Do you love nature and would like to transform your garden into a true woodland garden? Perhaps you have already browsed around on the Internet or tried to find inspiration in a nature area, but can't see the forest for the trees? BURO Buiten is happy to help you on the right path. In this blog, we share practical tips to transform your woodland garden into a green oasis.
What is a woodland garden?
A woodland garden is a garden with shade trees and plants. You plant different layers such as shrubs, ferns and ground covers. This creates a natural look and more biodiversity. Choose suitable plants that require little maintenance. This way you will enjoy a green, peaceful environment.
Trees for woodland garden
Suitable for a woodland garden are trees that fit a natural environment. A pine grows quickly and provides a robust, natural look. The birch stands out with its white trunk and graceful branches. In spring, the azalea brings vibrancy to the garden with its colorful flowers. Known for its beautiful fall colors, the maple is a beloved tree. Early in the year, the magnolia blooms with large, impressive flowers in soft hues.
Smaller plants
Furthermore, you can also finish the garden with lower plants and climbing plants. Think ivy, which is also ideal for a fence. Or beautiful large ferns. Flowers also do well, such as yarrow, foxglove and hydrangea. In the end, this way you create three layers, namely the taller trees and shrubs, the mid-height species and the ground covers.
Combine for more variety
Combine tall trees with medium-height shrubs such as rhododendrons and low groundcovers such as ferns or ivy. These layers provide depth and a natural look. Remember to prune regularly to keep your garden airy and healthy.
Light and shade spots in the garden
A woodland garden is characterized by the alternation between sunny and shady areas. Make clever use of this by dividing your garden into zones. Place plants that need a lot of sun at the edges and in clearings. Under trees and shrubs, on the other hand, create shaded areas, ideal for specific planting.
Choose the right plantings for your woodland garden
We recommend that you prefer to choose plants that do well in partial or full shade. Since the Netherlands has a variable climate, these often grow very well. Of course, also make sure you take proper care of them. Prune regularly and ensure proper soil condition. Occasionally you may have to cut down a tree because otherwise the garden will become too full. After all, the roots should not obstruct each other too much.
Which shade plants?
In a wooded setting, shade plants do very well. They tolerate little light and provide a full, natural look. We like to highlight from a few shade plants. Ferns are ideal for green, lush soil in the woodland garden. Ivy covers fences and walls with dense, green foliage. Hostas or heart lilies stand out for their large leaves and beautiful flowers. Lily of the valley offers delicate blossoms and spreads a lovely aroma. Lungwort adds color with its cheerful flowers and enhances the atmosphere.
Evergreens and flowering plants
Variety in your plantings makes your woodland garden vibrant. Choose evergreens such as yew or holly to keep the garden attractive even in winter. For extra color, add flowering plants such as foxglove, yarrow and hydrangeas. They attract butterflies and bees, which is good for biodiversity.
Natural paths and seating areas
Pebbles and hard stones is something you won't find in a forest, and therefore preferably not in your woodland garden. What works well, for example, is a path of tree bark or wood chips. There are special bark and chips for walkways available that last a long time and can also withstand a rain shower, which is ideal.
In terms of seating, you also choose natural materials, such as an oak table. And on it, of course, you can also place a nice flower pot with a plant. Are you creative? Then make yourself a beautiful bench from tree trunks. Also, a gazebo is nice. So you can sit nice and dry when it rains. To make it nice and warm, choose a wood stove.
Water management in a forest garden
Dry summers make water management increasingly important. A woodland garden can hold water well if the soil is properly prepared. Use mulch made of wood chips to keep the soil moist and reduce weeds. Install a rainwater tank to collect rainwater and use it to water your garden. A natural pond can also help retain water while providing additional biodiversity.
Natural pond in woodland garden
How about a little pond? That fits perfectly in a woodland garden! Rich plants may be placed around it. Furthermore, you can optionally have a little bridge laid across it. Decorate the pond with aquatic plants for a natural effect. If your pond is large enough then you can also add fish.
Maintenance
A woodland garden requires attention, but with the right choices, maintenance remains low. Use organic fertilizers and mulch to keep the soil healthy. Also consider recycling: perhaps old garden materials can be given new life in your woodland garden.
Let BURO Buiten create your woodland garden
Do you also want to create a woodland garden, but don't know where to start? BURO Buiten is happy to help. Together we will discuss your wishes and create a custom design. We combine creativity with craftsmanship to bring your woodland garden to life. Contact us today and find out what we can do for your garden. Your own woodland garden is closer than you think!
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