Excited new homebuyers are ready to enjoy their houses, but may not know what to do with their yard space. In the last year, everyone learned the value of transforming our homes into little sanctuaries. An easy way to do this is by creating an outside oasis. The best way to start is to learn everything you can about Cheyenne landscaping, and you’ve come to the right place.

Gorgeous new home on the Cheyenne plains? Check. Ready to enjoy your new indoor and outdoor spaces while the weather’s nice? Absolutely. Need help getting the outside of your home to look as great as the inside? You’ve come to the right place for advice. 

At Gateway Construction, we’re here to help you build your dream home where you can create an inviting, easy-to-care-for outdoor living space that works well with our natural environment here in Wyoming. 

Understanding Cheyenne’s natural climate and the city’s landscaping requirements are the first steps to cultivating well-designed outdoor spaces that last year after year. Learn about basics from water and soil quality to complimentary native foliage and plants to ensure your landscaping adds to the beauty of your home. 

Conquer Cheyenne’s Climate 

Our semi-arid climate along with its colder than average winters earns it a 5 on the USDA’s plant hardiness scale. Zone 5 hardiness means that the plants you grow in this environment need to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees F during the winter. If not, you’ll be left replanting every spring. Our goal at Gateway is to provide you with a low-maintenance, high-quality lifestyle, so this blog shows you how to set up your outdoor space for success. 

As we all know, Wyoming winters can chill to the bone (or the root!). However, that doesn’t mean our summer temperatures don’t rise well into the 90s. Having plants that are built for Cheyenne’s wide range of temperatures gives you a leg up when creating your outdoor haven. 

The growing season or the time when you may see your plants bloom in Zone 5 is usually from the middle of May to the middle of October, so we recommend preparing to plant your new garden right before the season begins in spring. Planting at the end of the dormant season gives your plants plenty of time to acclimate before it starts to heat up. 

Landscaping Limiter: Ways of the Water

Since we live in a drier climate, we all know the importance of water conservation. When creating a sustainable landscape, the same ideas apply: limit water use from May through September. Now, you might be thinking “Isn’t that nearly the entire growing season?” While you are correct, it is possible to build outdoor creations that are compatible with their environment. Drought-resistant and low-water landscapes are needed in almost every outdoor space in Cheyenne if you’re not looking to break the bank on your water bill. 

Xeriscaping or low water landscaping is a unique way of gardening that allows your plants to cohabitate effectively, helping one another grow. Often confused with “zeroscaping,” xeriscaping isn’t an outdoor space void of natural life and packed with rocks and concrete instead. Rather, it’s a smart way of arranging plants that require a similar level of watering and care to simplify your space. 

To continue conserving as much water as possible, we recommend watering your xeriscape garden before the sun rises or after it sets to avoid unwanted water evaporation. As a rule of thumb, if excess water runs off your lawn, you’re using too much water. Try to water more frequently for shorter durations. 

 It’s also important to check the soil that your plants are in, as it can play a large role in water retention as well. Cheyenne’s soil requires more frequent fertilization in order to keep your plants healthy all year round. 

All the Dirt on Soil

Choosing soil with high water retention is important when planting in your new outdoor space. Thankfully with the native plants recommended below, you can simply begin by loosening any top soil in your garden. Supplement any other soil needed with an absorbent, water-saving soil from your local garden or landscaping center. 

Another way to ensure your plants stay hydrated is by insulating your top soil with mulch. Mulch is any absorbent material, usually wood chips, that’s placed on top of your soil to keep plant roots cool, prevent weed growth and retain even more water. Your plants will be saying, “Thank you very mulch!” 

Master of Bloom 

Speaking of your plants, it’s important you’re picking them for more than just their looks. You’ve got to dig deeper (literally) and love them for their hardiness inside. However, many plants native to Cheyenne provide you with both sustainability and style! Start by looking at The Cheyenne Forestry Department’s list of approved foliage. 

A variety of hardy flowering plants from poppies and peonies to columbines and coneflowers can grow in our arid climate, giving you bursts of color with every bloom. While these plants grow well in Zone 5, they do require a higher amount of sunlight and a medium amount of water. For areas of your garden that may be more shaded, consider ferns and periwinkle for ground coverage that uses less water than the perennials listed above. 

Trees like aspens and pines are also great additions to your outdoor space, providing you with extra shade and natural elements. Incorporating these native plants into your landscape through xeriscaping provides you with a low-maintenance garden that looks great every growing season. 

A Cut Above with Maintenance and Care 

While your new outdoor space may be low maintenance, we recommend some routine care to keep it looking as good as new. 

Consider aerating your lawn in the fall (this is the best time, though spring is a good second option). Early to mid-October is the best time when temperatures have cooled down but before snow has fallen (hopefully). This helps your lawn come back greener and thicker in the following spring.

Gorgeous Cheyenne Landscaping to Compliment Your Gorgeous Cheyenne Home

If you’re ready to build your dream home to complement your landscaping vision, contact us to get started. We’re ready to help you build your future today!