Building the bones of the landscape are the trees and shrubs. These plants will add structure to the yard throughout the year. The use of large stones and other objects might well be placed at this time.

Choose woody plants with more than one season of interest. The longest lasting season we have on the prairies is winter. Fruit and bark color can brighten up the long cold winter months. You may wish to consider:
                 Plant                                 Stem Color
1. Dogwood, Cornus species                             apple green, red and purple
2. Winged Euonymus, Euonymus alatus                    corky green
3. Pine and Spruce                                     green
4. Pincherry, Prunus pensylvanica                      cinnamon red
5. Staghorn Sumac, Rhus typhina                        hairy stems
6. Rose, Rosa                                          red

The winter landscape need not be drab. Include perennials that have a sturdy form and attractive seed heads. Perennial grasses are the perfect compliment in the garden during the winter. Treasure plants that have evergreen foliage. Elephant ears, Berg enia cordifolia, is an example of such a plant. This perennial works equally well in a shaded or sunny border. As a general rule the days of mow and blow are over. In the autumn leave plants intact to capture moisture and add interest to the landscape.

Irrigating a newly planted landscape is critical to the development of overall plant vigor. The secret is to water plants to promote healthy root growth. Over irrigating results in general poor plant health. Group all vegetation together which require similar light and water requirements. If you do not currently own at least two rain barrels then make that a priority. The plants benefit greatly from nature’s water rather then chlorinated treated cold tap water. Watering by hand is an excellent method to assure each plant is cared for. If you cannot water by hand then the use or a drip or soaker hose is ideal. Oscillating sprinklers can loose up to 30% of the water through evaporation. Certainly the best method to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth is to use mulch. Fine mulch is favored then larger chips which allow for more air spaces. A layer of 8cm is preferred. Only water the landscape until the plants are established. A full growing season for herbaceous plants and two years for woody plants is all that is needed.

Going cold turkey with the lawn gone project has its merits. It allows the gardener is start with a clean slate. Changing the landscape requires a shift in thinking. The final result will provide you with a setting that contains drama and is exceedingly more attractive. The initial work involved can be challenging and yet the home owner is immediately liberated from the weekly chores of maintaining a lawn with such limited visual appeal. If you know the difference between gardening and doing chores outdoors then saying goodbye to grass is a natural fit.

Jeff de Jong

Instructor at Olds College School of Horticlture.

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