The couple’s backyard design provides ease of access, as well as sunlight and shade use to best fulfill the needs of specific plants.
grapes, pineapples, lychee fruit,
apples, cherries and papaya.”
Ragan explained that her garden
and its design, which wraps around
the pool and spans to the east side
of the property, has always been
based on what she refers to as ease
of use.
“I try to think in terms of, can I get
a wheelbarrow through the paths,
and are they wide enough?”
Other factors include the use of
direct sunlight and shaded areas,
which can determine decisions as
to where to locate specific plants
to best fulfill their needs.
“We have a koi pond near the
pool that is also a part of our
backyard landscape and enjoy
entertaining and barbecues during
the spring and summer months,”
she said. “The garden has become
an extension of this additional
outdoor living space.”
Ragan also said that most of their
trees are in pots because being
planted too close to the house
could damage its foundation.
“The use of planters and pots
also enable better use of available
sunlight, as well as the efficient
and ease of use of our irrigation
source,” she added.
BEGINNERS ADVICE
The best advice she has for new
gardeners is to set limits.
“My recommendation is for newbie
gardeners to start small,” she said.
“If space is limited, my advice
is to purchase a few pots and
plant herbs to start. They can be
found at local nurseries or garden
centers, sometimes even at yard
sales. There is a lot of information
online, and YouTube is a great
resource. Many local libraries
also have dozens of books and
magazines that offer an abundance
of knowledge.”
74: SPACE COAST LIVING | SPACECOASTLIVING.COM
Leafy and colorful red and green lettuce and arugula make for excellent
salad opt >> ions that can be combined with other garden veggies.
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