Creating an Appeal for Your Garden and Landscapes
While planning a garden will create interest and beauty for that drab or dull area it is good to have a design that will give that WOW. Too often in the planning or designing process, it is never considered that the ground itself can further enhance the appearance of our garden design by shaping it in such a way that will not only create beauty but interest.
I have seen such designs over the years and to be honest with you these designs were really eye-catching taking those gardens and landscapes to the next level.
How then do we create this interest? it is with the help of creating a landscaping berm which we will be discussing. We will also be looking at the benefits of having such berms as a part of our overall landscape and garden designs.
The advantages of creating a garden berm
1. A berm can create beauty and interests.
2. Creating a berm or a mound can help to protect plants that are drought tolerant from soils that have poor drainage.
3. Berms bring that line of separation which creates interest when installing garden plants.
4. Creating a berm adds that continues flow which can cause an eye-popping design that enhances the overall feel and looks.
5. Berms can tie your garden design together.
6. Creating a berm can rise low-growing plants bringing them to an elevation that can be viewed easily.
Designing your berm
Designing your berm is the first step moving forward, The overall design should consist of the style and the size, also the drainage pattern of your garden berm should be considered. Your berms should be constructed in such a way as to complement the rest of your landscape.
Tools you will need
- Garden Hose
- Spade Shovel
- Landscaping spray paint
- Fill Dirt
- Top Soil
- Wheel Burrow
- Steel Rake
How to build a berm?
1. To start with you have chosen the area where you want to install your berm. Next, visualize or sketch on a piece of paper the design or pattern of your berm then with a garden hose lay it on the soil surface and shape the pattern or design of your berm.
If you are planning on installing a berm in your lawn area then follow the same method as in step one but with landscape spray paint go around the edges of the hose in a spray pattern.
After you have marked the pattern remove the hose and with a sod cutter or spade shovel dig or cut into the sod following the spray paint marker as you remove the sod.
If you are working only with soil and not sod the same applies when removing the soil.
2. With a garden spade shovel begin to remove the soil.
3. After you have removed some of the soil add the fill, as you add the fill should form the shape or the marked out berm, during this process you should be building up your berm also.
The fill should be half of that of the finish berm. Also gently spray your berm with water from your garden hose. This will cause the fill to settle and to hold tightly together. Tamping your berm is an added benefit allowing it to become firm.
4. Add the top-soil on top of the berm until you reach the desired height, again spray gently to settle the soil. Your berm should look natural as if it was constructed by nature.
The use of plants
When installing plants only use plants that will accommodate your berm. Example. Plants that grow large should never be installed on a berm that is small or medium.
Large plants should only be used on berms that can accommodate them. So choosing the right plant from the time of installing to maturity is so important. Knowing your plants and their height at maturity is a must if you are to have much success.
Going for it
With berms, the possibilities seem to be endless as you can get those creative juices flowing by thinking outside the box and really going for it. Just remember to build on the basics and you will be fine.
The final word
What I love about these types of garden projects is making it look all-natural as if it was placed there by nature. Berms are a great way to give your garden area that much needed touch.
Creating berms is a great way to add interest that is so pleasing to the eyes and the benefits they serve are truly amazing so why not include a berm in your overall garden design. I am sure you will be happy that you did as your garden design is taken to the next level.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.