Tag Archives: native plants

Check Out This Great Landscaping Advice Today!

Posted on by
Reply

For some people, landscaping might be a minor change to their home’s look. Other people are not content with simple projects. So, they choose to go big with a major landscaping plan that radically updates their home’s appearance. Whatever type of landscaping interests you, the advice contained in this article is sure to be of great help.

Create a sketch of what you want your finished product to look like before starting a project. A sketch helps you visualize results, giving you a much better idea of what materials you are going to need to finish your project. You can also easily make changes to the sketch, as opposed to making changes to the actual lawn.

TIP! To update your landscaping, try to re-edge your flowers with soft curves. A curving bed offers a more contemporary look than the classic square and rectangular planting areas.

Use native plants when fixing your yard. They’ll love your soil, you won’t have to water them often, as they’re used to your rainfall levels and they can tolerate your temperature conditions. This means that they are low-maintenance. Go to your local gardening store to learn more about native plants in your specific area.

When landscaping, it is best to use plants which are native to the area. When you landscape your garden, try using trees flowers and shrubs that you would find locally. Plants that are local to the area will do their best in the worst soils, require less water and will survive the terrible weather conditions.

TIP! Fill your yard with native plants. Native plants are easier to care for because they are already comfortable in your climate and soil.

Consider using granite for surfaces on outdoor kitchen areas you may be planning to add to your landscaping. There are many cheaper materials available, but they can be damaged by water, temperature fluctuations or having hot items placed upon them.

Use granite for the surfaces in the outdoor kitchen you are installing. Granite has a benefit over other materials in that it can withstand hot items. It is also low maintenance.

TIP! Test the pH and composition of your soil before you plant anything. Running these tests will make you aware of any quality issues with the soil and changes that need to be made before you put any plants in.

A drip-style irrigation system is a great investment. Installing these devices is a snap, and they supply your plants with a never ending supply of water. The water is more efficient because it drips as opposed to having a stream, which would be the effect of a sprinkler system or a hose.

Choose quality over price. It’s not uncommon to find that many products at chain stores are inexpensive, but are of cheap quality. Go to a store that specializes in landscape design where you can get top-notch products and helpful advice from their workers. This is worth the extra expense, because the products you purchase will be of a higher quality and you will receive proper advice.

TIP! Consulting with a professional up front, before beginning your project, can save you time and money, even if you plan to do the work yourself. A short discussion about your ideas and approach with a pro can widen your perspective and uncover any issues in your design that need rethinking.

Soil Tested

After mowing your yard, consider leaving some of the grass clippings around. The decomposition of the grass will help add necessary nutrients your lawn needs which in turn will mean that you will decrease how much fertilizer you have to use.

TIP! A good way to keep your plants surviving longer is by using peat moss. Your plants can get many useful nutrients from peat moss that might otherwise be hard to come by.

Prior to digging in to your landscaping or garden project, have the soil tested. Having your soil tested could help you know what you need to add to it and what you need to eliminate. Remember to take care of this prior to planting. Doing this can help to ensure that your plants get a great start and grow to be happy.

If your yard contains a shade tree, it can be hard to plant flower beneath it. Instead of using flowers, consider adding a ground cover. Ground covers are easy to maintain and will add interest to your landscape. Sweet woodruff and hosta are ideal ground covers.

TIP! Instead of sticking with the traditional straight edging, add some curved borders to your landscape. These round shapes are less formal and more pleasing to the eye.

Gain the best results from your efforts in landscaping by designing yourself a multi-seasonal garden. Select plants that will grow in the fall, spring, summer and winter, as is realistic for your area. It’s also a good idea to use trees and evergreens to help your landscape look beautiful year round.

Proper use of foliage and evergreens offer great continuity and flow to your landscaping. Some plants blossom just a short time so your yard could lack color between seasons. The use of foliage plants and evergreen shrubs keep your yard green between flower beds.

TIP! Those of you that want to do some landscaping would be smart to select plants that have unique leaf textures. Spreading these types of plants out in your yard can really give you a different look.

Are you planning on selling your house in the near future? Compared with other home improvement projects, landscaping is an investment that can generate as much as 100 to 200 percent returns. Your front lawn should be your main focus if you want your home to have curb appeal. Your backyard should be your focus for a creatively designed living area outdoors.

Prior to going shopping for your landscaping necessities, make a plan of what you need. Try making a sketch of what you’re going to be doing in your landscaping project so you know what to buy. You may enjoy just buying things on impulse; however, this can destroy your budget.

TIP! Always consider the climate when determining which plants you will be using. Plants can be very fussy about the weather, and choosing plants that are not viable in your climate will only cause you disappointment.

As you probably realize, landscaping means different things to different people. Some think that it entails a lot of work and is an art while others think it’s just a quick job with a few touch ups. By taking the ideas in this piece to heart, whatever landscape design process you choose will surely be successful.

Before you start on any serious landscaping project, consult with a professional and get their advice on your approach. While it costs you up front, it can save you lots of money if it means that you don’t make any mistakes along the way. A single consultation is usually enough to set you off on the right foot as you start down your landscaped path.

TIP! If any large plants are part of your design plan, remember that they are likely to cast a shadow. You could use this shadow as a natural way to protect your house, or patio from the heat in the summertime.

Rock Solid Advice On How To Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Posted on by
Reply

Landscaping is important because it makes a first impression of your home. The reality is that it takes time and effort in order for you to know how best to landscape your property. You must research the most effective techniques and strategies for landscaping. The following paragraphs are loaded with landscaping tips to help you get your home looking better than you ever thought possible.

Add soft curves to the edges of your rock beds and flower beds for an instant update. Curves are more updated and contemporary looking than straight lines and sharp corners. Not only is cutting fresh edges an inexpensive project, it can also make a huge difference in the appearance of your flower beds and your lawn.

TIP! Consider granite for your surfaces when installing a kitchen outdoors. While other surfaces may be less expensive in the short-term, granite is much more durable and lower maintenance.

As you are planning a new landscaping project, think about the overall effect you wish to achieve before you do anything else. This will give you a visual idea of what you want, how it will look, and what kind and amount of materials your project will require. It will also be a lot simpler to use an eraser to modify your drawing, as opposed to redoing your entire lawn.

Maximize your landscaping results by including multi-seasonal elements in your garden. Choose many different plants and flowers that thrive in your region and bloom during different seasons. You can also use trees with interesting foliage or evergreens to keep your yard looking lively all year long.

TIP! You will find it daunting to try and landscape your whole yard at one time. Dividing your project into several parts will be easier on your wallet.

Try to use native plants when landscaping. When planning out your landscape, try to include flowers, trees, and shrubs that are native to your local area. Native plants will thrive in the poorest of soils, are less likely to require a lot of water, and will survive in even the most extreme weather conditions.

Choose the higher quality items over the cheap stuff. You will encounter many cheap, shoddy landscaping products if you shop at a home improvement store. A specialty store will offer you quality products and helpful advice from qualified professionals. You may pay a little more, but it’s worth it simply because you get quality products and advice.

TIP! Add a variety of plants in your landscaping plans. This will be helpful in the case your yard gets invaded by a disease of insect.

Consider a watering system that drips instead of flows water to your plants. They are simple to install and continuously give your plants water. The water is much more efficient but it’s a drip and not a stream, which is what’s used for hoses and sprinklers.

Think about the existing structures around the landscaping project before starting on it. Always take into consideration the location of various hazards in your landscape. These can include AC units, cables, sprinkler systems and even gutters. Do not impede these areas in your design. Call the city or county before you dig to make sure you do not damage any underground lines.

TIP! As you begin your landscape design journey, think about getting some advice from a professional before you make any major decisions. An experienced professional can give you some valuable and time-saving tips that significantly cut costs and time in the long run.

A lot of people fail to consider buying landscaping plants online. Not only is it more convenient to shop online, but you can often find rare and unique plants for your landscaping designs that are not available locally.

If you want a colorful garden or yard but don’t have a lot of money to spend, think about using wildflowers. They are readily available, even at a mass merchandiser, and can thrive in even the most inhospitable of areas. You will end up with beautiful varieties of flowers. You can even pick the flowers to make a bouquet instead of paying for flowers at a grocery store.

TIP! If you are going to be the one mowing your lawn, use a mulching mower so the clippings will go back into the lawn. The decomposing grass clippings will fertilize your lawn, eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers.

Know the precise measurements of your target work area before you head out to select your plants and materials. You will be better able to estimate what you need when you get to the store. It’s much better to be able to buy correctly the first time, rather than needing to make repeated trips because you guessed wrong about your needs.

If you are assembling your own landscape plan, add an estimate for the cost. Make a complete list of all the plants, soil, rocks, fertilizer and tools you will need. Then, consider where you ought to purchase everything you need. Prices will vary depending on where you live. Figure out where the best deals are and don’t be afraid to ask around for the lowest prices.

TIP! Foliage plants, and evergreens will give an impression of continuity to your project. Many plants only blossom for a short time, which may leave you with a rather dull yard between seasons.

As you know, your landscaping strongly influences how your home appears. Even though it can be hard to get your home properly landscaped, it is possible with some effort. Implement the advice found here, and before you know it, you may be an expert on the topic of landscaping.

Adding a water feature is a great way to give your yard a new look. Consider a man-made pond, or a fountain. You can also find professionals that can install into your yard a small waterfall or pond, if that is in your budget. Use water sources as your focal point when planning your landscape.

TIP! If you want a nice looking landscape that is hardy and simple to look after, native plants should be used whenever possible. Plant species that adapt naturally to the climate in your area are best.

Choosing Plants That Will Not Harm Children

Posted on by
Reply

What can I do to update my yard? What can I do to have a landscape that will be the envy of everyone? The answers to these questions are here, along with tips on how you can keep your project within the scope of your needs, so read on.

A good tip for landscaping is to list all of the materials needed before you get started on any project. There are few things worse than beginning your project and discovering you are missing a needed item. Then, you have to stop working so you can go purchase the missing material.

TIP! If you include an outdoor kitchen in your backyard design, consider using granite for counters and other surfaces. There are many cheaper materials available, but they can be damaged by water, temperature fluctuations or having hot items placed upon them.

When adding plants to your landscaping, consider using native plants. This involves incorporating flowers, trees, and bushes that are local. Plants that are local to the area will do their best in the worst soils, require less water and will survive the terrible weather conditions.

Have you decided to put your home up for sale soon? Landscaping before you put your home on the market can increase your asking price. Create a design for your front yard that is visually appealing from the road. Also consider making the backyard into a friendly and relaxing outdoor sanctuary.

TIP! Pick out products that are made well and avoid cheap ones. Lower quality offerings may be more plentiful but good quality products are worth the investment of time and money.

Native plants are a joy to work with and should be used whenever possible. Native plants are a lot easier to take care of because they are used to the area’s climate and soil. This also means they will be low-maintenance. Your local gardener probably has lots of great native plant information.

Select your plants carefully, as they have a big impact on your overall landscaping project. You’ll want to avoid placing plants that need lots of sunlight in areas that are shady. Also, you should not put a tree in an area where it cannot grow. A little extra effort means that you will have beautiful, healthy plants.

TIP! Time your purchases to save money. Wait until the winter months to buy your lumber, and buy trees, shrubs or mulch late in the season if you can.

When landscaping, you must know the difference between perennials and annuals, as well as what flowers, plants, and shrubs work best in certain geographical areas and under certain climates. Make sure to consider seasons when landscaping. It is imperative that you think about these things before planting so that your landscape is successful.

Talk to a licensed landscaper before you do any work to your own yard. While you probably don’t need them to work on the whole project, spending money for consultation can help you avoid in making expensive mistakes. This is a crucial part of your plan, especially if you are not an experienced landscaper.

TIP! Measure out the area that you will be planting before you go to a landscaping store. This will make it easier for you to figure out how much stuff you need.

You should always make a material list before starting any landscaping project. The worst thing is to have to stop your project in the middle because you are short on mulch or missing a critical tool.

Avoid thinking that buying cheap is always best. While you can find fairly inexpensive supplies to do your project, the quality is probably not going to be what you are looking for. When you are just getting started, going to a specialty store may cost a bit more, but you may get some very helpful advice.

TIP! Many times you can successfully use less expensive products in your landscape without sacrificing beauty. The cheaper versions of items like containers and mulch are just as good.

Consider using granite for surfaces on outdoor kitchen areas you may be planning to add to your landscaping. While marble could cost less to you, you can place hot things on granite without damaging it and it doesn’t require a ton of maintenance.

Peat moss is a plant’s best friend when it comes to survivability. Peat moss gives nutrients to your plants that they could be lacking. On top of that, peat moss can also offer a very attractive contrast to other areas of your landscape.

TIP! Prior to landscaping your garden, seek the advice of a professional. Even if you will be doing the landscaping, talking to a pro is a wise idea.

Are you thinking about putting your home up for sale? Landscaping can provide you with great returns on your home. You should fix up your front lawn initially, so that your home will be appealing to buyers as they pull up to your curb. You can also develop your backyard as an outdoor living area that extends the function of your home.

If you wish for your landscape to be easy to care for and won’t succumb to changes in your climate, try choosing plants that are native to your area. Foreign plants find it harder to adapt to your home’s environment, yet native plants have already adapted to this environment, so they’ll fit in with ease. Local plants will also require less supplemental irrigation, which will save money on your water bills.

TIP! Complete your project in segments. If you think about your yard as sections and work on one thing at a time, you can really make it a more affordable project because you don’t have to get it all done at once.

Purchase your landscaping needs at different times of the year to get good discounts. Wait until the off-season to purchase such things as shrubs, trees or lumber, and don’t mulch at the height of summer. Instead of buying new plants when they first appear, wait a year or two and let the prices fall.

Use ground cover plants to fill in areas between your larger plants. Look to creeping plants like ferns, vinca, juniper or ivy to liven up bare areas and reduce your mowing demands. Also, they increase your landscape’s depth, color and dimension.

TIP! Plant a variety of flowery plants and colorful trees to make your landscape pop. Shrubs do not necessarily have to be green year-round, as there are many types of shrubs that offer colorful flowers during certain seasons.

Don’t subscribe to the idea that cheaper is always better. While you can get cheap landscaping items, the quality may suffer as a result. If you are a novice landscaper, it would be to your benefit to go to a specialty store; even though it may be more costly, you can get plenty of advice, and your supplies will be guaranteed.

While in the planning stages, be sure you allow room for plant growth. A little tree may be cute while it’s young, but once it’s a few years old it’ll be quite a bit bigger. Consider the mature size of everything you plant to keep the right balance, between the different plants.

TIP! Talk to your neighbors about how you can all work together to beautify your yards but share the costs of materials. By sharing the purchase and maintenance of commonly used tools like lawnmowers, edgers, and even hand tools, everyone saves money.

The information you’ve just read is filled with great advice that every homeowner should have. Whatever type of project you may have in mind, the tips here can give you the confidence you need to get started on beautifying your surroundings.

Edging is a nice technique to make your yard look more professional and it also happens to promote the health of your yard. Using plastic, wooden, metal or stone edging is a great way to separate mulched or gravel-filled beds from the rest of your grass.

TIP! Professional landscapers are available to help you plan your landscaping project. Before hiring any landscape designer ask for examples of their work, projected costs and projected completion dates.

Tips For Great Designs In Your Landscaping Plan

Posted on by
Reply

Everyone would like a yard that is the envy of the neighborhood but simply don’t know where to begin. Landscaping isn’t all that difficult when you know the correct information. In the following article, you will learn some great landscaping ideas to help you create the home of your dreams.

Make liberal use of native plant specimens. Native plants require less maintenance as they are already in their ideal climate. This is good because they will be low-maintenance. You could find more info on plants that are local to your area at any gardening store in your region.

TIP! Granite is an excellent material to use for an outdoor kitchen. While other materials such as marble don’t cost as much, granite allows you to place hot items on them without any risk of damage.

Prior to starting your next project, you should sketch your proposed designs firt. This will give you a visual idea of what you want, how it will look, and what kind and amount of materials your project will require. It will also be a lot simpler to use an eraser to modify your drawing, as opposed to redoing your entire lawn.

Are you considering selling your home anytime soon? Landscaping your yard is a great way to increase the value of your house. Consider focusing on your front yard to add some curbside appeal to your home, or maybe create an outdoor socializing area in the back.

TIP! It is very difficult to landscape your whole residence all at once. Dividing your project into several parts will be easier on your wallet.

For a fresh update to your landscaping, re-edge your flower or rock beds with soft curves. A curving bed offers a more contemporary look than the classic square and rectangular planting areas. Cutting your edges can be inexpensive and really improve the look of your flowers and lawn when you do so.

Favor high quality over low prices when shopping for landscaping supplies. It is easy to find products in many home improvement stores that are reduced cost but low quality. Consider visiting a specialty store in order to find great products sold by qualified employees. If you pay a premium for the higher quality items, it will pay off in the long run.

TIP! Choosing plant life wisely to assure your landscaping project is successful. You want plants whose growth requirements mesh well with your climate and planting space.

Native Plants

When planning a landscaping project, include more than just one or two varieties of plants. This is an important step to take to protect your yard in case an insect or disease invades. If your plants are varied, they won’t all be susceptible to the same harmful agents. Diversity is crucial for plant health when landscaping.

TIP! If you are trying to get a lot of color in your yard or garden area, but do not have a large budget, consider wildflowers. The seeds for wildflowers are easy to find in your local landscaping center.

Choose native plants for your yard. It’s easier to take care of native plants because they are adapted to the climate and soil type in your yard. This will make them easier to care for and make your landscaping maintenance easier. Check out a local gardening store and see what plants are actually native in your area.

Don’t subscribe to the idea that cheaper is always better. Cheaper option will not always give you a suitable quality. If you are new to landscaping, a specialty store, while a little more expensive, will provide you with the advice and guarantees that you may need.

TIP! Using evergreens and foliage plants as part of your landscaping offers a sense of continuity. If you use only plants that blossom for a short period, there will be times when your yard is empty.

Before beginning your project, make sure to have a list of every item you need. Doing so will give you more time on your landscape, and less time running to the store.

If you are doing your own landscaping, remember to add plenty of mulch to your garden beds. Mulch allows the plans to retain their moisture which is a big help especially if you reside in a warmer climate. Mulch will allow your plants to use as much water as possible.

TIP! Use unique textures for leaves such as variegated ones when doing landscaping. Adding unique plants throughout the yard helps give contrast and appeal.

It can be a challenge to landscape an entire property at one time. Segment your project into discrete phases to make it budget-friendly and manageable. This also helps you change up your designs if you need to.

Don’t overlook how some landscaping for your home and yard will affect your overall property. Certain trees’ root systems can damage your underground pipes. In addition, putting plants in some areas can affect the line of site for traffic or your driveway, creating a safety hazard. Therefore, it is important to consider these things carefully when planning your landscape design.

TIP! Before you buy everything you need in your garden plan things out, this way you save money. Try making a sketch of what you’re going to be doing in your landscaping project so you know what to buy.

Quality Products

If you want to produce a landscape that is distinctive, hardy, and easy to maintain, focus on selecting native plants whenever possible. Plants that are naturally comfortable in your region will certainly require less attention than those that are not. Native plants will need far less additional water, which results in cost savings for you.

TIP! While products may be cheap, they may not be effective, so consider this before you shell out any cash. When it comes to the quality and reliability of landscaping products, you often get what you pay for.

Always go for quality over cheap products. Lower quality offerings may be more plentiful but good quality products are worth the investment of time and money. Go to a nursery or other specialty store to find quality products and people who know what they are talking about. Paying a little extra money is worth it, because you will get better products and be properly advised.

Seek the help of a landscaping professional before starting a big project. Whether you need to hire a professional to install something, fix a mistake or even just give you advice, it’s worth every penny. An hour of consultation is enough to get important pointers that you might need.

TIP! Focus on accomplishing your landscaping projects in phases. You can find your putting in the plants you truly desire to be cheaper by splitting up your yard into sections and working on one section at a time.

You can save money by timing purchases. Wait until the winter months to buy your lumber, and buy trees, shrubs or mulch late in the season if you can. When new plants are introduced to the market, wait a year or two for their prices to fall before purchasing them.

Learn everything you can about landscape design techniques. For example, use a few larger plants as anchors throughout your yard design, to create a look of continuity. Vary the texture, shape, color and size of plants throughout your landscaping. Abundant resources are available through the library or bookstores, that will give some clear, concise layout options.

TIP! Just because your budget is small doesn’t mean that you can’t change your landscaping for the better. Dividing a large project into smaller phases is actually ideal, because if you make a mistake, you can avoid it in future phases of the project.

Save yourself some money by shopping online, and browse a much larger selection. There’s lots of websites offering quality landscaping items at great prices. It is always a good idea to read reviews that are written by other customers. This will provide you with valuable information, such as whether people received good products and if they were properly protected. Also, compare prices to ensure you’re getting the best price for the quality of product you receive.

Keep your plants trimmed to make it look well groomed. Plants such as hedges, vines and many shrubs tend to grow too fast, losing their compact, full shape. It may seem extreme, but cut them nearly to ground level and they will grow out beautifully in spring.

TIP! As you plan out to create your landscape, make sure you make room for your plants to grow. Planting a tree right next to your home could work fine now, but as the tree matures it could rupture your foundation and grow too close to the side of your house.

Now that you have gotten a better idea of how easy and enjoyable landscaping is, get started today. Keep these tips in mind and implement them when possible. Your neighbors will be jealous and your yard and garden will look great!

Curves can be beautiful. When landscaping, think about creating a border with a sweeping curve. Curves are more visually appealing and interesting and, moreover, curved borders give homes higher value than straight borders. Curves are slightly harder to create but are well worth the extra work in the long run.

TIP! Regular watering, of course, is just one of the many maintenance expenditures that must be invested into landscaping. Using the right soil and nutrients is vital to your plants growth.

Great Tips To Help You Handle Do-It-Yourself Landscaping

Posted on by
Reply

Is your yard the talk of the neighborhood? And is the banter bad because your yard is usually being ridiculed and laughed at? If that’s the case, you can use this article to get your yard looking nice so that your neighbors talk about it for the right reasons. Read on for a few simple ways that you can add a professional landscaping look to your yard.

To landscape successfully, you must understand the difference between annual and perennial plants. You must also be aware of which plants, shrubs and flowers grow best in your particular geographical area and its climate. You need to be conscious of the seasons while landscaping as well. All of these factors combine to determine whether your landscaping efforts will be a success or a failure.

TIP! Using a drip watering system is a great way to keep your garden well watered. These highly-efficient systems are easily installed by the layman, and provide a continuous drip of water.

Prior to starting your landscaping, sketch out how you envision it. You’ll be able to get a clear idea of the results and the materials needed to achieve those results. You can also adjust the sketch more easily than you can the yard after you have made the alterations.

Choose the higher quality items over the cheap stuff. You will encounter many cheap, shoddy landscaping products if you shop at a home improvement store. Go to landscaping stores that sell only the best products and employ knowledgeable, qualified workers. The extra cost associated with the specialty store will be worth it when you see the results.

TIP! Most people don’t consider going online to get their landscaping items. However, shopping online is both easier and it allows you a wider selection than any local stores.

Native Plants

Despite what you might have heard, you don’t need to spend money on hiring a professional landscaper to achieve the landscaping effects you want. Hiring a professional can lead to paying out a serious amount of money before all is said and done. You may want to consult with a landscaper, though, to get some guidance on how to best approach your project.

TIP! If you shop on the Internet, you can save some cash and have a greater selection. There are a wide variety of websites that offer quality landscaping products at reasonable prices.

Native plants are a joy to work with and should be used whenever possible. Native plants are require less effort on your part because they’re accustomed to your soil and environment. This means that they are low-maintenance. Information is readily available at any local gardening store regarding which plants may be native to your location.

Measure out the area you plan to make changes in before you purchase any materials or plants. It will be a lot easier to gauge the number of plants you need when you have the measurements mapped out. This will ensure that you purchase just the right amount of all materials.

TIP! Mulch is an excellent choice for any flowerbed. Mulch will keep your plants most and this is a big help if you reside in a region where it is common for the heat to be high.

Begin your landscaping project by making a list of the materials and items you will require. You don’t want to get started on your landscape project and then have to stop to go back to the store for something you have forgotten.

Talk to a professional landscaper before you begin. Even if you decide to do your own landscaping you should still consult a professional about the project. Amateurs will skip many mistakes by doing so. Even experienced landscapers can benefit from outside perspectives.

TIP! Always carefully consider location when planning a landscape. You need to place planting beds in the correct area of your garden in order for your plants to thrive.

A lot of people don’t think about shopping on the Internet when they think of landscaping. Not only is it simpler and more convenient to purchase supplies online, but you may have access to a wider variety of plants for your landscaping project that you could never find in a nearby retail store or nursery.

Add water features to your landscaping design. Small ponds, fountains and bird baths can easily be installed into your design. If you can afford it, there are many professionals who can install a small pond or a waterfall at a small cost. A well-executed water feature makes a terrific focal point for your overall landscaping design.

TIP! Soil is a big factor in your landscaping efforts. Be sure the plants you want to grow will thrive in your type of soil.

Branch out and include more than one or two kinds of plants when you plan your landscaping. Your yard will be protected from insect and disease attacks by this. If these attacks reach your plants, and they are all of the same species, they will all die. Diversity in landscaping is vital to plant health.

Tackle the development of your landscaping in phases. If you think about your yard as sections and work on one thing at a time, you can really make it a more affordable project because you don’t have to get it all done at once. You can choose to do one area at a time, or add one type of plant at a time throughout your yard.

TIP! Don’t let a small budget limit your landscaping ambitions. Splitting up large landscaping projects into phases enables you to learn from previous mistakes as you go from one phase to the next.

You don’t need a professional to have a nicely landscaped yard. If you take the time to educate yourself and commit to doing the necessary work with care and diligence, you’ll find that it’s easy to produce a great-looking yard. Your accomplishments will have all your neighbors looking at your yard enviously. That’s the optimal result you may experience!

Avoid having your yard appear unkempt by keeping your plants trimmed. Plants such as hedges, vines and many shrubs tend to grow too fast, losing their compact, full shape. Don’t be afraid to prune or cut them down, as they can grow back quickly.

TIP! Try shopping online and through catalogs to save some cash when buying your plants. It is often possible to buy rare or exotic plants online at a lower cost than the price that your local nursery might charge.