Tips On Landscaping In A Wetter Climate
Not many people think they have what it takes to have a great landscaped property. What many people fail to realize is that you don't have to have an elaborate design or lots of plants. A clean and manicured look is all you need. This article will show you how to make that a reality.
If you are trying to install a patio that is made of concrete you should make sure that it is not incredibly large. The average patio size is 12 to 14 feet and having something that is much larger than that will only lead to the creation of more heat.
Take your soil in for for testing prior to starting any landscape or gardening project. A soil test can determine if your soil is missing something is should have or has something it shouldn't. In either case, you can address the problem before you begin landscaping. This will improve the quality of the plants in your yard or garden.
Consult a professional before you plant the first flower or shrub in your yard. While you won't need them to do everything, a short consultation and discussion might help you avoid costly mistakes. This step is doubly important if you are inexperienced in landscaping.
Try to make sure that the height of your lawn is always between 2 and a half to 3 inches. Having your grass at this height will help protect it from sun and heat damage. Also, at this height, moisture will not evaporate as much as it would if it were taller.
If you have a very small house, watch your use of big trees. Big trees can be overwhelming when they are placed in the yard of a very small house. They can distract from the house, and might even make it look smaller than it actually is. Choose smaller varieties instead.
If you want to spice up the look of your outdoor space, you may want to consider installing a rock garden. Not only are they rather inexpensive to create, but they are also easy to set up yourself. You could even use stones, or rocks that are already on your property.
Take the time to develop a written plan for your landscaping, prior to buying anything for it. You could even go as far as to draw your design before you start buying, planting, and building. This will help you to save money on things that you do not necessarily need.
Choose plants that are adapted to your environment. There are water restrictions in place in the summer in many locations, meaning that plants which need lots of water won't get it and therefore won't thrive, so choose native plants which need little to no watering instead.
Groundcover is a valuable addition when sprucing up your yard. You can use vinca, jumper, ivy, and creeping phlox if you want plants that will spread, stop weed growth from occurring, and lower the green lawn area you will need to mow. Furthermore, they will add color and dimension to your landscaping.
Water features incorporated into a landscape project will evoke a sense of tranquility. Most people think of ponds when it comes to watering features. However, one should not overlook birdbaths and water fountains when planning water features. These can be inexpensively and easily placed into a landscape area without any digging.
Before shelling out a ton of cash on trees, shrubs and grasses, locate a home and garden center that offers guarantees on its plants. Many independent nurseries offer at least a one-year guarantee on all plants. Doing so ensures that your money is well-spent on plants of the highest quality.
Do not fall into the trap of thinking cheaper is better when you are designing your outdoor living space. Landscaping is expensive, so it can be tempting to buy the cheapest materials available. However, there are times when it pays to spend a little more and get quality that is going to last. Furthermore, you may get a money-back guarantee if you pay a little more in the beginning, and that can be invaluable if expensive plants die.
Check out all the available sources for the landscape products you plan on buying before actually making your purchase. Online vendors often offer discount coupons that can help you save a substantial amount of money. Your local arboretum, or botanical garden may also hold a local plant sale, or swap.
To make your yard stand out, focus on color; it will do wonders for your landscaping. It is relatively inexpensive to pick up several different kinds of plants, including impatiens, petunias and other annuals. You should also buy a few quality perennials and shrubs, as they will help to bring all the smaller plants together.
Having a well-groomed front yard will make the curb appeal of your house gain some serious points in the neighborhood. A well-groomed back yard will give you the outdoor space that you desire for family functions, entertaining or just relaxing on your own. This article has shown you ways to accomplish all of this.