January is a perfect time to select shrubs, trees, groundcover and any other ornamental for the backyard and garden areas.

photo credit: skypilot2005

Today I have been selecting shrubs for the yard. I will probably need to remove the trees by the road. I want a tree or shrub that will provide more privacy and act as a noise and wind barrier. It also needs to be tougher than the average plant.

I think I will go with Spartan Juniper. It grows 15 foot tall and 3 foot wide. I need a shrub that will not interfere with electrical lines and this should do well. It will also provide more privacy and act as a break for noise. My first search has not found any problems with this shrub but I will look one more time. It’s best to really research a new plant, shrub or tree before you add it to your yard.

photo credit: dougww

I also want to get a few Mountain Laurel shrubs. I have always liked the colors and look and they will be good for naturalizing the backyard down by the creek.

I will place my order this weekend so that my selection will still be available. They will ship my order in April.

I also started Rose of Sharon shrub seeds a few weeks ago. They are about one inch tall and look healthy.

Tip: for Rose of Sharon seeds I place then in a wet paper towel and let set for 3 days then plant in soil. This softens the seed casing and the seedling usually emerges in a week. My success rate is very high using this method.

Around the Spartan Juniper shrubs I will be growing a few ground covers so that will be my next backyard garden project this weekend. Selecting a few groundcovers that will grow well with junipers.

photo credit: cliff1066™

And after I have groundcovers and shrubs selected, its time to get the few fruit trees I need.

Even in the winter months there are garden projects that can be planned and taken care of.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard oasis, backyard oasis planning, selecting shrubs for backyard

There are many plans I have for next year. The addition of a new deck, redoing the patio area and finishing repairing the property damage from this years flooding.

photo credit: ricardo-pereira

But whether you have small plans or larger plans, late fall and winter are the perfect time to plan the Backyard Oasis for next year.

Most people schedules let up in the winter and you can see the backyard better when the plants and trees are dormant. Even in the southern climates most vegetation will die down.

This is the the time to make plans for new plants.

It’s also the time to set back and think about what worked and didn’t work in the backyard.

• Are the children outgrowing their play area?
• Is the dog or cat destroying plants and trees?
• Would a new patio or backyard entertainment area add to the atmosphere?
• Would you like to add flowers, shrubs or trees”
• Is it time to downsize the backyard area and make it easier to maintain?

By planning in the winter you can look up new plants, select the best deals and revamp your backyard to make it a more pleasureable area to relax and enjoy with friends and family.

My biggest find recently for the backyard area was a large patio table and chairs. It was up at out local auction and I picked it up for $15. All it needs is a fresh coat of paint and to clean the umbrella.  This will really add to my private garden area.

I have just received several seed catalogs in the mail so will be making plant and shrub selections for the following summer season. I like to order my seeds early while the selection is still available.

I like selecting endangered plants and heirloom plants for my yard. I also look carefully to make sure the new plants are not invasive to my area. Just because a nursery or catalog carries them does not mean they are save to grow in your climate or zone.

What is you biggest concern or area that needs to be redone in the backyard?

If you make a suggestion I will try to do an article for you and your backyard garden plans.

Technorati Tags: backyard oasis, backyard oasis planning, how to improve the backyard