When you decide to landscape your home, there are a lot of questions and things to figure out. When you factor in budgets, time constraints, and your home’s geography it can become downright complicated. You can always ask lawn care experts for their advice on what to do and take their recommendations but perhaps you would like a game plan before your consult.
That’s where this list comes in. Here are six awesome landscaping ideas compiled for you so you can figure out what your style is and get some ideas so your yard will look fresh and stylish. Think of this as a jumping-off point for you, whether you prefer modern or classic landscape looks you’re sure to find something that will excite you.
1. Choose Your Bushes Carefully
If you are looking for clean, simple elegance consider using small neatly trimmed bushes paired with a stone walkway or patio. While the bushes will require some upkeep to ensure they grow uniformly, the neat and tidy look of small bushes is a great and easy way to get a one of a kind look for your yard. Boxwood shrubs are a great variety to look at.
On the flip side, if you are looking for privacy or a more rustic look for your yard, you can go for a larger hedge. A hedge doesn’t require the same upkeep as bushes since you are hoping they grow together a bit more for privacy. A bonus is that they will also block the wind, making your yard a wonderful place to picnic.
Hydrangeas are not a bush, they qualify more as shrubbery but with their green leaves look wonderful all by themselves and when a hydrangea is in bloom they are truly stunning. Easy to care for, you will not regret adding hydrangeas to your landscaping plan.
2. Perennials vs. Annuals
When it comes to choosing flowers for your yard one of the first questions you will be asked whether you want a perennial or annual variety. Both are fine options and have many benefits, you can even choose a combination of both if that’s what you prefer.
Perennials have the benefit of planting once and then they will reemerge for at least two years about the same time. This can save you a lot of time but can be a more expensive investment up front, though that is not always the case. One of the best known perennial plants is the hosta.
Hostas are flowering greenery that grown abundant even in shady areas. Hostas are well known for their ability to be split. This means if you’ve been admiring your neighbor’s hostas she may very well be able to help you transplant part of her hostas into your yard where they will grow, your neighbor can put her plant back in the ground after splitting as well.
If you don’t want to commit to the same flowers for every year you can always choose annuals every year. This gives you the chance to pick your color scheme which can be nice if you are hosting a specific event that you would want to coordinate with. Popular annuals include petunias, impatiens, begonias, and chrysanthemums.
3. Trees
Unless you live in an area that already features large mature trees you are going to have to choose the trees that are right for you. There are many varieties of trees and no matter what kind of tree you prefer it will increase your home’s value and make your yard look outstanding.
When choosing a tree look for one that will grow well in the climate you have, palm trees are beautiful but if it won’t grow it’s a waste of money. It’s also important to consider how the tree will grow over the years. It may be small now but hopefully one day it will be quite large and you don’t want it to bump into your house, fence or powerlines.
If you would like a deciduous tree it becomes an even more fun job to try and pick a tree who’s autumnal color is one that you love. No matter what you pick the aesthetics of a well placed and maintained tree will make any landscape come alive.
4. Consider Adding a Patio or Deck
It may seem silly to talk about taking out nature and putting in a patio or deck but they are an important piece to the landscaping puzzle. A patio or deck can ground the eye in landscape design while also giving you a place to sit or dine while enjoying your newly beautified lawn.
Patios are lovely because they don’t require the same upkeep as a deck. There are many different materials you can choose for your patio. Stone is prone to cracking but if you love the look of a stone patio it is still a good choice. Another benefit to a patio is that they are heat resistant which offers you a chance to add a fire pit.
While decks will need to be cared for in order to keep the wood in good condition, they are still a fabulous choice to accent your home and landscape. Decks offer better views of your lawn since they are raised which makes them a wonderful choice if you have an expansive yard.
5. Water Feature
While not all yards are well suited for a water feature they are one of the most soothing and relaxing aspects of a landscape design. If you have small pets or children consider carefully whether a fountain or pond is right for you because they do pose a drowning risk, instead, you may consider a smaller fountain for your patio or a birdbath perhaps.
A larger built-in fountain is typically constructed using stones and natural materials to cover-up the mechanical workings need to make the water run. When you accent a fountain with flowers it can be the perfect addition to your fresh landscaping project. There are many different styles to consider and it is typically best to match the architectural style of your home.
If you would like something a little larger consider whether you’d like a pond. Ponds naturally will attract waterfowl which can be a real treat to watch. If you are adding a pond, consider having it lit underwater for ambient visual interest to your yard at night. As long as you keep your pond clean it will stay in good condition and be an attractive landscaping addition.
Conclusion
It can be easy to get overwhelmed when trying to decide how you would like to landscape your yard but just narrow in on what is most important to you and go from there. No matter what your personal taste may be, you are sure to enjoy your time spent in your newly landscaped lawn and with a little care, it should look great for years to come.
