How to Build a Private Garden

In this stressful world of ours, we should have a place where we can go to relax, either alone or with family and friends and a garden is just that place. Plan your garden carefully. Look around and see where you can build a garden, where neighbors or people walking by won't be able to see in. If there are openings in you place, you can always put up hedges that will block the view of anyone you don't want to invite. This is not to mean that you are antisocial, but there are times that we just don't want to be disturbed by prying eyes or the curious. Hedges are great when fences are not possible due to community or zoning laws. If you live in an apartment, look into container plants to put on your patio or steps to your doorway.

Plan the type of garden you want. Do you want a garden that is mostly for spring? Or just for summer? Or plants that you will enjoy from spring until the fall? Is there a tree or trees in the area? Plants can be planted around trees and trees are great for putting up a bird house or feeders to attract all species of birds in your area.
Think about what you want the garden is to be used for. You might want to put in a bench, a small bubbling pond, sculpture or stone walking paths. Maybe you can pick up an old sundial, birdbath or a an old wagon wheel at a flea market or garage sale that go on all the time in the spring and summer. Just make sure they are weather resistant or make them weather resistant by refinishing. A natural bird bath can be made by using a large log and digging a hole in the log, such as a fallen pine tree. Then, think about what you want to plant.

If you want to attract butterflies, plant what is commonly known as Butterfly Weed. It is a perennial and will flower every year. The bright orange blooms will last from June to September. It is also deer resistant. It requires a gravely or sandy soil in full sun that is well-drained. The Butterfly Weed is good for boarders and rock gardens. My suggestion is to buy those that are well established as germination requires 30-90 days and can take up to two years to become fully established.