Page 5 - 2017 Spring H&G

Spring Home & Garden El Dorado NEWS-TIMES – April 28, 2017 – 5
GDesign a garden for all senses
ardens add visual appeal to insects and small critters will seek refuge within
a yard, but gardens also can
appeal to individuals’ senses of smell, taste, touch, and sound. Gar- deners who want to create gardens that appeal to various senses can do so in the following ways.
Sight
Aesthetic appeal is one of the most
sought-after benefits of gardening.
However, many homeowners put in so
much effort planting for one partic-
ular season that they may not give
thought to ensuring the garden looks
vibrant no matter the time of year.
Gardeners can research planting zones
to find plants that will blossom at
different times of the year so they can
enjoy impressive, aesthetically appeal-
ing gardens year-round. Spring bulbs
can bloom early on, while annual and perennial summer favorites will thrive under the summer sun. Beautyberry and caryopteris will fill out in the autumn, while holly or mahonia can look lovely in the winter.
Smell
Gardeners can dot their landscapes with aromatic trees, shrubs and flowers that will make stepping out into the garden that much more special. Some
of the more fragrant plants include gardenia, dianthus, calendula, lavender, and jasmine. Shrubs such as fragrant pineapple broom, Anne Russell viburnum and Christmas box can add fragrance as well.
Sound
The lively sounds of the garden are created by the wildlife that come to pollinate and enjoy the environment gardeners have created. By choos- ing indigenous plants, gardeners can be sure that
the foliage.
Songbirds also will add character to a yard. The Audubon Society suggests including a water source and a songbird border of shrubs along your property’s edge. Provide food sources and make sure they are located a fair distance from the main action of the yard so as not to scare off birds. Wait for musical chickadees, goldfinches, orioles, and cardinals to arrive and enjoy the accommodations.
Taste
Gardeners can expand their gardens to include fruit-bearing trees and rows of vegetables. Produce can be harvested from early spring through late fall depending on the crops plant- ed.
Touch
Apart from including trees and shrubs of various
textures in the garden, look for other ways to stimulate a tactile response. Water features add relaxing sound and beauty. Stones, moss, mulch, and other accents have varied textures that can stimulate the sense of touch in various ways. Don’t forget to include a sitting area so that you can immerse yourself fully in the garden.
Go beyond visual appeal when designing a gar- den. When gardeners tap into all five senses, they can enjoy their landscapes even more than they already do.
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