Investing an effort into landscaping improves the appearance of an outdoor space by bringing its elements into harmony. A well-landscaped yard is one which not only looks good, but also takes into consideration the functional needs of the owner. Keep reading for insight on how to accommodate both appearance and function in your landscaping design.
If you install a kitchen outside, consider making use of granite for most surfaces. While it may cost less with marble or a similar material, granite is good because you place very hot things on it and does not require much maintenance.
Sketch out a design before you dig your first hole on a landscaping project. Sketching your ideas out first will help you visualize what you want the results to be, and therefore, you will know what materials you might need. This helps because you don’t have to actually make changes to see what they would look like.
It can be quite overwhelming to redo your entire landscape at one time. It makes sense to complete your work in stages so that you do not need to spend lots of money at once. Dividing the project into phases also helps you edit your design as you go along. You can make changes to your landscape whenever needed if you use this type of plan.
Your choice of plants will be critical in determining the success or failure of your landscaping efforts. Obviously, you wouldn’t choose plants that prefer shade if you are landscaping a sunny area. You don’t want to plant a tree where there is little room for growth. Take time to be certain your plants will grow well where they are planted.
A basic landscaping tip that can help anyone is to comprise a list of any needed materials before even beginning your project. The worst thing is to have to stop your project in the middle because you are short on mulch or missing a critical tool.
Go ahead and add in more than one or two different kinds of plants in your landscape. This can protect your planting areas in the event a disease or insect colony shows up. If these attacks reach your plants, and they are all of the same species, they will all die. Diversity is important in landscaping for plant health.
Before heading to your local garden store for plants and materials, take down exact measurements for your entire work area. This will allow you to more easily obtain the items you need for the project. This will keep you from buying too little or too much of any item.
When modifying your yard during landscaping projects, make sure you take existing structures into consideration before you ever touch your shovel to the dirt. Look at all facets of your home, from cable and wire entry points to gutters and air conditioning units, and build them into your landscaping plan. Notify the county or city you live in before digging so you can be sure not to destroy underground lines.
Think about the existing structures around the landscaping project before starting on it. Check out where your gutters, cables, air conditioning units, and things of that sort are located; you want to make sure you don’t interfere with where they’re at. Call the city or county before you dig to make sure you do not damage any underground lines.
Instead of sticking with the traditional straight edging, add some curved borders to your landscape. Rounded edges have a better visual appeal than cornered edges. Curved edges soften the straight edges created by your home and driveway.
Plant with an eye towards keeping your landscape beautiful all year round. It is a good idea to choose plants that have different blooming times, along with evergreens, so that there is always something blooming or green in your yard, even in winter months. Do your research to create a landscape that offers year-round interest.
Foliage Plants
Evergreens and foliage plants will lend an air of continuity and consistency to your landscaping. Since most plants are only in bloom during certain seasons, your yard may seem dull or dead in the off-season if you don’t use foliage plants. The use of foliage plants and evergreen shrubs keep your yard green between flower beds.
Mulch is a necessary foundation for most flower beds. Mulch keeps moisture in the soil so that heat and dry air don’t kill your plants. They will get just the amount of water they need every day.
Those of you that want to do some landscaping would be smart to select plants that have unique leaf textures. Sprinkle some of these plants in your yard for nice contrast. Place the plants throughout the landscape in a balanced way to make the landscape visually appealing.
Choose native plants if your goal is to have a distinctive yet easy to maintain landscape. Plants that have been able to survive in the wild have proven that they can easily thrive in the climate conditions available, and therefore,they will be easier for you to maintain. Local plants don’t need as much supplemental irrigation and this can save you cash on your bill for water.
Water can visually enhance your project. Small ponds, fountains and bird baths can easily be installed into your design. If budget is not a concern, consider asking for professional help to install a more elaborate pond or waterfall. Water features can really draw the eye and provide a centerpiece to your project.
Meeting all your needs, whether it be aesthetics or function, is key to a good landscape plan. While you want to remain within your budget, you’ll want the best results possible. What you have read here will make it easier to do so. If you make use of the things you learned, you’d be surprised with how successful you will be!