Landscaping Ideas for the Discerning Homeowner
The idea gathering period is one of the most important stages of designing a landscape. Before you go out and start spending money on your garden (tempting, I know), take some time to browse through a dozen or so gardening and landscaping catalogues, books, and Web sites or take a look around your neighborhood so you'll have a good selection of ideas to choose from. Remember, you don't have to settle for whatever's in stock at your local home and garden center only to regret your choices a few months later. If you're looking for unusal plants or decor you won't soon get bored with, take a look through some of the speciality shops on line.
Things To Consider When Planning Your Design
- Even if all you want is a casual garden, it's important to have some kind of plan before you invest your time and money. Careful designing can also save you a lot of trouble later on. Among some of the aspects to consider are how large each plant will grow, if any plants you want might cause allergies or become invasive, and which landscaping materials will hold up best in your climate.
- Keep in mind how you want to use the landscape. Will it be a place for the kids to play or a venue for outdoor entertaining? Do you want to attract butterflies or native birds?
- With a little planning, a landscape can look good year round. Avoid filling all your space with spring- and summer-flowering plants; choose a few shrubs and trees for autumn color and interesting forms and textures in winter.
- As you create your design, first plan around larger fixtures like trees, pathways, and raised beds and work down to smaller, movable items like seating and decor. Don't overlook the irrigation and lighting systems, either.
- To bring out the best in your landscape, spend some time identifying potential problem spots like slopes, areas of deep shade, or eyesores you want to hide. There are ways to landscape these attractively, but they take some forethought.
Places to Start Your Idea Hunt
- Landscaping Ideas Online
- One of the most comprehensive landscape design sites out there, this site hosts over 4,000 clear, full-color photos of real landscaping designs along with tips on building structures like retaining walls and benches. If you're visually oriented, this is the landscaping site for you.
- Better Homes and Gardens
- Backyard Landscaping Ideas
Unique Landscape Designs
- Night Garden
- Do you get home late in the evening or just enjoy spending time in the garden at night? Here are some ideas for creating a garden you can enjoy after dark. This page also includes a good list of night-blooming flowers.
- Dog Friendly Landscaping
- Got an active dog? Here are some landscape design ideas that will keep your dog happy and safe outdoors. Get tips on plant choice (you might be surprised what plants are poisonous to dogs), fences, agility equipment, and dog houses.
- Audible Garden
- Here's one "sound garden" you won't have to buy tickets for. This landscape design includes ideas for audible plants and decor and gives tips on how to arrange them for maximum sonic effect. A great landscape style for the visually impaired.
- Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas
- We've just started a new site to help you get ideas for creating a backyard oasis around your pool. Get tips on above ground pools, pool plants, decks, lighting, pool houses and more.
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