Easy Garden Landscaping Ideas For the Home

It's quite common to find gardens in homes, but only a few would really have well landscaped ones. There are so many resources at your disposal, that can help you decide on good landscaping ideas. Perhaps, the only thing that can stand between you and a great looking landscape is the time it takes to organize one, and the creativity to put together the best garden landscaping ideas that will work for you.

Most of the landscapes that can take your breathe away don't happen overnight. They are usually the results of good planning that involves choosing the right combination of flowers, plants and other structures. A good landscape design takes into consideration the type of environment that your garden is in, the way the land is structured, and the way your house is designed.

Patios and Decks

Patios and decks are wonderful additions to garden landscaping ideas. You can often connect these to a part of the main room that may be extending outwards. Choose the portion of your house where you would have the best view for your patio or your deck. There are plenty of home owners that enjoy having patios or decks because these are great places to relax and hang out with the family in.

The patio or deck that you have should use the same garden landscaping ideas that you used for the main garden. You can also include some flagstones and pathways to go from the main room to the patio or deck.

Structures - Water and Stone

Stone structures make up most of garden landscaping ideas. These are created as furniture or even made into water structures. They are made to withstand even the harshest elements as stones can last even during heavy rain or really hot weather.

Garden landscaping ideas can also include water structures. These are usually created as ponds, pools, waterfalls, and fountains.

Walls and Fences

Use walls and fences not just to keep your landscaped garden safe, but also to complement your design. The walls may also be used to mark paths and boundaries.

Lighting

With proper lighting, you can create a mood that suits you. Although often used during the night only, proper lighting can enhance the beauty of your landscaped garden and can make it a work of art at night.

Decorating your landscaped garden can be challenging. Once you come out with a beautifully landscaped garden, you will appreciate the time you spent on it, and you can enjoy more hours looking at the fruits of your labor.

Garden Landscaping Ideas for Beginners

If you are not an experienced landscape designer, it is necessary to talk to some professional gardeners before beginning a landscaping project. It is not necessary that you hire a professional for the complete duration of a project, but it would be wise to spend some money for a short dialogue with a professional gardener to help prevent obvious mistakes further on. The mistakes maybe small but may become expensive mistakes during the course of landscaping.

A cool tip for landscape gardening is to acquire all the materials needed before commencing any project. It can get very frustrating when one realizes right in the middle of a big project that one is short of materials required and one needs to constantly go back to the store for new items.

When you start landscaping, don't forget to create space for the plants to grow. Design your garden landscape on paper first. Planning is a vital part. If you plant a tree very close to your house the tree would eventually mature and its roots would spoil the foundation of your house. When planting a tree or a bush their full growth should always be kept in mind. If your home garden area is small then use smaller trees and shrubs.

It is always best to use native plants for landscaping. Also one should include trees, bushes and flowers. Using native plants would ensure proper growth as the local soil and temperature would be just right and also you would not have to work very hard to maintain your garden. It would also be easy for helpers to look after the landscape. Using native plants might also make your garden landscape look different as many people go for the exotic these days.

To ensure that your garden looks beautiful one must choose wisely. Choose different varieties of plants, trees and shrubs as this would add color to your garden. Have different colored leaves, not just green, choose shrubs that flower, use trees that flowers spectacularly. Do not plant flowers under a shaded tree as it would never blossom. If you want it to look good, you can put a bench beneath the shade tree or use mulch to create a ground cover as these will spread out to form a carpet. Ground cover looks great and is fairly easy to maintain. One can use sweet woodruff or maybe hosta for colder climates. These also choke out weeds.

Planning your purchases will add to a lot of saving. If you can, you should wait for the season before buying a plant as it is cheaper. When a new plant species comes to the market it is usually more expensive, so if you can, you should ideally wait for a couple of years for the price to come down.

After landscaping, when you want a change, you don't have to remove every blade of grass from your lawn. Leave some grass and flowers. The decomposed stuff will provide some nutrients to the soil and would lessen the amount of fertilizer needed for the subsequent landscapes.

Landscaping Ideas for Wildlife Friendly Gardens

Creating wildlife friendly gardens can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. They are generally easier to maintain than traditional gardens because the planting will be suitably adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Wildlife friendly gardens don't have to fully replicate a natural one but can be designed and shaped to look modern and contemporary. Wildlife friendly gardens should aim to create food sources, potential shelter and protection for fauna.

To begin you should locate where you would like to build the garden. Investigate the permeability of the soil by digging a few holes and filling with water. If they take a few hours to drain the soil may need some additives like gypsum to break up the clay.

Next research the local plant species that were once located in your area and the type of vegetation communities that existed. Check with your Local Government Authority, National Parks information centres, local native plant nurseries and search online. Creating a wildlife attracting vegetation community, plant species should be selected from the canopy, understorey and ground-cover layers.

Trees will provide shade and habitat for larger animals and birds and provide protected landing and nesting areas for birds flying through your area. Shrubs and ground-covers in the understorey will provide protection to small birds and animals and lizards from the larger birds and animals. These should be planted in dense clumps or swathes as they will provide greater protection this way.

A mix of plants will also help to provide seed at differing times of the year to create food sources all year round. This doesn't mean that planting design need to completely replicate the existing planting community structure. The garden can be designed to have singular plants massed together providing greater visual impact but maximise different species used to increase food sources.

Additional landscaping ideas for wildlife gardens should provide groupings of rocks and large branches to create habitat for small animals and lizards. Use natural mulches for example leaf litter or forest mulch to provide a more naturalistic setting. Water is another necessity and can be provided through a pond feature or a simple bird bath. A mix of both will provide safe drinking spots for both birds and ground dwellers.

Remember these landscaping ideas won't attract wildlife over night and it will take a some years for plants to fully develop and then the wildlife to find it. If you are adding some of these ideas to an existing developed native garden then you may experience results sooner.

Landscaping Ideas For Small Backyards - Truly Small But Beautiful

Not because you are not bestowed with an opportunity of having a big backyard then you will forget about your goal of making your place turn out into something that you can take pride of. Landscaping ideas for small backyards are everywhere. Opt for them so you can make a personal space that will speak about your personality and for you to be able to augment the value of your humble abode.

In designing, the primary thing to consider is to be able to create an imaginary idea that you actually have a big space for your backyard. Bear in mind that even the smallest details can speak a lot when it comes to the overall idea of your property.

Never buy those ideas that simply because you have a limited space then you will also have a limited option of the things you can do for your landscape design. Through the use of your imagination and with the help of plants, sculptures, decorative statuettes, waterfalls, and some rocks, you are bound to make your small backyard turn out to be lavishly amazing!

The best thing to do when planning about the landscaping ideas for small backyards you can use of is that it is important to create a master plan. In making one, it is advised that you determine how much you are willing to spend first, the look you wish to achieve, and the effort that you are willing to contribute. Also, you have to take into account the condition of your place like for example if you have pets or small children on such area.

If you are after cheap options, you can make use of plants and flowers to get the job done. Choose plants that come with the right leaf size and color for your place. In case you select those plants with extremely too big leaves, you might realize that it will take a lot of space from your already limited backyard. If ever you go for plants that come in similar shades, you can achieve an extremely luxurious look. But since you are after landscaping ideas for small backyards, the best rule to remember when it concerns these plants which you can use is that if you can incorporate multiple plants that are available in different kinds then you can create a look of richness which is why this rule is one of the many considerations that people should take into account when landscaping a limited space.

In case you like the idea of putting statues or other backyard accents, go for those that come in smaller sizes because they are integral factor which will allow you to make the most of the space you have. Select something that can become a perfect match for plants and the total look of your house. Do not merely choose something because you like the design of such statue. More than anything, you have to take the time to consider if such design will work for your advantage.

Five Creative Ideas for Landscaping With Rocks

Landscaping with rocks is a great way to give your yard a unique appeal. Whether you enjoy spending time outside or you're just looking for a little extra curb appeal, landscaping with stones is the ticket to creating a space that stands out. In some cases, you may even find that landscaping with stones provides the answer to some landscape challenges you didn't know how to solve. Here are five creative ways for you to incorporate landscaping with rocks into your outdoor space.

Build a wall. This may seem like a very simplistic way to do landscaping with rocks, but there are a few reasons you may want to consider this. If you need a retaining wall to strengthen part of your yard, this is a way to really make it add to your yard's appeal rather than detract from it. You may also want to consider a stone wall for your garden or as a unique form of fencing.

Make a rock garden. Rock gardens aren't just about laying a bunch of stones out in your yard and calling it a garden. There are numerous rock garden plans that will create a space unlike anything your neighbors have.

Decorate a tree. Sometimes landscaping with stones is a great way to incorporate an unusual feature around a tree in your yard. This is the perfect answer if the tree is so large that nothing will grow under it. Also it saves you the weekly challenge of trying to mow under that tree.

Go for unique water features. Landscaping with stones doesn't just have to create dry decor for your outdoor space. It's also a great way to bring the softness of water into the area. Get creative with your in-ground pool or create a cascading waterfall or fountain. There's no limit to what you can do.

Create stone pathways. For unique curb appeal or even to build texture into your backyard, use stone to create pathways rather than just paving them with cement. If you happen to live in a subdivision where all the houses look the same, this is a great way to make your home look different from all the others.

Your imagination is the only limit to what you can do in landscaping for rocks. For even more ideas, consider hiring a professional. They will help you create a custom design for landscaping with rocks and make your landscape more beautiful.

Landscaping Ideas - How to Landscape Around a Swimming Pool

Landscaping around a pool can be a challenge and the best laid plans for a beautiful landscape can turn to disaster if not done right. As in all landscape designs you need to think about the future and what the pool area will look like months and years from now.

When I talk to clients in regards to their landscape needs I always like to ask if they have looked at any magazines or other landscapes that they like so I can get an idea about what they like. Usually they will show me an article from a magazine that will show a nicely done landscape and they would like to have something similar to the particular article they have shown me. When we are talking about pool landscaping the challenge is to make sure landscape materials that are featured in the article will working the planting zone of my client.

The ideal poolside landscape would be one that has a large enough bed area to plant trees and color that will not effect the water in the pool. On one job I reviewed with a client the previous landscaper had planted Live Oak trees around the pool area when the house was built in beds that were only 36" wide. Now 25 years later the trees are 15 to 20 feet tall and dropping acorns in the pool each year causing headaches for the pool cleaning company and the homeowner. Another client had a landscaper plant red crape myrtle trees along the back side of the pool, again in a bed 30" in depth and reaching over to the pool"s water area. As you can imagine my client had red flowers all summer long in the pool water.

This is why I have my clients think about their landscape wants and ideas early in the planning stage so they will not be faced with removal of beautiful Live Oak trees or Crape Myrtle trees when the landscape is maturing.

So what plants can be planted around a pool area that would be maintenance free? At some point all plant materials need some type of maintenance so the trick is to have minimal maintenance that will result in minimal pool maintenance for the homeowner.

You can still plant trees around a pool but only if you have a large enough bed that is away from the water. Remember all trees will drop something sometime and you do not want that dropping to be in your pool water.

Planting a mix of annual color and perennials works well. One of my favorite plants is lantana. This annual comes in many colors and loves the heat and once established is drought tolerant. Zinnias also work well and will usually reseed and come back the following year. Heat tolerant coleus is nice to use. The color here can be found in the leaves. Make sure you get the sun tolerant coleus for full sun exposure. For a vine check out sweet potato vine. This vine will really spread and works well in full sun or half day sun. Comes in chocolate, bronze, red, lime and tricolor.

Perennial color should include hardy hibiscus and daylilies. Both come in several different colors. You might even think about using the hardy banana. This will give you that tropical look and fell at poolside. Cannas will also provide a nice look around a pool and are easy to maintain.

And do not forget native grasses which can provide a nice accent in the pool landscape. Remember once ornamental grasses are established they are low maintenance and drought tolerant for the most part.

Landscaping around a pool can be very rewarding with a plan and a vision of the future. Have fun with your design. Your pool is a relaxing part of your yard and needs to be enjoyed by you, your family and your friends. The best compliment is to have someone come up and tell you that they wished their poll landscape looked as good as yours.

Inspiring Backyard Landscaping Ideas

Before starting a landscaping project there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. It is important for a garden to have a soothing and peaceful atmosphere. Besides plants, shrubs and trees, water features can create a relaxing atmosphere and make wonderful backyard landscaping ideas.

Nowadays many landscaping plans include water features. There are several options when it comes to water features which always adds a touch of serenity and elegance to any garden whether large or small. Water features can be included almost anywhere in a garden and are ideal to draw attention and add beauty to your yard.

One can also include backyard landscaping ideas such as rock pools and water features. A great idea for those that already have a swimming pool is to add a beautiful faux rock or natural rock feature at one end of the pool whereby the rock pool inter leads into the swimming pool which will create a special effect. There are also water features that operate at specified intervals saving electricity.

In addition garden ponds are also really attractive and one can have a fountain incorporated in the middle of the pond. If you do not intend incorporating marine animals into the pound then the pound should ideally be below ground level. In addition creating stepping stone features around the water feature which leads off in different directions around the garden, will add beauty, as tiny flowing shrubs can also be planted in and around the stones.

Should you choose to add fish or water plants to your garden, one needs to consider color coding as well as whether these plants and animals will compliment the rest of the landscape or not. Perennial favorites are Koi and goldfish due to their bright colors. One can incorporate lilies or certain seaweeds which are eye catching in appearance and in addition are edible. There are several different types of edible aquatic plants such as lotus, chameleon, and duck potato and water fern.

One has to bear in mind that even the minutest backyard landscaping ideas will affect the overall results, so you need to be sure that the plants and features complement each other in order to produce a picturesque effect. There are various different options, which require low maintenance as well as multipurpose gardens such as rock gardens, butterfly and bird gardens. The idea is to have a unique design so that your garden does not look identical to the neighbors.

Tropical Landscaping Ideas - Landscaping Software

Landscaping Software - Residential Landscaping

For most people who value nature, their expertise is on landscape designs. Having a beautiful garden and an eye-catching approach of surrounding is their passion. They never stop in purchasing products and developing well-established ideas to assure that they have a paradise outside their doors. Having relaxing scenery on their yard makes them complete.

Our home is the best place where we can unwind, relax and eliminate all the stress we used to experience. Psychologists do believe that garden replicates the attitude of the person living inside it. To be more reputable to neighborhood, you must impress them with your decent surroundings. You must also keep in mind that this factor is also a personality growth matter you must develop.

Planning is the concept of landscaping. Without it, there is no assurance that the outcome of the landscape is victorious. It is advisable for everyone to have a competitive landscape plan before every execution regardless of its scale size. It may not exactly work on your yard however; you can get started with it. You can make it a basis of your actual landscape design.

You may need some assistance in designing your front yard, backyard, patio, driveway, sidewalk, pool area, court, main entrance and lighting. This is no more an issue today since landscape designs have now its software. In a minute, you can create your own site plan without having trouble on images and graphics. The software has ready made images for you.

There is professional landscaping software that provides comprehensive features in order to attain the best residential landscape. It is where you can improve and level up your knowledge with regards to your surroundings. You can customize everything, explore and come up with an efficient and quality design you're longing to have. There is no hesitation on homeowner's part since it is user-friendly and you can directly visualize your desires. So far, a lot of homeowners who had this kind of software successfully built an admirable end result.

There is also a high quality architectural drawing symbols that gives you a good looking presentation of your proposed plan. You don't have to be a licensed graphic artist or an architect to have a good landscape plan. These symbols are collection of tools and commands to speed up the process of making your site.

A pleasant outdoor seems to be very a nice place to stay and you can no longer feel anxious to invite all your friends to hang out on your residence. To attain it, there is landscape designer ready to lend a hand for all your landscaping needs. Investing is sometimes better than making impulsive decisions. It could be the ideal way to make your home paradise' dream come true. In fact, it is also an achievement to become an architect of your own residence.