By Landscaping is the most misunderstood area of home improvement, so we have tried to set a few things straight while giving you some basic tips on the benefits and dangers of landscaping on your own.
Landscaping can be a daunting task, particularly if you are undertaking the venture singlehandedly. Still, many DIY enthusiasts and home improvement contractors alike consider landscaping one of the most rewarding and enjoyable home improvement activities. The process of landscaping involves designing and constructing paths, beds, boarders and features in a garden space to allow for access and a pleasant environment. The first step to landscaping is the original design, many people find this difficult to establish but we have a few tips to help you begin:
- Start by outlining any essential pathways, driveways and walking areas. This will give a framework for the landscape.
- Next, consider where you want to direct the eye. If you have a roughly square space, it might be wise to focus attention at a single point near the center, if you have a long space, consider creating a pathway which weaves through the garden.
- Finally, consider the planting arrangement. Design the bed layout and list any materials which will be required.
This is a sure fire way to get your landscaping design down on paper, but there is more to landscaping than pretty pictures! A few of the more advanced considerations will require careful study of your local area and the climate.
- Which plants will grow well and compliment the garden?
- Which rocks and earth colors are common in the local landscape?
These two points should influence your selection of materials and plants. Some landscape architects take many weeks to select their materials, but that might be going overboard! Landscaping is about making a space which you love, so design for yourself, then for the surrounding landscape.
If you are a gardening enthusiast, it is likely that you will want a range of plants in your garden. Landscaping can provide a means of creating micro-climates suitable for all manner of plants which would not normally be comfortable in your area of the country or world. Create shaded areas with larger plants, or create hot, sunny locations with south facing embankments which catch the sun all day. Landscaping provides a means of creating the right conditions for all manner of plants, without using obstructing structures or strange equipment.
In the end, landscaping is a wonderful and enjoyable way to stretch your DIY muscles. Some aspects may require the help of a qualified tradesman, but there are few serious safety concerns in the use of a landscaped space, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Check out the page of About Omni Home Ideas for more landscaping tips and tricks.
