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The garden that looks beautiful in July may appear like an abandoned garden in October unless planning for the garden is done with consideration of the entire year. The landscape of the prairies is characterized by droughts, rains, frost, and long winter snows; these factors have a bearing on which plant species will thrive. It is due to this that good Saskatoon landscaping always starts with planning.
Start with observing the lot. Find out which parts accumulate water during rains, where the snow accumulates, which parts are completely exposed to the sun, and which ones have shade. Think about how your family will use the yard, whether that means a children’s play area, evening gatherings, a vegetable garden, or a quiet retreat.
Grading must come first. The grade of the yard will slope away from the building to avoid collecting runoff water against the building. Levelling will be much easier before laying any turf, landscaping beds, or hardscape features, and it helps safeguard all of the elements to be added in the future. Before any excavation, be sure to call the utility locator service for your province to have any underground utilities marked.
Planting is another essential stage, and it often determines whether a garden thrives or falls flat. Choose plant species that can survive the long, harsh winter season and changing temperatures. Also, group plants based on their needs for water and light. Native plants like the Saskatoon berry shrub are easier to grow compared to foreign plants. It is advisable to add some compost to the soil before planting, as well as mulching to help conserve water in dry periods.
Lawns need the same careful planning. Laying sod gives faster results, while seeding is cheaper but takes more time as well as consistent watering. In both cases, one needs to work and even out the ground. The best time to plant or lay sod is during the spring and early summer seasons since the presence of warm and moist conditions helps roots grow.
Hardscaping materials will unify the space. Patios, paths, retaining walls, and fireplace structures provide structure in winter when your garden is in hibernation and give your space another dimension that extends outside of the growing season. As stone and paving materials are laid directly onto the earth, proper grading and drainage must be addressed first. By building your hard elements in the correct order—beginning with grading and ending with planting—you won’t ruin any completed spaces with large machinery.
A discussion on budgeting and phasing is warranted. Big jobs do not need to be done in one go. Some property owners start with grading and drainage first, followed by the main structures, then plants and finishing later on through other planting seasons. Having a written plan allows for the phasing process since every stage becomes part of the entire design and not another experiment. Have itemized quotes so that comparison will be easier.
Through patience and a well-laid-out plan, your Saskatoon landscaping job can make your yard useful throughout the year. Start from the bottom up, understand the climate, and work gradually.
