Whether your outdoor space is large or small, you can make it into a beautiful backyard landscape.
When tackling a large project such as landscaping, a good plan is necessary.
Coming up with a well thought out plan before doing any work will typically save time, effort, and money.
Here are some tips and tricks for creating a beautiful backyard landscape for your home.
photo courtesy of BRF flickr.com/photos/94999420@N06/8738263604/Landscape Style
Determine a style for your landscape.
Keep in mind the amount of work you are willing to put into gardening when selecting your garden style.
Do you want a full lush garden or a more minimal eco friendly garden?
Do you want a large lawn that will require mowing or minimal lawn? Maybe you even want artificial turf instead of real grass so you don't have to mow at all.
Would you prefer a monochromatic look with only shades of green or do you prefer many colorful flowering plants?
Would you prefer more modern straight lines or a more fluid curving landscape?
Would you like many trees or a pergola for shade?
You must keep in mind your climate when selecting a style since certain styles are not suited to extreme hot or cold.
Look online, in books/magazines, and around your neighborhood for beautiful landscapes to use as inspiration.
photo courtesy of Jim Dugdale Gardens_at_Trevarno_-_geograph.org.uk_-_32885.jpg
Sketch
Draw your landscape shape on a piece of paper.
You may want to use graph paper to get the size to the correct scale.
Simply measure your yard and assume one square of your paper is equal to a certain number of square feet.
You will want to draw in the shape of your home and anything that will be remaining in your landscape, such as your driveway, trees, swimming pool, or kids play area.
photo courtesy of Aorba the Geek Brimming_flower_beds_in_Castle_Park_-_geograph.org.uk_-_545322.jpg
Amenities
Decide on the functional aspects of your landscape when developing your landscape plan.
Do you want an outdoor kitchen or a koi pond?
Do you need something to block the afternoon sun?
Would you like a vegetable garden or a playground for the kids?
Do you need a sprinkler system or French drains?
Would you like to block out the view of your neighbor's house or power poles?
Draw the functional items that you want on your landscape drawing to the correct scale to determine the best location and size of each item.
photo courtesy of Christine Johnstone Beautiful_garden_in_Roundhay_Park_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1581078.jpg
Shape of Landscaping
Decide on a shape of the new plants in your landscape.
Would you like many flower beds? If so, where and how large?
Draw in the shape of your plants and hardscapes in your existing landscape drawing.
Be realistic with the amount of time you are willing to spend up keeping your landscape when deciding how many plants you want.
Keep in mind that plants often look best when many of the same plant are clustered together, especially when viewing your home from the street.
photo courtesy of Ian Alexander Azaleas_in_a_Landscape_Isabella_Plantation.jpg
Hardscapes
Install all of the hardscapes and non living items of your landscape first.
This will usually be the most expensive part of your landscape and may require you to hire professionals.
Also set up your flower beds and get them ready for plants.
photo courtesy of Dr Richard Murray Branklyn_Garden_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1330895.jpg
Plants
Once you decide on the size and shape of your plants, you must research to figure out the best species of plants for your climate and the exact location you want to put the plant.
Most plants and trees at your local plant nursery will be appropriate for your climate, however some need more attention and care than others.
Some plants need extra water and must be shaded while others need to be dry and in the sun.
You must know the characteristics of the plant you are purchasing to figure out the location where it will thrive.
Make sure you do not get a plant that will grow extra large and require constant pruning if you are not interested in constantly maintaining that plant.
Make sure to put plants in a location that will accommodate their mature size, not the size they are now.
Don't forget that some plants do not keep their leaves in the winter, so you must find ways to make your landscape beautiful during all seasons.
For areas seen from a distance, use a cluster of many identical plants to create a big impact instead of lots of different plants that often appear cluttered and seem to be planted without an overall design plan.
photo courtesy of Vivianeq Kraft_entrance.jpg
Size of Plants
Mature plants cost more than juvenile plants, so determine if you have more patience or money.
Also, older plants are more difficult to transport and plant if you plan on installing the plants yourself.
Once you have determined what you want and where you want it, go ahead and put your plants in the ground.
photo courtesy of Evelyn Simak Stody_Lodge_Gardens_-_geograph.org.uk_-_788252.jpg
Water
Make sure to water your new plants diligently for the first few weeks.
Putting down mulch is a great way to help your beautiful new plants in your landscape retain moisture and keep weeds away.
