“Gardens are the result of a collaboration between art and nature.” – Penelope Hobhouse

All too often homeowners believe that any uncultivated space in their garden will best be used as turf.

There is an idea that installing a lawn is easy, but lawns require a lot of maintenance, water and fertilizer, and they have limited utility. Instead of turfing it, consider using the outdoor space to create highly functional “rooms” to enhance your property.

Creating your garden is an extension of your home and your lifestyle, bringing form and function together into a harmonious landscape. Careful planning will result in increased enjoyment of your outdoor space.

First, consider how you will use your garden, dividing it into three main categories: public, service and living.

Public area

• Often the front garden and perhaps a side area if yours is a corner lot.

• Emphasis on aesthetics and curb appeal; a statement of your style.

• Complement architecture of your home and surrounding neighborhood.

Service area

• Emphasis on functionality and practicality

• Includes garbage bin storage, off-street parking, storage sheds, and pet enclosures.

• Vegetable beds, compost bins.

• May be screened off from other living spaces to separate uses.

Living area

• Most important area as far as lifestyle and pleasure

• May be multi-functional, further divided into areas for the family.

• Dining/entertaining, Play, Relaxation (patios, decks, hot tubs, play structures).

Just as rooms inside your home have dimensions of floor, walls and ceiling, so does your outdoor space. How you incorporate materials to create these dimensions depends on how your rooms will be used and the desired effect. Spaces can be divided in structural or subtle ways to enhance intimate coziness and definition of spaces according to their purposes.

• Floor: Hardscape (decking, flagstone, pavers, paths) or softer surfaces (mulch, gravel, groundcovers) for low traffic areas.

• Walls: Create privacy with fences, hedges, informal plantings of trees and shrubs.

• Ceiling: Covered patios, pergolas and arches, lighting, tree canopies.

Influencing factors:

• Soil conditions.

• Sun exposure.

• Prevailing wind.

• Existing trees, overhead power lines, fences, paths, septic, wells, AC units, downspouts, vents.

• Snow removal needs (including where snow will be relocated).

• Property lines and easements (especially when constructing any permanent structures).

• Zoning and permits.

The more time invested in planning your overall garden, the more pleasure it will offer — whether you design it yourself or enlist the skills of a professional. Have fun and turn your creativity loose!

Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Visit elpaso.extension.colostate.edu and register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.