As the summer heat begins to wane, there are some great projects you can do to in your landscaping preparation for autumn and winter. Take advantage of the pleasant temperatures of Colorado in September and spend more time outdoors by taking on one of these three projects.
Add Landscaping Features
Because you can spend more time outside without working up too much of a sweat, it is a great time to add features such as walkways, lighting, patios or water features to your landscape. Also, if you already have great features installed, now is the best time to make sure they are all functioning properly before the Colorado winter comes knocking. Especially if you have wooden features such as a deck or wooden patio, now is the time to fill any cracks or spaces so that ice and snow won’t damage them.
Another popular way to spruce up your outdoor living areas is to invest in Xeriscaping. Check out our previous blog for more information on this water-conserving, low-maintenance feature that works well for Colorado homeowners.
This patio featured on HGTV.com shows how a retaining wall can also double as a planter.
Build a Compost Bin
Composting is a great way to naturally fertilize your garden for next year, so it’s best to start as soon as possible. Though your leaves and plants won’t start falling until next month, now is the time to go ahead and build a compost bin to collect these organic materials for when they become available. There are many different ways to collect compost including trimming off dead branches, raking leaves, and collecting fallout from your other plants. Also consider evaluating your annuals and perennials; those that have exhausted themselves can be added to your compost.
This Old House provides a great tutorial on how to build this wooden compost bin that is attractive and efficient.
Start Planning for New Shrubs
Fall is the best time to plant shrubs because the cooler temperatures allow the roots to be established so they can endure the winter. Shrubs native to Colorado are especially beneficial for your landscape because they are low maintenance and are usually hearty enough to endure the freezing temperatures. Not only are they self-sustaining, but they also attract wildlife such as butterflies, small mammals and birds. Specifically in Colorado Springs, shrubs such as the golden currant bush and sagebrush can be a great addition to your garden. Keep in mind that not all plants that are native to Colorado will flourish in all areas of the state. Study the complete list of native plants according to geographical location here.
Now is the time to start clearing areas and shopping for the best shrubs for your landscape so you can plant them before the temperature drops. Here at Timberline, we have a beautiful variety of shrubs and other self-sustaining plants to choose from. Request a consultation today and we can help you spruce up your garden areas!
