Help Me Design My New Garden

[Vein]

Have you got the cat? It's a well tried formula, but don't be nervous. It is unlikely to 'turn out', think of it more as a progression, gardens change. The best laid plans can change when you are dealing with living plants and changing seasons, try to learn from it and move forward with it rather than forcing it into a predetermined shape, that sort of thing is for Sun Kings at Versailles who employ numeroud others to do the actual creation, can't see the pleasure of it myself.

I do have a cat, he's orange and his name is pumpkin.

Late to this party...but I would throw in the words "grow what you like" for your consideration. Both in edible veggies and flowers you will be motivation ahead if you stick to that simple approach...grow what you like.

Can you throw up some plants? I'll see which ones I like the best. I saw a section for different types of flowers and stuff, but is there one for certain zones? Can you link me any resources like that

 

[Meadowlark]

Can you throw up some plants? I'll see which ones I like the best.

If we're talking plants for food...number 1 in most home gardens are tomatoes. Easy to grow, highly rewarding in taste superiority in the home garden, and can be very productive. There are numerous threads on here regarding preferred varieties...search works well.

Number 2 in my book would be potatoes...so much better tasting home grown and very easy to grow.

Number 3 in my book would be beans...all kinds pole beans, bush beans, fresh green beans, shelling beans (like pintos or bingo) etc. Great eating (green beans and new potatoes one of my favorites) and easy to grow...and a legume meaning they can fix Nitrogen into your soil.

Number 4 in my book would be onions...big, sweet, juicy onions whose slices are larger than any hamburger. I love to grow them...and even more love to eat them.

Number 5 in my book is fresh sweet garden corn. Not everyone has enough room to grow this but the rewards for those who do are fantastic. The best tasting corn you have ever eaten is that which is picked fresh in your garden and immediately placed in hot water to boil.

I could go on, and on (can't leave out the brassicas broc, cauli, cabbage, etc) cause I've grown about every edible plant there is to grow. I supply over 90% of all the veggies consumed by my family and have for decades

 

[oneeye]

Post photos of the areas you are working with for the best suggestions. Front, back, side, sky and ground shots and we will landscape design it for you.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

Meadowlark is so right about the veg. My missus tels me it's not worth growing onions or potatoes, they are so cheap; has she no sense of taste?
I mentioned honeysuckle for fences, clematis is also good, and there are a fair variety.

 

[Vein]

Post photos of the areas you are working with for the best suggestions. Front, back, side, sky and ground shots and we will landscape design it for you.

The entire yard

 

[redback]

That English cottage garden that you called inspirational is now called a 'natural' or 'wild' garden. It is fashionable again.

The pond goes to the lowest spot in the garden and uses a waterfall for aeration and filtering. Fish can grow in the untainted water and birds can bathe while frogs are attracted.

Paths are outlined - usually dug to remove grass topping and then paved with gravel, woodchips or brick paving. These paths are the circulation corridors as well as the open areas, shady seating areas and viewpoints. The areas between the paths are built up to form the beds.

Several trees are planted to 'hide' areas when they mature. This gives a sense of mystery so that not all can be viewed at once. Fruit trees, shade trees and flowering natives are all useful.

Tall flowering perennials are scattered about in clumps to provide cut flowers, bees and pollinators, butterflies and birds.

Flowers, vegetables, grasses, herbs and ground covers are used to cover all the remaining areas.

I hope this helps.

 

[tyronee]

That sounds like an amazing project, and I love the vision you're going for — a mix of cozy cottage charm, a pond, animals, and food-producing plants. You're basically building a little sanctuary, and that's beautiful.
Since you're just getting started, it's great that you're thinking through layout and function early on. Dividing your space into zones (like one for the pond, another for edible plants, and maybe a tucked-away seating nook) can really help bring that vision together.
Also, if you're into attracting pollinators — butterflies especially — check out flying flowers. They’re a company that offers butterfly-friendly plants and seed mixes designed to bring color and life to your garden. It’s a fun and easy way to start building up that ecosystem vibe you’re going for.

 

[redback]

If you are after 'A Planting List for Ohio' there are enough members here from that state to give you one. Maybe start a new topic and see what comes.