape, there’s no need to expend energy. It’s also best to mow the lawn at midday, just after the morning dew has set in, and the grass can dry and heal throughout the day before nighttime.

Don’t Spoil the Soil

Many gardeners add chemicals to their soil to foster plant growth. However, these chemicals are rarely necessary and negatively impact the environment. If you’re unsure, you can test the soil in your backyard to see if chemicals are needed. If it turns out that your soil needs some fertilizer, opt for a natural choice such as adding mulch to plant beds. Ambrose comments, “I would stick to entirely organic naturally occurring fertilizers and see if the soil that is directly next to the lake can go unfertilized.” Gabries compares a landscape to your own food intake as a human: “The more organic products you consume, the better the results tend to be.”

Why Go Green?

For any homeowner, choosing environmentally friendly landscaping techniques benefits wildlife, reduces air and soil pollution, and creates less work for you as a gardener. However, lake homeowners specifically have a greater calling to go green. Ambrose explains, “Lakeside properties are a lot harder to be environmentally friendly with, but the responsibility is far greater. Usually, a house on a lake has water access, but the water actually belongs to the state. You will need to be careful to be a good citizen.” So, next time you think about turning on the sprinkler or the gas lawn mower, keep in mind that a perfectly polished lawn doesn’t always equate to sustainability. When it comes to landscaping, aim for natural beauty. Your plants will thank you.

A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 1-3

Posted on May 21, 2020November 10, 2020 Camille Smith

Photo courtesy of Country Gardens Magazine.

If you have a garden at your lake house, you’re probably familiar with the Plant Hardiness Zones. Designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this guide separates the country into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperature. Each zone is split by 10 degrees and has its unique features, such as the first and last frost date and length of seasons. This helpful tool clarifies which plants will thrive in your garden. For example, if you’re a gardener in zones 1-3, the Plant Hardiness Zones will warn you against planting a peach tree in your garden, which wouldn’t flourish outside the southernmost zones.

If you’ve been browsing the Lake Homes blog in the last few months, you may have caught the first two articles in our series on gardening zones. While the first two covered zones 7-9 and zones 4-6, we’re now turning the spotlight on the coldest areas of the U.S. — zones 1-3.

Region Characteristics

In zones 1-3, the average annual minimum temperature is between -60 degrees and -30 degrees Fahrenheit with zone 1 being the coldest. Most of zone 1 is located in Alaska, where the tundra climate can be especially harsh for gardening. In zones 2 and 3, which include the northernmost United States and high altitude areas, these low temperatures also present a challenge for gardeners. Due to the unforgiving weather, it’s crucial to consult the Plant Hardiness Zones to determine which plants are most likely to survive the winter in your garden. Aside from temperature, these regions also tend to have low moisture and high winds, creating more barriers to plant survival.

Main Takeaways

Due to the harsh features of these regions, northern gardeners’ planting window is shorter than those in other zones. Kevin Espiritu, the founder of Epic Gardening, clarifies, “Gardeners in zones 1-3 have about 2 months to plant, and that’s it.” If you’re living in these zones, it’s crucial to take advantage of this brief time. Luckily, certain types of gardening can help. Scott Fanello, a writer for Total Gardener, advises those in zones 1-3 to master cold-frame gardening. With this simple structure that utilizes insulation and solar energy, you can create a microclimate for your plants. He also recommends building a greenhouse at your lake home if you have the money and time. Despite these challenges, life in zones 1-3 isn’t all bad. Espiritu notes that one advantage to growing plants in Alaska is their long summers (almost 20 hours per day of sunlight), causing gardeners in this region to break records in terms of large vegetables.

Plants to Pick

Due to the harsh weather conditions, the best plants to choose in zones 1-3 are tough ones that can survive droughts. It’s also best to select native plants that are already adapted to the climate. Thankfully, several plants are hardy enough to thrive in this cold, dry weather. Nikki McAteer, marketing director of Perfect Plants Nursery, comments, “Only a handful of perennial plants will grow outside and come back year after year. Planting annuals is a great solution to these punishing temperatures.”

In contrast to perennials that need more maintenance, annuals are less of a commitment. Most vegetables are grown as annuals, so plants like beans, broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes have a good chance of survival in zones 1-3. Fanello recommends focusing on fast-growing annuals in particular. Some examples include salad greens and herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. Overall, it’s helpful to pick plants with a short growing season so they’ll mature and be ready for harvest in the 2-month window that these zones offer.

Despite the harsh weather in zones 1-3, northern gardeners are quite savvy when it comes to working with what they have. If you own a lake house in these zones, we hope these tips help your garden flourish. It’s also a great idea to connect with other gardeners in your zone through meetups, Facebook groups, and local farmer’s markets. Plus, with all the available vegetable options in these northern zones, you’ll always have something to add to your homemade salad!

A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 7-9

Posted on March 6, 2020August 4, 2021 Camille Smith

If you have a garden at your lake house, you’ll know that there are several important factors to consider when planting something new. First and foremost, plants have certain temperatures that cause them to thrive and others that cause them to wither. For example, you might find palm trees near a lake in Florida — these plants flourish in warm climates, but they would not withstand northern winters. To determine how to plant by certain climates, gardeners rely on the Plant Hardiness Zones as their foundation.

USDA plant hardiness zone map — Photo courtesy of United States Department of Agriculture.

Based on the average annual minimum temperature, there are nine different zones in the United States. Each zone is an average of 10 degrees Fahrenheit difference than the previous one. For instance, Alabama lies in Zone 8, where the temperature can drop as low as 10 to 20 degrees in extreme conditions. By contrast, parts of Minnesota and Nebraska are in Zone 3, where the coldest winters can hit -30 to -40 degrees. While the Plant Hardiness Zones do not tell the whole story of a climate, they do serve as an important tool for both seasoned and newbie gardeners. The Zones are so integral that they deserve a three-article series from Lake Homes.

First, we’ll be taking a look at the warmer climates in Zones 7-9.

4 Best Plants to Prevent Bugs at Your Lake Home

Posted on May 29, 2019August 7, 2019 Staff

Bugs: nature’s biggest nuisances. While some – like bees, praying mantises and ladybugs – are helpful to the environment, others can be a real buzz kill during lake season.

These four plants will not only spruce up your curb appeal but also help keep pests from ruining your fun in the sun. So, check out this list of the four best plants to prevent bugs at your home, and get growing!

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, often used for medicinal purposes in teas and as a cooking spice, is a surprisingly effective mosquito repellent.

These plants — characterized by tubular stocks, a bulbous base and blade-like leaves — contain citronella oil.

This essential oil works by masking smells insects (like mosquitoes) find attractive.

In people, these attractive aromas include carbon dioxide, which we produce by exhaling, and some chemicals found in human sweat.

Lemongrass is a warm-weather plant, which requires full sunlight for six to eight hours a day to thrive.

If planting lemongrass in a garden, be sure to spread plants several feet apart to allow optimal growth.

If you’re planting lemongrass in an area where temperatures drop to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, grow the herb in a planter rather than in the ground. That way, you can take the plants inside during the winter to avoid freezing.

Also water your lemongrass plants regularly, as they are prone to drying out when left unattended, and keep them in nutrient-rich soil that drains well.

Chrysanthemums

Members of the daisy family, chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors making them perfect for brightening your yard and, even better, preventing bugs from encroaching on your good time.

These flowering plants are characterized by the shape of their petals. Some chrysanthemums feature thick, rounded flowers while others feature tubular petals that stick out like spikes.

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, commonly found in natural pesticides. This chemical is effective at repelling, and even killing, such insects as ants, fleas, ticks and roaches.

To grow your own, be sure to plant your flowers where they will receive between 5 and 6 hours of sunlight daily.

You should also avoid planting your chrysanthemums in low-lying areas that may collect water, or in damp window boxes, because they are susceptible to mildewing.

Rosemary

Like lemongrass, rosemary is another cooking herb that does well to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also similar to lemongrass, rosemary puts off a strong aromatic smell that masks those that attract such insects.

Experts recommend throwing a few sprigs of rosemary on the grill while cooking out to not only enhance the flavor of your meal, but also to drive flies and other bugs away with the smoke.

Rosemary is a perennial, shrub-like plant that is best grown when potted. This herb can survive in a wide range of temperatures and sunlight and can grow up to four feet tall. Rosemary also produces small, indigo-colored flowers.

You can harvest up to a third of a rosemary stem at a time. Once harvested, you can dry your rosemary stems to use later in cooking, teas and in bug repelling.

Petunias

Vibrant colored petunias are effective at deterring a number of insects including aphids and different types of beetles.

There are two types of this flower: grandiflora and multiflora.

When planting petunias at the lake, consider planting the latter type to prevent bugs at your home.

Distinguished by numerous small buds, multiflora petunias are not as susceptible to wet conditions as grandiflora.

It’s best to start growing your petunias from transplants; however, should you grow them straight from the seed, pot and grow your flowers inside until they can be transplanted.

Petunias are perennials, like rosemary, which means you and your lake home guests can enjoy them year-round.

They don’t require much watering and can grow in partial shade, though the plant will produce fewer flowers than if it were grown in the sun.

The most popular varieties of this flower include Petunia Plus Reds, also known as the hummingbird petunia, and Suncatcher Pink Lemonade petunias, which feature a yellowy center with a pink rim.