Summer is the perfect time to pause, sit back in your backyard, and reflect on your garden and landscape design. With the season in full swing, now’s a great opportunity to take stock of what’s working—and what’s not.
Hits and Misses
By mid-summer, your garden likely falls into one of three categories:
(A) Thriving,
(B) Surviving, or
(C) None of the above.
Each scenario presents a chance to fine-tune your landscape and make thoughtful adjustments.
Thriving
If your garden is thriving, congratulations! However, healthy growth can sometimes lead to overcrowding. When plants start competing for space, light, or nutrients, it’s time to step in. Pruning, dividing, transplanting, or even removing certain plants can restore balance and visual appeal.
As your garden matures, its conditions may change. For example, a once-sunny border might now be in shade thanks to maturing trees. In that case, it’s worth rethinking your plant palette—replacing sun-loving species with shade-tolerant options. On the flip side, if you’ve lost a tree (either in your yard or a neighbor’s), you might suddenly have a sunnier spot and the chance to introduce new, light-loving plants. Either way, thoughtful editing keeps your landscape evolving in a positive direction.
Surviving
If your plants are simply surviving, it’s time to uncover the root cause—often, quite literally. Watering issues are a common culprit. Too much or too little water can put stress on even the hardiest plants. Take a closer look at your drainage, irrigation systems, or watering habits.
If you can’t adjust your watering, consider adjusting your plant selection. Drought-tolerant plants may thrive where others struggle, while moisture-loving plants can bring life to chronically damp areas. Ultimately, success comes down to matching the right plant with the right location. Our team at Hicks can help you make informed choices that support long-term health and beauty in your garden.
None of the Above
If certain parts of your garden have failed completely, your landscape might be looking a little uneven—like a smile with missing teeth. In this case, strategic fill-in planting may be the right move. The key is choosing plants that fit the scale and style of your existing design, so everything feels cohesive.
However, sometimes a more comprehensive refresh is needed. Redesigning an entire area gives you the opportunity to fix previous mistakes and create something new and improved. This is where an outside perspective can be invaluable. When you’re used to living with a landscape, it can be hard to see its full potential. Our Hicks Landscape Design team brings a fresh set of eyes and the expertise to reimagine your space.
Don’t Overlook Maintenance
Maintenance is another essential factor to evaluate. By mid-summer, even well-kept gardens can start to get out of hand. Weeds, overgrowth, and fading blooms are common as the heat sets in and motivation dwindles.
If your garden is beginning to overwhelm you, it might be time to bring in professional help. Before permanent damage occurs, consider scheduling a visit from Hicks Landscapes Extended Care Services. Our team can get things back on track—and help keep your garden looking its best through the rest of the season.
By Ken Muellers, Lifetime CNLP
Additional Information:
Watering the Right Way