Gardening in Wisconsin to Boost Your Curb Appeal
There’s something exciting and refreshing about Spring. Perhaps it’s the smell of budding trees and mowed grass that blows on the breeze. Or the sound of children riding their bikes around the neighborhood. Or maybe it’s the feeling you get when you clean out the gutters, organize the garage, and start getting your exterior in order. Whatever it is for you, Spring is the perfect time to boost your curb appeal and one way to do this is to up your gardening and landscaping game so your home and garage really pop!
Being a “green thumb” in Wisconsin may come with some trial and error as you navigate the changing climate, soil, and shifting seasons. Typically, Wisconsin’s growing season is April-September. Still, with the Winter months shifting and Summer holding on longer, you can start seeds inside as early as late February or early March and keep things going well into October, depending on your gardening goals. If you’re simply out to spruce up your landscaping and curb appeal, here are our best tips for that type of gardening.
Choose Native Plants
Select plants native to Wisconsin, such as purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and native grasses like little bluestem. These plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them easier to maintain. They also support pollination and are natural magnets to native birds, butterflies, and other beautiful wildlife.
Visit local garden centers or nurseries for advice on plants that thrive in Wisconsin’s climate. They can recommend specific varieties and offer guidance on care and maintenance.
Seasonal Variety Will Keep Things Fresh
Plant a variety of flowers and shrubs that bloom at different times of the year. This ensures your garden looks vibrant and attractive throughout the growing season.
Mulching is Your Friend
Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like shredded bark or wood chips work well in Wisconsin gardens.
Consider other areas outside of your garden that could benefit from mulch and other landscaping, like the entryway to your driveway or on either side of your garage, near your mailbox, your front stoop or porch, and more. These spots are ideal for some statement landscaping, potted plants, micro gardens, and you guessed it, mulch!
Set a Watering Schedule
Wisconsin weather is always in flux so be sure to create a regular watering schedule to keep on top of your garden and landscaping. Saturated watering with a stretch of no water can encourage roots to grow deeper, giving your plants a better likelihood of survival year over year. But forgetting to water your plants for too long can result in dry, withered plants that can be hard to revive. Set your schedule and stick to it, allowing for flexibility only when the weather contains the rain you need to keep up with your flourishing property.
Vegetable and Herb Gardens Enhance Your Yard
Consider adding a small vegetable or herb garden to your landscape. Not only does it add visual interest, but it also provides fresh produce for your household. One way to do this is through container gardens, which are ideal for urban living.
Utilize raised beds or containers for flowers or herbs, especially if you have limited space or poor soil quality. Containers offer flexibility in placement and can be moved indoors during the colder months.
Keep Up with Pruning and Maintenance
Regularly prune shrubs and trees to maintain their shape and health. Remove dead or diseased branches as necessary. This is another activity that is best kept up with on a regular schedule, much like watering.
Make Attractive Property Borders
Define your garden beds with attractive borders, such as stone edging or decorative fencing. This adds structure and visual appeal to your landscape.
Consider Evergreens
Incorporate evergreen trees and shrubs into your landscape to provide year-round interest and color, especially during the winter months. These plants look stunning in front of porches or high windows, along the side of your home, or as pillars on either side of your garage. Here are some other things to consider when looking to refresh your home’s curb appeal.
Don’t Forget About Lighting
Install outdoor lighting to highlight key features of your garden, such as pathways, trees, or architectural elements. This not only enhances curb appeal but also improves safety and security. A well-lit home, garden, and garage will be the talk of the neighborhood, and you’ll have a sense of pride and awe every time you look at it, especially when coupled with stunning new garage doors.
Beyond Gardening for Boosting Curb Appeal
By implementing these Wisconsin gardening tips, you can enhance the curb appeal of your property while creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape.
For a real show-stopping curb appeal makeover, consider getting new garage doors installed by J.D. Griffiths, Milwaukee’s premier garage building and garage door company since 1947. Call us today to book your FREE estimate! – 414-362-7222
J.D. Griffiths has proudly served the greater Milwaukee area since 1947, building our reputation as the premiere detached garage and garage door experts. Check out more resources, examples, and information on our garage builds, renovations, door installation, and service jobs to learn more. Be sure to connect with us on social media, too! Follow J.D. Griffiths on Facebook.
