Simple Design Wins (That Most People Overlook) If you’re thinking about updating your yard this spring, here are a few simple design principles that make a huge difference—without overcomplicating things: 🌿 1. Group plants, don’t scatter them Instead of spacing everything evenly, plant in clusters. This creates a more natural look, helps plants thrive together, and makes your yard feel intentional instead of random. 🐝 2. Think pollinators (and life in your yard) Plants like salvia, penstemon, yarrow, and daisies don’t just look good… They bring in bees, butterflies, and movement. A yard that feels alive is always more enjoyable than one that just “looks clean.” 🌸 3. Plan for coverage early One of the biggest mistakes I see is underplanting. Groundcovers and spreading perennials (like creeping juniper, ice plant, or kinnikinnick) will fill in over time and: • Reduce weeds • Lower maintenance • Save you money long-term 🪵 4. Don’t skimp on mulch This is a big one. A thick, high-quality mulch layer (3–4 inches): • Locks in moisture • Keeps soil temps stable • Suppresses weeds • Makes everything look finished and premium Thin mulch = more weeds + more water + more frustration 💧 5. Design with water in mind The goal isn’t just to remove grass… it’s to build a system that uses water wisely. Drip irrigation + proper spacing + the right plants = Less waste, healthier plants, and long-term savings At the end of the day, the best landscapes aren’t the most complicated… They’re the ones that are thought through. Simple. Intentional. Built to last. If you’re planning a project this year and want help thinking through it, drop a question below 👇

Homeowner will be getting about 5-6k back in rebates if all goes well!

You can feel it right now… The soil is warming ☀️ Plants are starting to wake up 🌱 This is one of the most important times of the year for your landscape. Most people wait until May or June to think about their yard, but by then you are already behind. Here are a few simple design principles to think about right now: Start with early bloomers 🌸 Plants like creeping phlox and early penstemons bring life back into your yard first. Think in layers 🌿 Groundcover, perennials, and grasses create a full, natural look that fills in over time. Plan for water, not against it 💧 If your design works with Utah’s climate, everything becomes easier. Less water, less maintenance, better results. Design for life 🐝 Bees, butterflies, and birds should be part of the plan, not an afterthought. Most traditional landscapes do not really wake up. They just survive. A well-designed xeriscape actually comes alive in early spring. If you want help, drop a picture of your yard below or ask a question. I will give you ideas, plant suggestions, or simple layout feedback.

An extreme example but I’m just not sold on the benefits of weed barrier fabric. Not that it can’t be useful in some circumstances…but if it turns on you and becomes the enemy. You’ll wish you found other ways to deal with weeds.

We’re about to get a couple 60 degree days. Most people walk outside and think “Spring is almost here.” But this is actually a test. 🌡️ Soil temperatures are rising 🌱 Weed seeds are preparing to germinate ❄️ In many regions, snowpack has been lighter than normal When there’s less snow, soil warms earlier because it isn’t insulated. And once even small amounts of moisture hit, dormant weed seeds respond quickly. Dry winters don’t stop weeds. They often shift the timing. Traditional turf landscapes can enter spring already behind. They require irrigation earlier. They stress sooner. They demand more input. Meanwhile, well designed low water landscapes are simply steady. This is why long term landscape planning matters more than seasonal reaction. Smart homeowners use warm February days to: ✅ Get ahead of weed pressure ✅ Apply pre emergent before soil temps consistently cross 55° ✅ Evaluate water use before summer demand spikes ✅ Rethink how much lawn actually serves their lifestyle Water wise landscapes aren’t about trends. They’re about resilience. Spring doesn’t start in April. It starts when preparation begins. No matter where you live, this is the season to think ahead. If you’re looking at your landscape differently this year, drop a comment and share what you’re considering. John Natural By Design Design build. Benefit driven. Water smart