Friday, October 29, 2010
Landscape Design Pictures and Ideas
They say a picture is worth a thousand words that is certainly true when it comes to landscaping. Landscaping can increase the value of your home when you resell as much as 20% so not only do you get to enjoy the beauty while you live in your home but you can recover some of the cost as well.
The problem is most folks aren't landscape architects and really have no idea what it is they want when it comes to the front or backyard design. I found a solution for you.
This wonderful resource has over 4000+ landscape design ideas with thousand of stunning pictures, included are ideas for lawns, pools, gardens, garages, fountains, and more over 60 categories of landscape ideas you can use to make your property a jaw dropper.
Click here for Landscape Design Pictures and Ideas
The problem is most folks aren't landscape architects and really have no idea what it is they want when it comes to the front or backyard design. I found a solution for you.
This wonderful resource has over 4000+ landscape design ideas with thousand of stunning pictures, included are ideas for lawns, pools, gardens, garages, fountains, and more over 60 categories of landscape ideas you can use to make your property a jaw dropper.
Click here for Landscape Design Pictures and Ideas
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Garden Landscape Design Planning Tips Video
Need some help planning your garden landscape? Here's a couple quick tips
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Landscape Design Planning
A good landscaping design starts with a plan but most folks don’t know where to begin. It’s easier than you think, you can start near your home, just take a trip around town and note the flowers, trees, and shrubs that you like and their placement. Don’t forget to take your camera! Another easy way to find front or backyard designs is to look through landscaping books, which are readily available online.
Use what nature or your climate gives you don’t try to fight it. Some plants just won’t grow well where you live, however you can find similar flowers or trees that will grow in your zone. This is where your research comes in handy; whether you have just a few feet of space or an acre, planning is important. You don’t want to rip out everything and start over later because of bad choices. It wastes money and time.
Once you find the plants you like the next step is to make a budget, while most folks consider this an evil word it can help you decide if you want to use the services of a professional landscaper. You can always do your landscaping in phases if you find the price is too high.
You can save money if you do-it-yourself but half-finished projects are disheartening and can get you in trouble with your better half. If you do-it yourself only start with what you know you can finish in the time you have available and take on the next project at a later date.
The next important decision to make is upkeep - what do you have time for? The more you plant the more tending it needs. This is where container gardening comes in handy it is a good way to dip your toe in landscaping. You may think you want this lush flowery backyard but once you start planting you realize there is more work than expected.
Containers are also an excellent idea for apartment dwellers either take them with you or leave it for the next bunch of folks that move in.
Landscaping with flowers - the quickest way to add beauty is to plant flowers. You may want to add a mixture of perennials (comes back each year but may not bloom the first year) and annuals (one season) this way you can treat yourself to a new flower each year and if you don’t like they way it looks then choose another next year.
Rocks and stones - you may not realize it but some native rocks and stones are real beauties if you don’t have much time to tend to your landscaping consider adding a few into your master plan.
Water features – adding a pond, fountain, or a wall feature will make your landscaping come to life. The sound of water trickling is very soothing to most folks so if you like relaxation then a water feature maybe just what you are looking for.
Furniture - although you may not think of it as part of landscaping it is. If you want the landscaping to be complete right away then plan for furniture in your budget. If furniture is the last part of your plan spruce up the chairs with some textured paint or cushions until you can buy your new patio furniture. Use a tablecloth to hide and not so pretty table.
Lighting - you would be surprised how adding a single light can transform the look of your yard. There is a variety of options available from lighted stones to hanging lights you can’t go wrong here maybe just overboard…lol
Trees are the most important aspect of your design because they are permanent to a point. You can plant a tree anywhere but consider the cost and headache if you put it in the wrong place. Their roots go down deep, and can mess up your sidewalks and other areas so be sure to take your time when choosing trees.
When it comes to planting trees consider…
1. How big it will get?
2. Will the leaves fall off every year? If so you may have to rake them up.
3. How deep or far will the root system grow?
In conclusion some folks make landscaping harder than is has to be.
1. Find out what you like by looking at pictures in books or taking a trip through town.
2. Make a budget and consider how much time you can devote to upkeep.
3. Get estimates if you can save money by doing some of the work yourself that’s awesome.
4. Start planting
5. Enjoy the view
Use what nature or your climate gives you don’t try to fight it. Some plants just won’t grow well where you live, however you can find similar flowers or trees that will grow in your zone. This is where your research comes in handy; whether you have just a few feet of space or an acre, planning is important. You don’t want to rip out everything and start over later because of bad choices. It wastes money and time.
Once you find the plants you like the next step is to make a budget, while most folks consider this an evil word it can help you decide if you want to use the services of a professional landscaper. You can always do your landscaping in phases if you find the price is too high.
You can save money if you do-it-yourself but half-finished projects are disheartening and can get you in trouble with your better half. If you do-it yourself only start with what you know you can finish in the time you have available and take on the next project at a later date.
The next important decision to make is upkeep - what do you have time for? The more you plant the more tending it needs. This is where container gardening comes in handy it is a good way to dip your toe in landscaping. You may think you want this lush flowery backyard but once you start planting you realize there is more work than expected.
Containers are also an excellent idea for apartment dwellers either take them with you or leave it for the next bunch of folks that move in.
Landscaping with flowers - the quickest way to add beauty is to plant flowers. You may want to add a mixture of perennials (comes back each year but may not bloom the first year) and annuals (one season) this way you can treat yourself to a new flower each year and if you don’t like they way it looks then choose another next year.
Rocks and stones - you may not realize it but some native rocks and stones are real beauties if you don’t have much time to tend to your landscaping consider adding a few into your master plan.
Water features – adding a pond, fountain, or a wall feature will make your landscaping come to life. The sound of water trickling is very soothing to most folks so if you like relaxation then a water feature maybe just what you are looking for.
Furniture - although you may not think of it as part of landscaping it is. If you want the landscaping to be complete right away then plan for furniture in your budget. If furniture is the last part of your plan spruce up the chairs with some textured paint or cushions until you can buy your new patio furniture. Use a tablecloth to hide and not so pretty table.
Lighting - you would be surprised how adding a single light can transform the look of your yard. There is a variety of options available from lighted stones to hanging lights you can’t go wrong here maybe just overboard…lol
Trees are the most important aspect of your design because they are permanent to a point. You can plant a tree anywhere but consider the cost and headache if you put it in the wrong place. Their roots go down deep, and can mess up your sidewalks and other areas so be sure to take your time when choosing trees.
When it comes to planting trees consider…
1. How big it will get?
2. Will the leaves fall off every year? If so you may have to rake them up.
3. How deep or far will the root system grow?
In conclusion some folks make landscaping harder than is has to be.
1. Find out what you like by looking at pictures in books or taking a trip through town.
2. Make a budget and consider how much time you can devote to upkeep.
3. Get estimates if you can save money by doing some of the work yourself that’s awesome.
4. Start planting
5. Enjoy the view
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