Many people would love to have a yard that is the talk of the neighborhood, but they are not sure where to start. With the correct information, landscaping is pretty easy. The following article will help give you some great ideas on how to create a beautiful yard.
To landscape successfully, you must understand the difference between annual and perennial plants. You must also be aware of which plants, shrubs and flowers grow best in your particular geographical area and its climate. Also take into account what your yard will look like in each season of the year; don’t design just for summer. You must be aware of this information to ensure that you get the results that you want.
Before you begin your landscaping project, be sure to make a complete listing of materials required. This can help you to avoid the dreaded problem of starting your project, only to find that you have forgotten to purchase something and need to stop and wait until you can obtain the necessary supplies.
Take your soil in for for testing prior to starting any landscape or gardening project. Having your soil tested could help you know what you need to add to it and what you need to eliminate. Remember to take care of this prior to planting. That way, your plants stand a better chance of thriving.
It is very hard to landscape every part of your home at one time. It is best to break up an endeavor this large into smaller individual projects that are easier to budget and execute. You will also be able to make any changes that you think of without having to re-do the whole project.
Make sure to wisely choose the plants you will include in your yard, as it is an important part of how your landscape turns out. Obviously, you wouldn’t choose plants that prefer shade if you are landscaping a sunny area. Be conscious of how much water, light and room each plant needs. Take time to be certain your plants will grow well where they are planted.
There is more to landscaping than just planting grass and trees. Consider cement, wood or iron structures to add a little texture to your yard. You can add more depth to your yard by adding archways, pergolas, decks or birdbaths. All of these materials and features are available at any price point you need to match.
If you are doing a major landscaping project, think about talking with a landscape architect who can give you a fresh perspective on your idea and design. An experienced landscape professional can give advice to help you save time and money over the long run. The average price of a consultation is around $75 and this will pay for itself after a while.
Ground Cover
Planting flowers in the shade often leads to disappointment. You can choose to put a ground cover such as mulch, or perhaps a bench around the base to give it a well maintained look. This will make your yard look nicer and it’s very simple to care for. Hostas, ivy and sweet woodruff are all excellent ground cover options.
Try using curved borders around what you plant when you’re landscaping the yard. These rounded borders are more visually appealing than straight ones. When your property is viewed from the street, the curved lines of the borders in your landscaping will help to soften the straight lines of the hardscape elements, like your house and driveway.
When taking on a landscaping project on your own, be sure to diligently estimate your costs. Take the time to write out your plan and estimate the cost of each aspect of it. Next, figure out where to purchase all these materials. You don’t want to overspend, and that can happen easily since different stores can vary wildly in price depending on where they are located. Determine how you can best find good materials at less expensive prices.
When contracting a professional landscaper, make sure you not only require references but review those references. You certainly want to save money, but you also need to find someone that is competent. The easiest way to do this is see how his previous work turned out.
Now that you have finished this article, you are no doubt aware that the landscape of your dreams is a real possibility. Keep this information in mind and use what you’ve learned. Before long, your new landscape will be what everyone is talking about.