Archive for 'Landscaping'
Tips on Planning Your Landscaping Project
Posted on 20. Apr, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Are you thinking of planning a landscaping project but you have know idea where to start or what to do? As you know, a well planned landscape is pleasing to the eyes and enhances the value of the property. Planning a landscape is not as simple as arranging trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. It is considered as an art which recognizes the importance of harmony and organization of the space outside your house. Here are some things that may help you plan for your landscaping project.
Reasons behind landscaping
Some of the goals of landscaping include the establishment of a visual harmony between the house and its surroundings, the reduction of maintenance time and costs to a workable and practical level, and the enhancement of your place, both for pleasure and usage. Many people waste so much money on landscaping because of poor planning or no planning at all.
Things to do when planning your project
For your project to be beautiful, practical, and meaningful, you must think how the space is usually used and what will maximize your stay there by visualizing the things that you will put in it. It is important for you to look at the designs done before and learn from their innovation and mistakes as well. You must have a good idea of the materials that are easily obtainable and will not cause you procurement problems that can radically affect your design concept. Taking time to look at the ecology of your site is also important since this is one of the main factors that have an impact on your planned design.
Layout tips
Regarding the layout, look at the following: terrain, size of the area, and your allocated budget. The terrain of your area means knowing its natural elevations, the kind of grass growing in it, trees already there, and other structures that may affect your plan. The yard size will determine whether large items like islands or big trees should be included in the project. The budget will be the main consideration when it comes to choosing the type of design and materials you will employ for the project.
While planning your project, you should keep in mind that landscaping will not always enhance or beautify the looks of a building. On the other hand, if the landscaping is planned properly and executed correctly, it will greatly improve the appearance of the building by making it look more livable, warm, and unique.
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Using Native Plants in Landscaping
Posted on 12. Apr, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Using native plants in landscaping in an urban setting exudes a certain character and at the same time requires fewer resources; such as water, etc… Here are some things that you should know when planning to embark on this endeavor.
Why use native plants?
Using native plants for landscaping is a way of celebrating natural heritage and a way of returning back to a land ethic established 50 years before by Aldo Leopold. Looking closely at native plants, it can be ascertained that these plants have many traits that make them very appealing in terms of aesthetic value, ecological value, and practicality. They can also present some health benefits when used properly.
Native Plants
So what are native plants? Native plants are plants that have evolved naturally in the United States. In particular, native plants in a certain area are those that were thriving in the particular area long before humans brought plants from faraway places. Both in Central and Eastern North America, the native plants grow in areas that have other species which have adapted to similar weather, moisture, and soil conditions. Some of the more prevalent types include tallgrass prairies, beech and maple forests, freshwater marshes, bogs, and savannahs among others.
Native plants are energy savers
Since native plants have been present in their respective areas for thousands of years, they have adapted and toughened against local conditions. They are resilient and can withstand the cruel winter cold or the sizzling summer heat. After getting a firm hold on the land, these types of plants will need no fertilizers or irrigation and are less prone to pests. Because of these reasons, native plants are very ideal for a low-maintenance type of landscaping and gardening.
Native plants are fascinating
Due to their diversity, native plants include wonderful flowers and interesting foliage. Trees and shrubs native to an area present a multitude of shapes, textures, and sizes to the landscape. Besides this, native plants have very interesting cultural as well as historical dimensions. A lot of the species are considered to be of value both as food and medicine. Some types have been used for textiles, dyeing, and cordage to name a few of their uses… It also serves as a reminder, a link to yesterday and its memories.
These are some of the reasons why native plants are used for landscaping. If you think that these are well grounded reasons and that you concur with it, then there is no reason why you should not delve into native plant landscaping.
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Landscaping With Rocks
Posted on 06. Apr, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Understand that every individual has varying ideas of determining what they want their landscape to look. Even if not all that you see is something that you want to utilize and incorporate in your own garden, get whatever ideas from the garden that attract you and integrate it into your garden, as you design and construct it.
Style should be your primary concern when you start your new landscaping design, as the overall appearance of your garden should complement the design and character of your home, as well as reflect your personality.
In a Landscape, one can integrate many different objects and items, such as different plant varieties or rocks.
One may be surprised how simple objects can make a huge impact in your garden. Rocks can give much emphasis, impact, character and interest to any landscape.
Here are guidelines to help you get started:
1. Begin with a clean yard. By this, it means that you take off everything, including small plants, bushes and rocks and set them aside. Leave only the trees.
2. Make a sketch of the yard and decide where to put what. Take pictures and put together a scene of the yards present form as well as your available resources. Make up your mind which should be kept and the areas to change.
3. Pinpoint any unsightly views (garbage cans, nearby properties, utility boxes, etc.) and start creating a landscape in these areas making sure you cover it with large rocks and boulders, bushes and large types of plants to conceal the ugly sites.
4. Try to acquire landscaping ideas from magazines or photos from the internet, so that you can use them as a reference and you will have an idea how your landscape will look before you arrange the rocks.
5. For cost-effective landscaping, consider getting rocks from your area (there might be a lot lying around in your garden) as these will look very natural and will blend with your local plants.
6. Group together three to five rocks of different sizes in one location; never separate each rock one by one.
7. Don’t make the mistake of just placing the rock on the ground. Set each rock into position by burying no more than half of it underground this way they will look more natural.
8. After you have positioned all the rocks, move back and examine the view. Change any position that you do not find appealing. Then add your plants.
The purpose of your new landscape is to set up and improve the view of your garden, providing you with a peaceful retreat anytime. Enjoy!
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Do-it-Yourself Landscaping Tips
Posted on 28. Mar, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Home landscaping design is a very creative field, and you can experience an immense sense of satisfaction and self-fulfillment once you see your finished product.
By seeing the fruits of your labor on your lawn, you can learn that with enough hard work, innovation and creativity, you can have the perfect backyard or front lawn that will be the envy of your neighbors.
Here are some do-it-yourself landscaping tips:
1. Survey the general area that you want to landscape and make a plan.
Some home owners end up with a lousy home garden because they did not plan well. They just fill up any empty space with plants, without considering the aesthetic design.
For you to succeed in designing your lawn and landscaping your home, sit down and make a rough sketch. Assign areas where you would like to put the plants. Arrange them in such a way that there will be some order, without sacrificing the beauty of your surroundings.
If you plan to use garden furniture, place it in a strategic place where it will be enjoyed.
Remember to stick to your plan once it is finished.
2. Know the reason why you would like to landscape your lawn.
The main objective of residential landscaping is to maximize the potential of the excess land that you have. Some think that just because you have a grassy area outside the house, it would qualify as a landscaped lawn.
There are a lot of alternative landscaping designs that you can choose to beautify your surroundings.
3. Choose the proper theme for your landscape design.
Research which plants and trees and determine which are best for surviving the seasons of your area. There are shrubs that are appropriate and will do well in your lawn area during the summer season. During the autumn season, there are trees that you can plant that will show off the beauty of your garden.
Just imagine all the colors that will contribute to your landscape design if you select a plant, shrub, flower or tree that blooms or has colorful foliage and looks beautiful during each season of the year.
4. Once you have decided on the plants, make sure that you water them well.
One of the mistakes that homeowners have after they finish their landscape design is insufficient irrigation. Make sure that you water and fertilize your plants according to their needs.
If you are going to be away from home, have somebody do the watering for you. Otherwise, you will end up with an ugly, dried-out lawn and/or garden.
Follow these tips and you will have a great-looking front or backyard that you designed yourself.
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The In’s & Out’s of Landscaping
Posted on 21. Mar, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Success in home landscaping design is one that you can attain with enough hard work, patience and creativity. However, there are some disadvantages to it that you should work on to avoid.
Take a look at the pros and cons if you are considering home landscape design and you plan to do it yourself:
Pros:
1. One of the advantages of designing the landscaping of your own home is primarily the cost. Professional landscape design fees have soared over the years. If you cannot afford this service, you opt to design the lawn yourself.
2. It would give the home owners an immense sense of achievement once they see the end results. Seeing the completed results of your hard work and imagination everyday when looking out of your window should be enough motivation for you.
3. Another advantage of designing your own backyard is your ability to seek the help of your friends and family. This will give you some bonding time together as well as quality time together, just remember to inject some fun while doing all the dirty and hard work.
Cons:
1. Nature may work against you.
After you implement the design that you made for your backyard or front lawn, several problems might crop up:
-weeds
-animals
-flood
-insects
-pests or disease
-soil problems
2. Drought conditions.
This is the most common lawn problem that a home owner needs to deal with. There are areas in the United States that experience drought during summer and this will work against the landscape design of your home.
To avoid this, plant shrubs that do not need much water. Also ask a professional gardener about how you can make your lawn more drought-resistant
3. Floods.
Floods are a natural enemy for your landscaped lawn. There are plants and parts of your garden that may survive flooding, but if some don’t, just be patient because you can always start over.
4. Improper maintenance can ruin your lawn.
With a trimmed and landscaped lawn, you need a lot of time to maintain it.
This is one disadvantage of landscaping your backyard or front lawn. If you do not have the time or the patience to maintain it, consider someone to do it for you.
By knowing the pros and cons of do-it-yourself’ home landscaping, you have an idea of what can do and the things to avoid.
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Mulching and Landscaping Tips
Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Are you thinking of landscaping with mulch? A neatly arranged bed of mulch does a good job of improving the appearance of the lawn. But besides its aesthetic value, it also has other benefits. Mulch serves as a protective mechanism for the root systems of the plants and at the same time it provides nutrients that make the soil richer. It also prevents soil erosion and weeds as well as retaining moisture. Here are some tips that will help you with your project.
Types of mulches
There are two kinds of mulches, organic and inorganic ones. Organic mulches are created from natural substances and help enhance the soil via decomposition.
Lawn clippings can be used when the mowing season begins. This type of mulch should be dried thoroughly before being used since it has a tendency to mat when spread thick if it is not dry. Don’t use clippings that have been sprayed with herbicide. Grass is nitrogen rich and is ideal when used as a vegetable mulch.
Sawdust is also easily obtained in most areas. It is a good idea to let it decompose after mixing it with a small amount of soil to prevent it from getting blown away when dry or matting when wet. Nitrogen in the soil may be lessened if fresh sawdust is introduced into the soil but if the sawdust is just on the upper portion of the soil, this will not be a problem.
Straw is what is left of the stem of grains that have been harvested. Because of its light weight, you may have some trouble applying it. It needs to be replaced more often since it decomposes quickly. It is a good choice for areas that have been newly seeded.
For inorganic mulches here are the choices:
Recycled rubber is usually picked as an alternative to bark or stone. Natural looking recycled rubber does not only last very long time but is also safe. Its main advantages are: it enhances the retention of water, it regulates soil temperature, prevents weed growth, and has good aesthetic values.
Plastic on the other hand, makes the soil warm and prevents air and water from penetrating or getting out of it and it does not decompose The plant’s growth is accelerated by the additional heat and moisture. Due to its solid characteristics, plastic mulches need an irrigation system.
These are some of the mulches that you can use for landscaping. Plan carefully and decide which kind of mulch to use based on the appearance and needs of your landscaping project. Go ahead and make your dream lawn a reality!
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Landscaping and Vegetables: A Healthy Place in the Sun
Posted on 04. Mar, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Landscaping is nature’s greatest form of art. It is one form of enhancing the natural splendor of a particular piece of land. It combines the different facets of creativity into one giant creation of art, beauty, utility, and practicality.
Shade trees provide protection against the glaring heat of the sun, where trees can actually soak up almost 85% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Some people do not know that landscaping can also be a good source of food.
Most garden-lovers think that beauty in nature lies in the flowers and ornamental plants. What they fail to notice is that vegetables can make a nice display in the scenery as well.
Vegetable gardeners contend that the bright yellow color of the sunflower under the heat of the sun is as magnificent as the rich green color of lettuce. The best thing about it is that these vegetables do not just feed one’s eyes but their stomach as well.
Most people who realize the value of vegetables in landscaping instantly decide to start planting edible plants in their garden. They find that landscaping using vegetables is a gratifying activity, more than merely landscaping with flowers and shrubs.
The common benefit that these people assert is the fact that landscaping a vegetable garden does not just add beauty to the area but can also provide the health-supplying goodness of vegetables.
When landscaping a vegetable garden utilize a detailed principle - because the main purpose is to grow vegetables that produce continuous harvests.
Here is a list of some of the principles in landscaping vegetables:
1. Try to separate ornamental plants from the vegetables. This is to avoid the contamination of the different pesticides for each type of plant.
2. Crop rotation is extremely important. Keep in mind that landscaping vegetables should not focus more on the beautification than how the land will respond to the demands of the plants.
3. Proper maintenance is important. Rotting fruits are not a good sight nor a positive feature in a landscape.
4. Use vegetables that can easily be maintained and that are very attractive.
Landscaping a vegetable garden is the most profitable aspect of the process. It makes one’s yard productive and fascinating all at the same time.
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Simple Landscaping Ideas
Posted on 26. Feb, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Home is where your heart is. It is the place to go when you want to relax, have fun and do what you want. You will want every place in your home to be attractive - just the way you want it. This applies to your yard as well, and considering that your surroundings affect the way you feel, the appearance of your yard is of great importance.
Landscaping is an art. It is a place that contributes to the tranquility of your surroundings. Landscaping helps you achieve the aesthetic quality you desire for your garden and/or yard.
Landscaping does not need to be done by a professional design team. That is the beauty of it. You and your family, including your children can help assist in designing your surroundings for a more “family” type environment.
Here are some ideas to start you off.
You might want a garden, full of blossoming flowers, something that encircles your whole house. This is great since it will serve as the perimeter for your landscaping project.
Other ideas include assigning spots for other family members. Your children will want a play area where they can run and play with their friends. You might consider planting a shade tree to protect them from the harmful effects of extended exposure to the sun.
Another point to consider is an area your older children (or you and your spouse!) can use to play sports, grill some steaks or just relax in a chair and get the tan you desire. This is an important feature for your yard because you can consider it a place where you have fun and just relax.
Other areas should also be reserved for drying your clothes (if you choose not to use a dryer, for trash cans, and for your pets. These areas should be as close as possible to your house for easy access.
To be more artistic and aesthetically appealing, be prepared to use basic landscaping materials such as rocks, pebbles, trees, lawn and fences. These will help you achieve the view you want people to see and the functionality that a basic yard needs.
Perhaps a good thing to remember when designing your own yard is that you and other members of your family have artistic capabilities too. Remember that your home’s yard requires a family’s touch so you’ll be proud to say that you have created your own yard.
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Landscaping Aftermath: Maintaining Your Yard
Posted on 18. Feb, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
You have just finished landscaping your yard and you are pleased with the results. The flowers are blooming magnificently, the trees are giving enough shade and your kids are busy playing in the area you provided them for. It sounds peaceful and you are content with your own masterpiece. Like an art piece, though, without proper maintenance your landscaped yard will slowly fall apart.
In a perfect world, everything you’ve planned for your yard would be just that, perfect. It is not a perfect world, though, and there are several things to consider after you have finished the landscaping. Here are some simple maintenance tricks that might have escaped your mind.
The first thing that you should think about is the safety of your own kids. Weeds will grow and some of these weeds are harmful not only to your other plants but to your own children as well. You should check regularly for weeds and be prepared to immediately remove them from your garden.
Your kids are naturally curious and you make sure that thorns from your flowers (roses, etc.) are not problematic. You must also consider a tree’s branches, as big frail branches could easily fall, or may so low that they are easily a hazard. Prune them. Be sure that rocks and pebbles are not in your child’s way as they could stumble on them and hurt themselves.
After thinking about your kids, you must care for your plants. Plants need regular watering as they will wilt or die if not given taken care. Play areas that are too close to the play area can be destroyed by a stray ball or trampling.
Another thing to consider is making sure that the soil is suitable for growing plants. Fertilizers and/or constant tilling of the soil will make it more fertile and will enhance the growth of your plants.
Make sure that your yard is properly cleaned and that the grass is kept mowed. Trash can ruin the aesthetic value of your yard and can also be harmful to your health. Be sure to take out the trash at least every few days. You might also watch out for stagnant water areas as they are the favorite breeding places of mosquitoes.
Creating and landscaping your yard and garden does not end there, the work starts at this point and you must realize that every masterpiece needs proper care to maintain it’s beauty.
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Landscaping Tips: Making Your Yard Part of Your Home
Posted on 07. Feb, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Your yard can be more than just empty space, it can become a central part of your home and landscaping can make that happen. This doesn’t have to be a grueling or expensive venture on your part, just so you apply some of these landscaping tips.
Function
First of all, determine what your yard is primarily used for. Is it a place for the kids to play, somewhere to hang the laundry out to dry, or do you see it as a place to ease away the tensions of the day? The answers to these questions will help determine what kind of work needs to be done before you start landscaping.
Another useful tip is to determine how your landscaping can help with energy costs. You may not know it but trees and shrubs can help you cut down on your heating and lighting expenses.
For example trees planted on the south and west can help with shading your house, which helps cut down on air conditioning. If these trees are the kind that shed their leaves (deciduous trees) during the fall, it will allow more light into the house during the winter when it’s most needed. Shrubs planted a few feet away from the foundation also help keep the warm air in and the cold out therefore helping with the heating bills.
Hardscape and softscape
Hardscape refers to the “non-plant” parts of your garden (deck, patio, statues, fountains, walls, etc.). Softscape refers to the plants and the lawn.
If you’re just starting out, lay out the hardscape first before you work with the plants. This way, the plants aren’t in the way when you’re installing the necessary hardscape materials.
Walls have the option of being treated as hardscape or softscape. If you want total privacy, you may want to go with a hardscape wall using materials like wood, vinyl or masonry. Otherwise, shrubs and trees make for a more natural wall that give a more open look while still closing the view to other people.
Find a central focus for your yard
This can be anything from a statue, to the play set or even a single tree. Finding a focus for your landscaping gives you a point of reference so that you give your design a better sense of order rather than just having plants scattered everywhere.
These are just some tips to get you started. As you continue working on your landscaping, you’ll be able to come up with more ideas that are distinctively yours, making your home as unique as you are.