Archive for 'Landscaping'
Keep Your Yard Neat with Basic Landscaping Supplies
Posted on 28. Jan, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Nothing beats coming home to a house that welcomes you and makes you feel right at home. Whether it’s in the front or back yard, a garden has a lot to do with that feeling. That said, you just might consider taking the time to landscape your yard.
Don’t be intimidated by the term “landscaping”. It is simply done by adding and/or arranging things in your yard to make it both functional and pleasing to look at.
To help maintain the neatness and the look you’ve achieved with your landscaping efforts, these handy tools will become essentials in your yard.
Lawn mowers
If you have a sprawling yard, with a lot of space for lawn, you might consider investing in a power mower to save you the effort of using a push mower or clipping it manually with shears. Smaller lawns may merit the same equipment, especially if you have health problems.
Hoses and sprinklers
You’ll need to water the plants so find a hose that can reach the edge of your yard. Determine diameter of hose that can give sufficient pressure too small and the hose May burst or too big and you may not get enough pressure.
Sprinklers are especially useful for big lawns since they save you the effort and time of watering by hand. There are sprinklers that require you to turn the faucet on and others that turn on automatically at a preset time.
Spades and trowels
Spades are smaller versions of shovels and are useful in digging up small amounts of dirt. Trowels are even smaller versions that can be used with the hand.
Both are used to dig up soil which you need to do occasionally to take out the weeds and to aerate the soil around the plants. Your plants will be much healthier if done on a regular basis.
Shears and pruners
Shears are a lot like big scissors that you use to trim hedges, vines and shrubs to keep them looking neat. Pruners are similar, although smaller, and are used for more delicate cutting within flower beds and for trimming roses and small shrubs.
Rakes and leaf blowers
Both of these tools tidy up a garden after pruning or during fall when the trees lose their leaves. Take care when using leaf blowers because when used thoughtlessly, you may end up being resented by your next door neighbors.
These tools help you maintain your garden and keep it neat all throughout the year. When used regularly, your garden will be neat and not look like a jungle.
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Making the Best out of One’s Garden
Posted on 20. Jan, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Having a garden is a lot of work. Not only will it take time to figure out the best possible design, and your budget, but construction and maintenance will be a bigger challenge.
Here are a few things that a person must be aware of in order to make the garden beautiful and keep it looking good throughout the year.
1. Remember that your yard was once an empty lot that was probably had various types of vegetation grass, you must realize that there would have been other kinds of living organisms that lived there also. When new plants are grown in the same area, there will be pests you will encounter so preventable steps are need to protect them.
Insects can be warded off by using chemicals, bars of soap can be used to ward off deer and other animals to discourage them eating the plants, or a scarecrow might be used to scare off birds.
2. Weeds that grow can also be a problem. You must allow some time to keep weeds under control, preferably by pulling them rather than mowing. If you are not able to find time to do this, then a gardener should be hired to do the job.
3. Choosing the right kind of plants may not be easy as one thinks. Some plants do not survive under certain conditions such as full sun, while others need a lot of sunlight or water to do well. Do some research and ask for assistance at the local gardening store to determine the plants that grow well in your area. This will save you both time and money.
4. Planting trees or plants is not the only answer to beautifying your home. You can also use other accessories such as a bench, a stone statue or a wooden fence that will to compliment the home.
Landscaping takes a lot of work. One can get advice from magazines, gardening websites and the help of friends and neighbors. The best people to ask advice about maintenance are certified professionals who are capable of giving good advice
There are many ways that you can improve the appearance of your garden. All it takes is some imagination, ingenuity and the right tools and equipment to bring life to your idea.
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Improving One’s Garden
Posted on 11. Jan, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
Having a good garden is not enough. To those who strive for perfection, these individuals will stop at nothing to make it better than before so they may enjoy the compliments of family members, neighbors and friends.
Even if some people have experience doing landscaping in the past, there is no harm in asking the advice of others including professionals. Here are other tips that one will need when making improvements to their garden.
1. The first thing that a person has to think about is how much you are willing to spend for the project. It is not only the plants and other accessories that you will need, but how much the professional will be charging to do the job.
2. Since it takes a degree and a license for a professional to do the job and there are many firms that do that job, it is best to look around. You should pay a lot of attention to the accomplishments that these professionals have achieved and interview the people who hired the firm to determine how well the job was done.
You can also check designs and be provided with an estimate with the exact cost before picking the person and/or company to the job.
3. Professionals can do a complete overhaul of an area or do minor improvements. Being in the business for a long time, these people have suppliers that can be contacted to provide right kind of plants, trees and other things that will be needed to finish the project.
4. It is necessary to see if the materials and specifications you desire and the contractor you plan to hire comply with your city’s landscaping codes.
5. The person or company you contract with must be someone who can be contacted easily especially if you do not like how the project is progressing or have a question that needs an answer. It is the garden so as the owner, you must have the last say concerning the project…
An individual can save a lot of money when doing the improvements without the help of a professional. Since there are many things to consider and these people have more experience, it is still advisable to seek the help of professionals so you will not have to worry and enjoy the changes when the job is finished.
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Landscaping 101: A Pond in Your Own Yard
Posted on 03. Jan, 2010 by Mark Coleman.
A pond is attractive way to enhance the landscape if your home and have l large area you wish to landscape. So what do you do? Consider an area where the pond would be attractive and practical.
Why create a pond, you ask? Ponds increase the value or your property, and would be a way to attract a prospective buyer. A well designed and functional pond also adds a peaceful effect to your yard. Ponds create an ideal ecosystem beneficial not only plants but wildlife as well. If you are fond of fish and water plants, a pond would be ideal.
This article will not go into details on creating your pond, but will furnish information about the landscaping aspect…
Landscaping your pond starts at the pond itself. Create a border by adding stones, plants and statuary that will create a great view. You should also create a walkway from your pond to your house. Access is important and easily accomplished by using stepping stones, etc.
Trees are both beneficial and harmful to your pond. Trees provide shade that will be good for your pond but they will also add to debris such as branches and leaves or fallen fruit The key is to strike a balance between the two.
Shrubs will also play a role in maintaining unity between the tall trees and the low pond. They will create continuity from your pond to the trees. You may also add some flowers to provide some color. Be sure to cut the off the old blossoms to prevent debris that can make your area unsightly.
Water plants are a must for ponds and should be added immediately after your pond has been finished. Use similar colored plants as their surroundings to create some balance and harmony between the two. Be creative and do some research on different kinds of water plants to use.
A finishing touch for a pond is adding some fish. Add them after everything else has been finished. Always select appropriate species of fish that will not out-grow the size of your pond.
Creating a pond for your yard will both be tiring, but the fun of creating it will be rewarding. Be sure that do regular maintenance to so it will always be free from debris. After all of your work is finished, enjoy your pond and marvel the harmony you have created in your yard.
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Planning Your Landscaping
Posted on 24. Dec, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Landscaping is an art. It is something that takes some time to do, some effort, and some patience. Landscaping if done properly - will be a masterpiece. Every part is very simple is planned well.
Landscaping your own yard needs not only you but your whole family’s cooperation. Be prepared to spend several weeks to plan and implement every detail, to insure that every rock and every nook and cranny of your yard is used to enhance the appearance you desire.
Plan how you will attack the problem. The simplest solution to the problem is to divide the work into parts.
The first part in your landscape is your boundaries. Put up some fences or use a hedge or border something to set the perimeter. Be creative, it does not have to be a fence or hedge, use your imagination. It might consist of bushes with a wooden fence and gate. Consider other alternatives and combinations that you might use also.
After setting up the boundaries of your yard, look for areas where planting might be a problem. You might use these areas as play areas for your children or a place where you put other things such as trash cans and your pet’s house.
You need to find a space for trees, shrubs, etc. Planting a tree close to the children’s play area would provide needed shade for them while playing. Trees and shrubs may also be placed at the front of your house to provide some a pleasant view.
Next thing is planning your planting area. Perhaps a vegetable garden, for those who love harvesting their own food, would be a good idea. Of course, this could simply be a flower garden where you could plant flowers that you like and enjoy.
You should not forget to create a walkway from your gate to your front door. This can be done by using pebbles, flagstone, etc., or you could simply cement it and put flowers either side. A driveway can also be enhanced by using flowers and/or shrubs.
It’s up to you to decide if you wish to add a lawn to your yard. There are other possibilities such as river rock, wood chips, etc. These are some ways to add aesthetic beauty to your yard, but not really necessities.
Plan also where you will get the water needed to water your plants regularly. This have to be close to your plants and you could use a hose or a sprinkler, whatever your preference might be.
Planning your landscaping is easy, but you must not forget to include in these plans some safety precautions for your child, some daily and regular maintenance to your plants and some place where you could add new stuff that you might like.
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Tips for Landscape Gardening
Posted on 16. Dec, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Beautifying your garden does not mean spending a fortune to make it happen. By following these tips, the person will be able to have a nice garden that people will appreciate.
The first thing that a person needs to do it to draw up the plans on paper based on the layout of your home. This should include the location of the sun at different times of the day, trees or other structures that are present in the neighboring areas.
The first thing that a person must do is check how much the project will cost. This should include the kinds of plants that you want as well as any other materials like rocks or wood that will be used to compliment the garden.
Since there are people who do this as a living and who know more about landscaping than you do perhaps, you can hire professionals to prepare your plans. If you draw up the plans you might want to show the plans someone their opinion before starting your project. This will save time and money should you not like what the other person has planned.
Landscape gardening takes a lot of work. Rather than turning one’s garden into a construction zone, it is best to have this done in phases. This helps keep costs down and makes the plan flexible to changes.
Money can be saved by buying these materials during the “off” seasons. Wood for example is cheaper during the winter months. The price of shrubs and soil are lower when you buy late in the season.
Projects like this are done for the long term. To save on the cost of plants that must been bought and materials to be used as flooring, you may not to buy the cheapest. Those that cost a little more are preferable to others that are cheaper and damage more easily.
Check the local stores that sell gardening equipment and supplies for prices. You can also do some surfing on the web, and by comparing the prices that you can get nearby and those available elsewhere, there is a chance that you can get the same thing at a more affordable price.
After doing all the work, proper maintenance is needed your project looking good throughout the year. You can do by yourself alone by or enlisting the help of a gardener to check on it regularly.
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Wildlife Landscaping
Posted on 05. Dec, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Everyone is responsible for the environment. Individuals can help by making one’s home friendly to wildlife and animals either big or small.
Plants draw different kinds of wildlife, different species of birds, butterflies and chipmunks to name a few. You must choose what kind of animals you want to attract to your home.
The first thing that the person must realize is that there are four basic things that are needed for wildlife to exist. Trees provide saps or seeds as a source of food for birds. For other creatures that frequent the area, you can accommodate them by having feeders installed in the garden or yard. To know the right type of food to place in the feeder, you should research what the animals eat.
All creatures need water to survive. A pond or fountain in the garden can provide sustenance for those who frequent your garden. Just be sure that the water is clean and safe at all times for the animals to drink.
Animals need a good place to serve as a shelter, nesting and breeding ground. You can make a bird house or purchase one. They are available in many shapes and forms which are good for birds and bats. Once this has been made or purchased, it can be installed in the backyard.
Trees planted in the garden can also serve as shelter and housing for creatures that live near your home. A good example is an evergreen tree that serves as protection against predators.
Studies have shown that the use of plants that are not natural to the area destroys plants that are native. Since the creatures that you want around all year are native to the surroundings, it is advisable to use plants that these animals are accustomed to. That way, different creatures will be able to co-exist.
By focusing on these four factors, you will be able to enjoy the diverse wildlife not just visiting but already living in your area.
After the planning and construction phase of the project has been done, you will be able to enjoy the various species of birds, squirrels and other creatures that are native to your geographical area.
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Bird Friendly Home
Posted on 28. Nov, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Homeowners want to beautify the home. This could mean adding flowers to compliment the color of the home or putting figurines in the garden and by making the place attractive for birds.
Since there are many species of birds and some are only there during the migration period, it is best to study each species. When a person knows what kind of food the birds eat, plants can be used to attract the desired species. To learn more about the kinds of birds that visit the area, you can ask neighbors or members of the local bird watching club.
Birds need water to survive. You can add a fountain or a pond in the garden for birds to bathe and drink.
In order for birds to stay for more than a day and to protect them from bad weather and predators, you can have put a birdhouse in the garden. If you want to make it look more natural, an artificial tree can also used installed for them.
There are four seasons in a year. If you want birds to be present all year round, you should check what kind of plants can survive even during the winter.
A good example is a conifer that either in the form of shrubs or trees. These also serve as good nesting places during the summer. Some types of conifers provide buds, seeds and sap. Since not all plants work well with certain types of soil, you should also check with a gardener before choosing what plants to buy.
After you have an idea what changes need to be made in the garden, you can draw up a plan. Some things to be considered are the city’s gardening codes, the location of the sun is at different times of the day and structures in the neighbor’s yard.
Landscaping the garden for the benefit of birds is a challenging task. It will take time to finish especially if you have started out with seedlings. Take pictures to see the changes through the months.
Family members can help during the construction and maintenance phases of this project. Once you have finished you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your own home.
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Landscaping D-I-Y
Posted on 19. Nov, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Landscaping is a very beneficial means by which anyone can conserve energy within and/or around the home… Landscaping, do-it-yourself’ style, can be done the right way the first time with proper guidance and prioritization.
Plan Ahead
Many people new to do-it-yourself’ make the mistake of going with their gut feeling, or randomly starting what they think needs to be done in the garden without knowing what they want to see in the end. Planning ahead makes sure that no effort is spent on unnecessary steps, money is spent only on essential items, and time is maximized in order to provide the best results.
Included in planning ahead is measuring the garden or patio dimensions, taking note of where the sun rises and sets, as well as the direction of the wind when it blows through the house. This way, plants and trees may be planted in places that would serve best the intention of conserving energy in the home.
Another is planning around existing trees and foliage. The shade provided by the existing vegetation can be used as a guide in the placement of the rest of the shrubbery in the area.
You have the option of also taking into consideration your lifestyle in designing the landscape. Families who frequently hold barbeques or simply entertain in the garden can put the barbeque and sitting areas together, or shape the garden’s design around these particular functionalities.
Plant a Plant
One of the perks of landscaping, do-it-yourself’ style, is the fact that one can grow the plants and trees he/she prefers rather than others that serve that the same function. To make the garden fully functional when it comes to conserving energy, it is best to plant fast-growing dense trees that offer a huge umbrella of shade and a windbreak for the home.
Evergreens are popular options for garden foliage, and are also very useful when it comes to keeping the heat or cool inside that would normally escape through the windows or the roof. To most effectively utilize evergreens, it is important to try to mix-and-match various textures, colors, shades, shapes and sizes. Visual appeal is created by this interesting mixture of plants.
At the end of the day, landscaping is a fulfilling experience that allows anyone to design their gardens or yard to best suit their lifestyles. Good planning, creativity, and effective execution will yield optimum results.
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Landscaping books: The Writers’ Gift to Gardeners and “Wannabes”
Posted on 12. Nov, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Books are one of the best things to occur since the advent of printing technology for the landscape designers. They are one of the most significant tools because landscaping books can provide vital information.
Landscaping books contain everything that landscape designers or hobbyists need to know. They provide them with detailed descriptions of available designs and concepts used in landscaping.
Best of all, landscaping books do not just provide techniques and methods that are ideal for the activity, they provide different information regarding plants, the materials to be used, and other topics that have something to do with landscaping.
Landscaping books are also known for their illustrative image displays. They provide vivid images so that people can clearly see the outcome of a particular landscape design. The pictures are rich in color and very detailed so every reader might be enticed to use the design to get the same result.
One of the best things about landscaping books is that they are not primarily focused on only the technical aspect of landscaping. These books are created by true blue’ landscape artists, and there are articles written that reflect the personal views of the writer. These pages relate for the personal experience of the author with landscaping. This way, people find it easier to relate and understand the principles that the author wants to convey.
Landscaping books are, basically, a conglomeration of how-to’ articles plus some insights of the different landscape experts. All together, they provide positive and effective approaches as far as landscaping is concerned.
The main purpose of landscaping books is to provide simple, yet complete solutions to landscaping and gardening problems. It becomes a knowledge bank where people find relevant information that they can use personally.
Landscaping books probably provide the best solutions to many problems that occur in landscaping. This is because most of these books are written by the experts themselves. These books project expertise from people who have learned to love, appreciate, and developed the art of landscaping.
So for people who are into landscaping, it is best to have a copy of some of the landscaping books that are available in the market. As the old adage goes, “Knowledge is power” and designers and gardeners can have power over their craft if they will turn to landscaping books for reference