Work Like a Pro Landscaper at Home
It seems that it is difficult to work in the garden and get the correct landscape design to reality. Others would seek help from professionals just to make their yard beautiful. But not everyone could have such privilege so here are some tips that even designers would attest to be effective in your attempt for a DIY yard designing.
Think of the Elements
Before jumping in to the actual labor, you have to think of your plan. Keep the basic elements in check. Look over the plants, materials, and the whole site so that you would see how they complement each other.
For instance, you should be aware of lighting. Use high intensity lighting to busy areas or near the street. Then choose warmer lights or even colored lighting in the more quiet spaces because this will bring a peaceful atmosphere to these areas. Then to create effective combinations of plants, do it with contrast. Pair opposites to attract a refreshing view and play with colors then sizes like short-tall or round-upright plants.
Stick to a Unifying Concept
Many might think that getting all the good materials would just make magic work for their garden. This is not always the case. You have to consider putting just the proper amount of ornaments or even plants in your yard. Simply stick to one concept and put additional details in minimal amount. This is seen in garden design which does not overcrowd the space, but uses the elements wisely. Just like in designing the pathways. There are various materials like stone, rubble masonry, and ashlars masonry available. Check different patterns that are suitable for each material, and the one that will complement well with your space.
Put Durable Furniture
Keeping an outdoor area would require sturdy yet attractive look. When you choose the type of furniture for your yard, think of the material used and not just the design. It is better to purchase aluminum-based furniture over iron-made ones. The latter could easily get rusty and would need higher maintenance. Pick furniture that are low maintenance but would not put the aesthetic value aside. In general, landscape architecture should be an overall unifying work from the plants, materials, and furniture.
Know your Plants
1. Choose the Proper Plants
When you walk through your garden, think of the ground and the area’s location. There are some difficulties when people work on slopes or small spaces. Choosing the plants could be tough, but you simply have to remember these: think of the blooming season, how it would look in your garden, and the maintenance it requires. You do not want to have colorful flowers only in spring, and then a “naked” lawn in the other seasons. Learn to balance the type of plants that you would put in your yard.
Hydrangea is a good choice for your front or back yards. It has large, thick foliage which can change according to the type of soil. For example, in a slightly acidic soil, you can expect to see deep blue flowers, while in regular soil, you would have lavender and pink blooms. Another good pick is the Encore Azalea. This is a type composed of twenty five different kinds of hybrids which bloom in spring, but will also show beautiful flowers in late summer or possibly in early autumn.
2. Read about Plant Growth
There is no single style for all plants. Do your research about the kinds of plants that you want for your garden. Consider the type of soil, area, and the season. For example, hibiscus plants are good to put on slopes because they are tolerant to dry soil. Being on a slope would make the space more exposed to sunlight, and could make other plants wither faster.
3. Color Coordination
Aside from the type of plants, you should also keep in mind the colors that you would want to display. If you are not into the kinds of flowering plants, you could think of using shades of green for your curb appeal landscaping. It is not only your backyard that you should be working on. Have a light color for your front door, and then let the hues of green plants welcome your guests.
