Hello Friends!
When
it comes to designing outdoor spaces, take it one steppingstone at a time.
Start Up
Front
If you’re wondering where to start a
landscape transformation, look no farther than your front yard. It’s the first
thing that you see driving up to your house, and you can wow guests before they
even enter your home. Just remember that curb appeal is important, but no
matter how pretty your landscape is, it needs to be functional.
Hardscape First
Do all of your
hardscaping projects before you set out any plants. Hardscaping can include a
porch, sidewalk, driveway, parking areas, decks, fencing, patios and arbor.
These projects usually involve construction, which can compact your soil or
damage turf and plantings, so it’s important to complete any heavy work before
plantings begin
Toil in the Soil
When it is time to
garden, amend your soil by adding organic matter such as finely shredded pine
bark, peat moss, mushroom compost or leaf mold before setting out plants.
Loose, fertile soil will encourage root growth on new plantings and allow them
to become established quickly. Clearly define your turf and bed lines. First
use a garden hose to lay out your bed lines then use orange spray paint to mark
the lines.
Plant Next to Your House
Your foundation
planting should embrace your house and not cover it. Low-growing shrubs or
groundcover should be planted in front of low windows and porches. Larger
rounded shrubs or small trees work well planted on the corners of your home.
These larger plants will frame up your house and help soften the box-like
structure. Remember to create a small bed in your front yard for annual color.
Flowers will add instant charm.
Move to the Back
Your backyard should
be an outdoor living area to enjoy. If you need privacy, install wooden fencing
or large shrubs around the perimeter to create walls. Decks and patios make
great sitting or dining areas when the weather’s appropriate and they create a
nice overflow for guests during parties.
Gather Around the Fire
Grilling stations or
outdoor kitchens can be used to cook your meals and not heat up the kitchen.
Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are very popular and allow you to enjoy your
yard even when there’s a little chill in the air. Both of these options make
for easy entertaining or a fun family activity.
Wants and Needs
Consider your
options and the space you will need. If you have a sunny backyard you might
consider putting in a kitchen garden where you can grow a few herbs or
vegetables. Just be sure the area you choose receives several hours of sun. Do
you need a children’s play area? If so, position it where you can see it from
your deck or patio to keep a watchful eye on the young ones.
A Little on the Side
Side yards are often narrow strips that are rarely seen.
They can be a good place to house your utilitarian needs. Garbage cans,
firewood, storage and garden sheds often work well tucked into your side yard.
If you have dogs it might be a good place to install a dog run. You’ll probably
need a walkway on at least one side of your house so you can easily navigate
from the front of the house to the backyard.
Choosing
the Right Plants
Before planting
anything, study your landscape. See where the sun rises and sets. Some plants
love the morning sun but will not tolerate western sun. Consult with a local
garden center about the plants that you intend to use and know their needs.
Plants that need full sun such as herbs, vegetables, roses and many bedding
plants require five or more hours of sunlight, so make sure to design your
areas appropriately.
How Big?
Know a tree or
shrub’s ultimate size before you put it in the ground. A small yard is not a
good place for trees such as river birch, red maples, sugar maple, oaks or
magnolia. Trees such as Japanese maples, crepe myrtles and redbud would be
better suited for little landscapes. Avoid planting brittle trees such as river
birch or silver maples next to your house or close to parking areas to avoid
damage from falling limbs.
Plant Shapes and Textures
Add some design elements to your landscape by playing
off the shape and texture of plants. Use fine-textured plants that have small
leaves or needles next to bold-textured plants that have large leaves. Upright
linear growing plants can be positioned next to round or low-growing plants to
create interest.
Finishing
Touches
Adding containers,
hanging baskets and window boxes is a great way to incorporate a little more
color into a landscape. A large planter or grouping of containers placed by
your front door will create an inviting entrance. If you have several planters
use a common plant or color in each of them for repetition and continuity. Too
many colors combined together can become chaotic looking.
Incorporating Your Personality
Add your personal
touches to your garden. You can do this with garden art, statues, water
features, a birdhouse or architectural fragments. Use low-voltage night
lighting to highlight these items, but also position lights along walkways to
make maneuvering after dark easy and safe.
Maintenance
To keep a beautiful
landscape it must be maintained. Keep new plantings watered and mulched. Mulch
makes a landscape look finished but it also helps soil retain moisture and
keeps weeds in check. Work on your landscape but also enjoy it. Your outdoor
areas should be an extension of your home. A beautiful and functional landscape
makes your house more appealing and will increase its value. http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/landscaping/the-essential-steps-to-landscape-design-pictures
Thanks so much!
ERA Skyline Real Estate
3376 Harrison Blvd
Ogden, UT 84403
801-627-6500
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