Christopher S. Raimondi got his start in Horticulture at the age of 12, after becoming the top salesman for a local plant nursery during a Boy Scout troop fundraiser. He now shares over 50 years of horticultural knowledge with clients, as well as his students at The New York Botanical Garden and Bergen Community College, where he is an Adjunct Professor of Horticulture. He has held numerous volunteer industry positions, including serving as a Board Member, at National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

For his educational and professional efforts, he earned the coveted NALP Trailblazer Status, designating him as a credible source for horticultural advising. In the last year, he was a founding member of Pinnacle V, an international peer group of plantscape professionals who share best practices and progressive business strategy.

2. RENOVATE GARDENS AND PATHWAYS

July is the perfect time to implement garden and pathway makeovers that won’t take much effort, but can greatly add to your property’s curb appeal. “Consider installing stepping stones or gravel to create a charming garden pathway,” Raimondi says.

And for the garden, he recommends adding new plants or rearranging existing ones for a fresh look.

3. CREATE A COMPOST BIN

Exercise eco-friendliness by creating a compost bin – which serves two functions. “Composting reduces waste and provides nutrient-rich soil for your garden,” Raimondi explains. And it’s not as difficult or expensive as you might think. “You can build a compost bin using wooden pallets or a simple trash can,” Raimondi says. “Remember to add a mix of green and brown materials and turn the compost pile regularly.” Examples of food waste include fruits, vegetables, rice and grains, teabags, eggshells, and coffee grounds.

4. INSTALL A SMART WATER IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Intense heat waves are projected this summer. However, Raimondi says you can protect your spring plantings from the summer heat by installing a smart water drip irrigation system. “These systems deliver the right amount of water to your plants, conserving water, and ensuring your plants stay healthy.”

5. BUILD A BIRD FEEDER

If you’re a bird lover, or just want to help these feathered friends, consider building a bird feather. If you start now, Raimondi says you prepare for the winter months. “This can be a simple DIY project using materials like wood, a plastic bottle, or a milk carton,” he explains. Raimondi recommends hanging the bird feeder in a quiet and safe spot in your yard. Make sure that it’s high enough that four legged animals can’t leap up and touch it.

6. PLANT AND INSTALL HERB GARDENS

There’s something about freshly grown herbs that makes every meal taste better. “Consider planting herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, and you can create a dedicated herb garden or plant them in pots for easy access when cooking,” Raimondi says.

7. CREATE POLLINATOR GARDENS

You can attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard by planting native flowers and plants. “Not only will a pollinator garden support the local ecosystem, but it will also add life and color to your yard,” Raimondi explains.

8. INSTALL A TRANQUIL WATER FEATURE

Create a tranquil garden retreat by installing a soothing water feature. Raimondi says this could be a small pond, a fountain, or even a birdbath. “The sound of water can be very calming and can attract wildlife as well.”

9. CREATE A XERISCAPE SECTION

Xeriscaping is a practice of landscaping using little or no irrigation and Raimondi says it reduces resources needed to maintain the area. This is a great way to conserve water and doesn’t require as much time and labor to maintain. “This landscaping method also involves choosing plants that require less water,” Raimondi says. He recommends creating a section in your garden that is dedicated to xeriscaping.

10. PLANT A SHADE TREE

The last project is to plant a decent-sized shade tree. “Not only will it provide a cool spot to sit and admire your projects, but it will also improve air quality and potentially increase property value,” Raimondi says.

With each of these projects, Raimondi suggests considering your climate and the specific needs of your yard.

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