Best Things About a Traditional Southern Garden

When you think of the concept of landscaping, the first thing that comes to mind is gardening. Flowering plants, vegetables, garden beds, stones, and wooden fences, are just some elements involved in gardening that you would probably think about in an instant.

However, there comes a long and detailed process before you witness a garden in its fullest glory. Sometimes, there will be some sort of ‘trial and error’ in terms of growing plants especially if you failed to do comprehensive research.

Topography is a crucial detail that every landscaper and gardener must take into account or include in the comprehensive research. It involves an in-depth understanding of the physical features of the landscape like the type of soil and climate in your area.

Take a look at this traditional southern garden in New Orleans. The city has a humid subtropical climate all year long, therefore plants that thrive in the cold weather are not recommended to grow in this type of climate.

So when planning to install a southern garden, it’s important to understand the climate requirements of the specific plant.

What is a Traditional Southern Garden?

There are so many kinds, types, and styles of gardens that are used all over the world.

Typically, the variations depend on factors such as the theme, purpose, and topography. Here in the south, one of the most common types of gardens we have is the traditional garden.

A traditional southern garden is characterized by growing plants that can withstand average to intense levels of heat and humidity, with flowing curves naturally shaped plants.

This takes into account the climate and weather that areas in the south are experiencing. Furthermore, here are some of some characteristics of this specific garden type.

• Use of traditional or native plants. The easiest route to take for more successful gardening is the use of native or naturalized plants. If you think that native plants are dull and too common, you are probably mistaken. These plants can enhance your total curb appeal by many folds. Besides, what is there not to like about your own state’s rich flora? More importantly, naturalized plants are already accustomed to the topography in the south. These plants have adapted to the intense humidity, therefore maintenance wouldn’t be much of a problem.

Popular native plants include Louisiana Iris, Bald Cypress, Live Oak, and Southern Magnolia.

• Combination of the edible and flower garden. One of the best things, if not the best thing, in a traditional southern garden is how you can use both vegetables and flower plants. It would not be advisable to mix veggies and herbs with other plants but you can have it planted in separate boxes or beds.

Tomatoes, eggplants, cabbages, peppers, and some okra are perfect crops that you can plant in a southern vegetable garden. These can withstand the humid temperatures in the South. However, there still should be considerations in the best month and season to plant them. Vegetables or edible plants in your property will maximize the value of your space because you can harvest and eat these from time to time. You can also save money because you have your produce in your backyard. Just take some tomatoes and leafy veggies, and maybe make a salad anytime you want.

On the other hand, having some southern perennials and creeping plants would beautify your landscape even more. Apart from native plants, you may also consider having Boxwood, Camellias, African Iris, Hibiscus, Sedum, Mondo Grass, and many others. These flowering plants and perennials will surely make your landscape more vibrant and inviting. Likewise, these can also grow in in-bound garden beds.

• Well-defined garden with lawn for outdoor activities. A traditional southern garden wouldn’t be complete without a sprawling lawn fit for many activities. Apart from landscaping with shade gardens, flower beds and trees, consider having a space for chilling out or bonding with friends and family.

Typically, warm-season grasses are used in semi-tropical New Orleans. Among the most popular ones are bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass. For the most efficient use of this lawn, tables, and chairs, a swing set, or any installation can be added.

• Elements of curvilinear lines and shapes. The use of curvilinear lines is dominant in this garden setup. These curvilinear shapes are often observed in steps, pathways, and particularly garden beds..

Meanwhile, simple raised garden beds are at least a foot deep and three feet wide, going on a length that varies depending on the length of your lawn, garden, or property. Raised garden beds are preferred over regular beds because of several advantages.

1. Raised beds create depth in the garden, and allow the garden to be seen from far.
2. Raised gardens prevent soil compaction and erosion. You can maintain the great quality of soil inside your raised bed. A regular garden bed’s soil can be easily affected by weather disturbances and other factors. Likewise, since the raised bed has some sort of landscape edging, the soil won’t be able to erode or spill.
3. Raised garden beds can have better drainage systems than in-ground garden beds.

A traditional southern garden will always be a classic and unbeatable garden for most Southerners.

If you need a professional landscaper to it for you, Southern City Farm and Landscaping is here to offer its best services.