Do It Yourself Landscape Design

How To Design a Landscape by Dawn Lorenzi

You just moved into a new house and the yard needs a lot of help. Or, you've been in the same home for 15 years and decided it's time for a change. Whatever the reason, landscaping can do wonders for your home and neighborhood, whether it be an entirely new yard or adding new elements to what you have.

MAPPING THE DESIGN

First, you will need to map out your lot or property on graph paper. Some may even choose to purchase one of the many computer programs available specifically for landscaping design. Be sure to include you house and other buildings on your property. Next, decide if you are going to use existing walkways, decks, driveways and so on. Anything considered permanent could be removed or altered to fit your new look. Are there plants and trees in your yard that you wish to keep? Map the ones you wish to keep. Some plants can be moved to new locations creating a new look and possibly giving the plant a healthier location.

CREATING A LOOK

Tulip Driveway Creating a landscape depend greatly upon what look you are going for. Do you want a yard with little upkeep or do you have a green thumb? Do you need more lawn for children to play on, or would you rather sell the lawn mower? Are you looking for curb appeal or wish to create a privacy screen to block wind or any unsightly view? Drive around and look at other yards to get ideas for your own yard. Keep in mind however, their yards are already mature, they did not instantly look that way!

Take notes when out looking at landscapes and keep a gardening book handy to identify plants you like. There are many publications available about landscaping and plant types. Most will also be able to tell you what plants are right for your climate. Next, go to a local nursery. They only sell plants that thrive in you location and the people caring for these plants are an excellent resource. If asked what will grow in full sun on a slop with sporadic watering? They will provide a list of available plants.

They can tell you the approximate size a plant will grow to enabling you to decide where to plant it within your yard or garden. Nurseries can also help identify pests and diseases attacking existing plants, trees or scrubs. With the proper care, your yard will grow to be the most beautiful on the block!

PLANT SELECTION: PROPOTIONS, VARIETY & SEASONS

Bulbs When developing your design plan and plant selection, consider the size of your house and lot. You want your landscape to be within proportion to create balance. You will want variety too. Plants come in different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. By creating a good mix you will be creating an interesting landscape. Too much difference though will create a chaotic looking yard. So grouping like plants works well. And don't forget about the seasons! Make sure you have a range of plantings that will provide color and interest throughout the year. This will keep your yard looking fresh and alive. Some plants loose their leaves come winter, therefore you will need something to hide this, otherwise you will have a bunch of bare plants in your yard. Again our nursery and a good gardening book will be of tremendous help in picking out and arranging your plants in a way that will become a beautifully landscaped yard.

shade Once you have the plants chosen, mark them mark them on the landscape map. Be sure to accommodate their mature size, not their current size (remember those yards you visited when you were in the planning stage...your plants will be just as big someday).

SOIL PREPARATION

Finally, prepare the soil making it well drained and rich with nutrients. Using good mulch is also a benefit. This is the time to install any needed irrigation, such as a sprinkler or dip system. Both will help maintain a healthy landscape. Designing a landscape takes careful research and plenty of time. You are not only improving your home's appearance, you are also beautifying your neighborhood and increasing you property value!

QUESTIONS? Email Us at nickelcreeknursery@msn.com



Questions? Ask Us at:	How To Design a Landscape by Dawn Lorenzi You just moved into a new house and the yard needs a lot of help. Or, you've been in the same home for 15 years and decided it's time for a change. Whatever the reason, landscaping can do wonders for your home and neighborhood, whether it be an entirely new yard or adding new elements to what you have. MAPPING THE DESIGN First, you will need to map out your lot or property on graph paper. Some may even choose to purchase one of the many computer programs available specifically for landscaping design. Be sure to include you house and other buildings on your property. Next, decide if you are going to use existing walkways, decks, driveways and so on. Anything considered permanent could be removed or altered to fit your new look. Are there plants and trees in your yard that you wish to keep? Map the ones you wish to keep. Some plants can be moved to new locations creating a new look and possibly giving the plant a healthier location. CREATING A LOOK Creating a landscape depend greatly upon what look you are going for. Do you want a yard with little upkeep or do you have a green thumb? Do you need more lawn for children to play on, or would you rather sell the lawn mower? Are you looking for curb appeal or wish to create a privacy screen to block wind or any unsightly view? Drive around and look at other yards to get ideas for your own yard. Keep in mind however, their yards are already mature, they did not instantly look that way! Take notes when out looking at landscapes and keep a gardening book handy to identify plants you like. There are many publications available about landscaping and plant types. Most will also be able to tell you what plants are right for your climate. Next, go to a local nursery. They only sell plants that thrive in you location and the people caring for these plants are an excellent resource. If asked what will grow in full sun on a slop with sporadic watering? They will provide a list of available plants. They can tell you the approximate size a plant will grow to enabling you to decide where to plant it within your yard or garden. Nurseries can also help identify pests and diseases attacking existing plants, trees or scrubs. With the proper care, your yard will grow to be the most beautiful on the block! PLANT SELECTION: PROPOTIONS, VARIETY & SEASONS When developing your design plan and plant selection, consider the size of your house and lot. You want your landscape to be within proportion to create balance. You will want variety too. Plants come in different shapes, sizes, textures and colors. By creating a good mix you will be creating an interesting landscape. Too much difference though will create a chaotic looking yard. So grouping like plants works well. And don't forget about the seasons! Make sure you have a range of plantings that will provide color and interest throughout the year. This will keep your yard looking fresh and alive. Some plants loose their leaves come winter, therefore you will need something to hide this, otherwise you will have a bunch of bare plants in your yard. Again our nursery and a good gardening book will be of tremendous help in picking out and arranging your plants in a way that will become a beautifully landscaped yard. Once you have the plants chosen, mark them mark them on the landscape map. Be sure to accommodate their mature size, not their current size (remember those yards you visited when you were in the planning stage...your plants will be just as big someday). SOIL PREPARATION Finally, prepare the soil making it well drained and rich with nutrients. Using good mulch is also a benefit. This is the time to install any needed irrigation, such as a sprinkler or dip system. Both will help maintain a healthy landscape. Designing a landscape takes careful research and plenty of time. You are not only improving your home's appearance, you are also beautifying your neighborhood and increasing you property value! QUESTIONS? Email Us at nickelcreeknursery@msn.com

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