Archive for 'Landscaping'
Tips on How to Landscape Your Backyard
Posted on 20. Aug, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Backyard landscaping is not just positioning plants in your backyard. Consider it as an art, a masterpiece that shows your creativity and personality. There are three elements in landscaping your backyard: structure, area and texture of your plants.
Structure refers to the form of the plant and the arrangement of the branches. Plants, such as trees, come in different shapes. This ranges from the hanging form of the white bark willow, to the stiff form of the Lombardy poplar trees.
The second element of backyard landscaping is the area. This refers to the visual flow and the arrangement of plants in the backyard. The movement of the eyes is affected by different grouping of the plants.
Texture is also an important component of backyard landscaping. The texture of the plant refers to appearance of the plant as it is perceived with the other plants surrounding it. A good example is the texture of marigolds can be distinguished as rough or smooth when grouped with other plants.
Knowing that we have defined the elements of backyard landscaping, you can now begin putting this knowledge to use. Below are more tips on how you can landscape your backyard.
Planning
Make a list of the needed materials and tools to redesign your backyard. Most importantly, you need to list the plants that you wish to place in the area. Do not forget to include a list plants that you can substitute in case your preferred plants are not obtainable.
Organize a schedule for the construction process and outline the process according to priority. Creating a schedule helps you estimate the time the landscaping process will consume. Most landscaping projects can be done in a week or two.
Selecting the Plants
Apply what you have learned about the elements of backyard landscaping that were mentioned earlier. There are many kinds of plants that work well in a group. The pattern of the plants should create a 3D effect and should look well from all perspectives.
Remember to be creative. You can use themes on your backyard. These may involve a country, romantic or tropical theme or others.
Make it work the Construction Process
Prepare the soil where you will plant your selected plants. One method you can use is by creating an elevated bed. You can pile soil or use rocks to do this. Creating an elevated bed also helps you solve the problem of losing excess water when irrigating the plants.
Generally, the best period to plant foliage or trees is during the months of October and November. Plants can develop sturdy roots during the winter season prior to development of other parts during the spring.
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Improving Habitat and Ecological Restoration Through Landscaping
Posted on 13. Aug, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Ecology-minded people can think of many ways how they can improve and restore any kind of habitat. Most gardeners always set up a well-organized and well-maintained habitat for a balanced life cycle in their bioscape.
1. Landscape a wildflower garden. Make a well-designed landscape that creates a great coordination of colors. This will make the garden more beautiful with little work to set up the design and can be created with little expense. Wildflowers grow easily and they support the insects that make them ovulate.
2. Utilize the wildflowers by maintaining the bioscape. The benefit is that this is taking care of the insects. Birds that eat seeds like quails, gold finches and doves find wildflowers attractive.
3. Make a bioscape that will provide food for birds and other seed eating species. Always protect the nesting areas of the birds that have laid eggs. Some species and insects find their food on fruit producing plants. Look for plants that will bear fruits to sustain the supply of food needed by these species.
4. The covering is important for the protection of the species present in the habitat. This will prevent against predators from entering the bioscape. Place a net on the nesting areas of the birds to protect the eggs from warblers and thrashers.
5. Take care of the butterflies that make the garden more attractive and decorative. Butterflies are a beautiful sight to watch when they flit around the garden. It is not only the beauty they bring, but they pollinate plants, which in turn helps in restore the cycle of life in the bioscape.
6. Choose plants that can satisfy the needs of the garden. There are plants that need sunlight and some that will not survive in a sunny spot. Find a spot where plants can be exposed to 4 - 6 hours of direct sunlight. The garden setting should make all the living species adapt easily.
Provide water to moisten the soil. Most butterflies do not drink from water containers. Instead, they drink from the moisture in the soil. Look for a variety of plants that will attract different kinds of butterflies that will beautify your bioscape. Lists of plants that butterflies like are readily available.
7. These are recommended tips to provide balance and continuity of life in a bioscape. The ecological restoration is very important in preserving the beauty and life in a habitat.
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Tips in Making Fire-Resistant Landscapes
Posted on 05. Aug, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
There should be a correct way to landscape the property to prevent any cause of wildfire in the area. There are instances when wildfire strikes without your being aware that it will occur. Most wild fires happen in rural areas where there are great risks for wildfire. A properly landscaped property can be a good defense for surviving destruction or damage.
A homeowner should be aware on the safety of ones space and surroundings. A well-planned landscape can make the property safer from any wildfire strikes. Here are some preventive measures to lessen the risks of wildfires.
1. Provide a space clear of vegetation around the property; this will serve as a good defense against wildfires. The capacity of a house to survive the fire is its accessibility for firefighters to operate conveniently to kill the fire.
2. Make the landscape free from any tall grasses and shrubs that can cause a large fire. Place any combustible materials like the fuel and trash that are prone to fire in an enclosed storage area
3. Landscape properly by giving enough space for plants that are near the house and place the plants that grow slower and are shorter closer to the house.
4. It is recommended that there should not be large masses of plants in a particular area. Instead, designate specific spaces for the plants where they are in clusters and pots.
5. The design of the landscape would even look better, if there are decorative rocks placed in every space where there are not plants. Rocks and gravel can slow the flow of the fire and prevent the continuity of any fuel flow to the fire.
6. Lessen the weed growth and limit the moisture by using organic and inorganic mulches. It is not advisable to use pine barks on landscapes because they have pine needles, which are thick enough to fuel the fire.
7. An allowance of 8 inches should be allotted from the house for grass that needs to be mowed. It is better if the grass is farther away from any structure. Wildflowers should be well maintained and irrigated regularly. Place more gravel around grasses and put some stepping stone pathways on the way to the area garden area.
People should be aware of the steps necessary to prevent fire and have defensible spaces against wildfires that may occur. There is a proper way to landscape the property without destroying the design that is coordinated with the house. Always make sure that safety comes first for more convenient and enjoyable living.
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Tips for an Environment-Friendly Landscaping
Posted on 29. Jul, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Landscaping can be an enjoyable activity. It requires a person to be innovative to the space that is available. Make sure that the landscaping coordinates with the view of the house and to the size of the space.
1. It is recommended to use the view of the sky or big trees as the background for the scene and to frame the house. These views can add design to the landscape because the tall trees are generally placed in the backyard and the shorter ones in front of the house.
2. An excess use of the foundation can make an unappealing view of the house. It is important that there is an exact measurement of the landscaping. Keep in mind that there should only be few shrubs in front of the house.
3. There should be a vacant space for planting and leave some walking space of about three to four feet from the trees that are planted.
4. Place taller shrubs between the windows and remember that they should be color coordinated leaf textures to make a pretty picture.
5. Do not plant tall growing trees in the parkway near crossroads. Some cities have ordinances that do not allow the planting of tall trees in those places. Most of the time low shrubs may be an option to cover some parts of the lot.
6. Place the vegetable garden where there is sunlight. Recommended spots are areas where the vegetables grow faster is in the rows where the sun goes from north to south.
7. Planting taller trees or small near corners of the area may give a larger view of the house. It will also provide a softer appearance to the vertical lines of the house.
8. Always provide space for the receiving area and the service area, construct some fences to give a clearer view of the space. Vines and small shrubs can be options to cover the extra space.
9. Cover the things that are not pleasing to the eyes, like clotheslines and trashcans. Trellises and fences can be attractive when vines cover them.
10. There are plants that grow faster than others even with changing weather and less attention. Plants that require full attention are not advisable in the garden - especially for beginners.
Landscaping can be enjoyable if the space is large enough for tree plantings and landscape designs. Creativity and passion is needed to make it a masterpiece.
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Energy Efficiency in Your Backyard
Posted on 20. Jul, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
A pretty backyard can only go so far. Many experts have proven that efficient landscaping that takes into consideration energy needs, may well save a family more then 30% of their usual heat or cooling costs - either in the winter or summer. These savings could tangibly translate to almost $250 worth of savings in a year.
So how does one make an energy efficient yard? There are various things that can be considered in both existing and soon-to-be-developed landscapes.
Keep the Sun Out
One of the key considerations in landscaping includes the various weather conditions that prevail in the area. This means taking into consideration where the sun shines and what path the sunlight takes. A house’s walls and foundations, when hit directly by the sun, will absorb almost 90% of the sun’s heat, thereby increasing the burden on the air-conditioning or cooling system to keep the house cool.
Usually, the best way to keep the sun out is to plant deciduous, dense, and broad trees to the south or west of the house, where their foliage can provide shade against the rays of the hot summer sun. Keeping the sun out can reduce temperatures to up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
These deciduous trees lose their foliage over the winter and will give you access more of the sun’s heat in the winter when your home’s walls and foundations need the heat.
Break the Wind
One of the primary contributors to lowering home temperatures is the wind that blows through the house. Especially in the winter, this wind is particularly sinister as the wind chill is much colder than the normal atmospheric temperature in the area.
Plants that serve as effective windbreaks include evergreens or trees in general. In fact, even fences placed in strategic locations can serve as windbreaks.
Keep the Heat or Cool In
One of the primary culprits in the wasting of energy is the heat or cool that escapes through the home’s roof, windows and doors. It is imperative to find a way to keep heat or cool air inside the home.
The best way to achieve this is by planting shrubbery around the home’s foundations. This creates a dead air barrier, keeping the heat and cool inside the home where it matters. Experts have suggested widening the distance between the shrubbery and the house’s walls in order to increase this area for dead air.
In landscaping your yard or garden, it is important to maximize the benefits by using an aesthetically pleasing landscape. After all, energy efficiency in the area will effectively save energy and money in the long run.
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Beauty Meets Function: Conserving Energy and Landscaping
Posted on 11. Jul, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Trying to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer have been primary concerns and costs for average families. After Hurricane Katrina, the world found itself having to deal with higher energy costs in order to meet the aforementioned concerns. After Katrina natural gas and oil prices went on an upward spiral. What has not been popularly explored was that landscaping is capable of conserving energy in the home.
How much energy can you really save?
By effectively arranging your landscape to meet specific energy needs, you can save up to at least 30% in the cost of your cooling and heating. Trees, which are a staple in properly landscaped property, can effectively reduce 60% of sunlight even without foliage.
How does it work?
The primary consideration in landscaping in to conserve energy is to conduct heat effectively through the property, properly direct wind movement to manage the effects of direct wind blowing through the house, and maintain whatever heat or cool is in the house.
These are the three goals, and these are achieved by positioning various foliage whether it be deciduous trees, conifer trees, evergreen plants, shrubs or bushes.
Keeping the Heat In
Shrubs and bushes that are planted close to the wall of the house create what is called a dead air barrier, and actually buffers the foundation of the house, making sure that warm air or cold whichever is inside the house - that would usually escape through roofs or windows stays inside.
Redirecting the Sunlight
The summer sun is one of the main culprits of increasing heat inside the home. When the sun’s rays hit the home directly, 90% of this heat goes into heating the walls and foundations of the home. The best location for these trees in the yard or garden is either west or south of the house, where they can best block the sun from its peak time until the time it sets.
By putting trees very proximate to the property, you are effectively reducing temperatures inside the home. Huge shade trees in particular can reduce temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
In the winter, deciduous trees that shed foliage allow for sunlight to pass through the branches, providing some warmth to the home.
Landscaping is an activity that should be maximized for all its functionality. After all, if beautifying a home garden or yard works to cut the utility bills it is worth consideration.
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Concrete (Landscaping) Plans
Posted on 01. Jul, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Concrete landscaping was unheard until recently as the word “concrete” seemed to visualize a dull and rugged garden. But right now, concrete is seen as one of those major elements in landscaping. It is used for patios, pathways and driveways.
To fully understand the use of concrete, implement the important tips below:
1. Use concrete to design walkways and paths.
The garden will look beautiful if concrete is added for the walkway or path. It does not matter if one has a large or small yard - concrete is pretty flexible when it comes to adapting to this use..
2. Concrete for garden add-ons!
More reasons why concrete “rocks every landscape designer’s socks”: it can be made into a patio or a planter. It can even be the material for the sundial in the garden!
3. Concrete is good for stone walls.
One of the landscaping trends is the use of concrete in creating stone walls. Walls act as the house’s frame. They can keep the pets from wandering around and yes, keep the trespassers out! Walled houses can discourage burglars from breaking into the property.
4. Unruly soil? Go for concrete!
One surefire way to keep the soil in place is through concrete landscaping. The ability of concrete blocks, which come in different styles and textures, adds flair to the garden.
5. Concrete can decorate too!
Concrete is best suited in landscaping because it can be customized to fit the home owner’s needs. As it can be in the form of brick, slab or block, it can embellish the garden like never before!
6. Have a border using concrete
Concrete borders make sandbox-building possible also easy. It can enclose the children’s playground and make the pool-viewing a more enriching experience.
What else can be done with concrete in landscaping? The list is endless: concrete flatwork, concrete floor slabs, concrete foundations and concrete coloring and stamping. The concrete can act as the foundation for gutter splashes, basketball courts, tee boxes and tree rings!
It is important research the companies which specifically cater to concrete landscaping. Bayshore Concrete and Landscaping, Terraforce and Endless Borders specialize in this type of work.
Who would have thought that concrete finally found a place in the area of landscaping? Concrete has somehow changed and yes, revolutionized the look of the home garden. It is prettier and much, much better than ever before.
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Landscape Scares
Posted on 26. Jun, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Everyone dreams of having an almost-perfect landscape. With perfect greenery, impressive patios and fascinating gazebos, such landscapes are to create ambiance. But landscaping is not as easy as it sounds. Creating one attracts these common landscape problems.
What are the problems? And how does a landscape designer and planner avoid them?
1. Making the house look displaced in the landscape
The landscape designer should remember that the front yard or back yard and the house must coordinate. It is inappropriate to landscape without considering the house first. Style and the colors of the landscape must go hand in hand with the design of the house.
2. Underestimating the landscaping costs
People must face it - landscaping is a pretty expensive project. From choosing the materials to hiring laborers, it is going to be more costly than one could ever imagine. One must be realistic enough to know how much he can afford.
3. Forgetting all about landscaping lights
A landscape designer should take lighting into consideration. The landscape must be thoroughly enjoyed even after sundown. Lights must be set up for the patio and along walkways for maximum enjoyment.
4. Ignoring family’s needs
One of the reasons a landscape is put up is to accommodate family members’ requests like a playground, an ideal place for crocheting, etc. The landscape designer must try to fulfill such needs.
5. Putting everything in the backyard.
A backyard is perfect for landscaping but how about the front yard or the side yard? The designer must allot a space in front yards and/or side yards for benches, flower beds and other garden decorations.
6. Imitating neighbors’ landscapes.
Originality is the key. If one likes the neighbor’s backyard, that’s fine, but he must not be carried away and copy everything. He should have an original design.
7. Overdoing the straight lines
The designer must add curves and not get too fixated on straight lines. Curves are always interesting and they emulate a forest-like feel.
8. Forgetting the boundary
The landscape designer must use some things to define the boundary of the garden — whether it is a fence, a hedge, or a border. Skipping this important element might make the garden seem cluttered and unorganized.
Landscaping must be made fun. To come up with an outstanding garden, knowledge of these common landscape problems is imperative to keep everything moving smoothly. A well-attended, carefully-planned garden makes for a better living.
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What to look for in a Landscaping Firm
Posted on 16. Jun, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Finding a good landscaping firm that will put one’s needs and preferences on paper is a common need when engaging in a home improvement endeavor. A person who is engaged in such a task should not only look at the projected results that are promised by the landscape firm but he should also look at the process by which they plan to achieve the results.
Assuming that a homeowner has already made an assessment of what he wants to do with his garden or yard and has a set budget for it, he then needs to look for a landscaping firm. What does he need to look for when choosing a landscaping firm? Here are some of the pertinent things that you should remember in making your selection:
1. Ask for referrals
The best way to find a good landscaping firm is to ask friends, neighbors and family members. One can get more information in an hour talking with his neighbor or others who have had experience in hiring a landscaping firm than a whole day trying to search the Internet for information. Although the Internet is a good way to look for prospective landscaping firms, it would not be able answer many of the most important questions that one might have.
2. Check the services that are offered by the firm
Different landscape firms offer different services. Check if the landscaping firm has all the services that you will be needing to complete your project. It makes no sense to hire a landscaping firm only to find out later that it cannot complete the project because it is does not offer a specific service that is needed.
3. Contact the Firm
Try contacting them by telephone and ask some basic questions. One would also want to set up a personal meeting with the landscapers. An initial assessment of the firm’s customer service should be made by the inquiring party. Small things usually reflect the general attitude of a firm toward its clients.
4. Investigate
If personal referrals won’t give you security, you may want to check the firm’s authorization and licenses. Don’t forget to ask if they are offering liability insurance since you might be needing that information in the future.
Finding a good landscaping firm is not that hard if one takes the necessary steps to do so. In the end, it’s a matter of assessing the over-all package that is offered by the firm against your needs.
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Landscape Learnin’
Posted on 09. Jun, 2009 by Mark Coleman.
Landscaping training schools are designed to prepare the students for a career in construction and design in landscaping. For those who want to design a botanical garden and other embellished pathways, a landscape training school would serve that purpose.
What are the best landscaping design schools? Here are some of the most outstanding institutes and reasons why one should enroll there.
1. Fleur De Lis Institute
Located in Arizona, the Fleur De Lis Institute offers two programs: A “Landscape Design and Management Degree” and a “Landscape Design and Management Certificate”. Attending this school prepares a student for careers such as landscape designer/consultant, patio contractor, groundskeeper, interior plant designer, arborist and even environmental specialist!
2. Institute of Garden Design
The name says it all…this school is all about garden design. Anyone who has a desire to study gardens and loves plants, this school is perfect. It offers an extensive syllabus, landscape design software at no cost to you and all the manuals that a future landscape designer should need.
3. Unity College
One of the most famous landscaping training schools located in Maine, Unity College offers “Environmental Landscaping”. This course enables the student to learn all the principles involved in planting and skills to harmonize the plants and animals. It is a “nature meets culture” course that is highly recommended for everyone.
4. Penn Foster Career School
Create a paradise out of a patch of earth - learn this and more from Penn Foster Career School. A student can be a certified landscaper just by taking the “distance learning” courses offered by this school.
5. Stratford Career Institute
This “distance learning” school offers a course in gardening and landscape design. By completing the correspondence courses, the student will know all about garden design and garden maintaince principles effectively.
6. ICS Canada
Another of those online schools, ICS Canada offers “Gardening and Landscaping”. The good thing about this school is it grants the student a chance to learn how to start his own landscaping business!
Choosing the best landscaping training school involves a lot of factors. It must have a comprehensive syllabus, hands-on training and must cover everything - from soil details to how to use shrubs for landscaping!
Gardening is a wonderful thing, and it is nice to know that a lot of people go beyond just doing it’ and study landscaping. While landscaping can be taught through books, nothing beats a good hands-on’ education. Nothing beats a great landscaping training school.