Groupings of beneficial plants create a privacy screen while blocking cold winter winds. The evergreen planting provides nesting habitat. Consider teaming with your neighbors to plant a wider border to increase these benefits and make a corridor for wildlife to move between the properties. Stepping stones allow you to walk among the groundcovers. The arbor provides a place for climbing vines, which attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Reduce lawn areas with the use of groundcovers such as moss for shady areas or thyme for sunny areas.

TIPS:

Tree and shrub spacing: When planning for tree and shrub plantings, consider their ultimate spread. Plant so their mature growth barely touches each other, some air space between is even better.

Perennial and groundcover spacing: Space these plants according to their ultimate size. To determine how many plants you need, multiply the number of square feet by the number of plants required per square foot using these numbers. Distance apart is measured from the center of the plant.

Distance apart/plants per square foot:

• 4 inches/ 9.1
• 6 inches/ 2.5
• 8 inches/2.25
• 9 inches/1.77
• 10 inches/1.44
• 12 inches/1.00
• 18 inches/0.45
• 24 inches/0.24
• 36 inches/0.11

Environmentally-healthy designs you can implement into your own yard: Overall Yard Front Yard Side Yard Back Yard

LEGEND:

LT, large tree; ST, small tree; ET, evergreen tree; LS, large shrub; SS, small shrub; P, perennial; GC, groundcover; GR, grass

• The numbers indicate a general quantity of plants to be installed.

• Use the spacing chart to determine the exact quantity of plants for your garden area.

• Use the plant list to help you choose your plants.

For a list of plants to use in these designs, call the Tidewater Soil & Water Conservation District office (804) 693-3562, Ext. 115. Leave your name, address, daytime phone number and e-mail address. Also, you can click here for the list of beneficial plants.