Starting a new garden in Calgary? Whether you’re new to gardening or just looking to refresh your outdoor space, transforming a simple yard into a beautiful, functional garden is achievable with some planning and patience.
What Does Your Starting Yard Look Like?
In Calgary, most beginner gardens start with a basic lawn—often a patch of grass that’s just there, with maybe a few trees or shrubs. From this simple foundation, you can create a welcoming outdoor space that reflects your style and suits your lifestyle.
Step 1: Clear the Old and Plan Your Space
Begin by removing any unwanted elements—old shrubs, overgrown grass, or debris. Consider your yard’s size, sun exposure, and how you want to use the space. Do you want a cozy seating area, a vegetable garden, or a flower bed? Map out your ideas on paper, marking existing features like trees and structures you plan to keep.
Step 2: Design with Purpose
Think about the elements that will bring your garden to life:
- Paths and patios: Use materials like bricks or gravel to define walkways and gathering spots.
- Focal points: Add a bench, a garden art piece, or a small water feature to draw the eye.
- Plant areas: Create beds for flowers, shrubs, or vegetables, considering which parts of your yard get full sun or shade.
3. Think About Style, Color, and Texture
- Form: Use a mix of plant shapes—tall, spreading, upright—to add interest.
- Color: Choose plants that bloom across different seasons—calendula, echinacea, or sedum for summer, and berries or colorful bark for winter.
- Texture: Combine coarse and fine foliage to add depth and dimension.
4. Prepare Your Soil and Plant
Calgary’s rocky, clay-heavy soil benefits from adding compost or organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. When planting, consider the scale—small plants near the house and larger ones toward the back or perimeter. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to keep moisture in.
5. Add Final Touches
In Calgary’s climate, evergreens are great for year-round structure and privacy. Incorporate native plants like serviceberry, snowberry, or wild roses to attract birds and pollinators. Be sure to plant some hardy perennials that will come back each year, giving your garden stability and ongoing beauty.
Patience and Persistence
Gardening in Calgary’s short summers takes patience. Expect some plants to take a year or two to establish fully. And remember—gardens evolve over time, so enjoy the process of watching your landscape grow.
