SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
DO-IT-YOURSELF LANDSCAPING THAT DOESN’T LOOK IT
If you’ve ever attempted to transform your backyard into a beautifully designed
paradise, then you have probably planted, trimmed and dug your
way into a few minor frustrations along the way. While good
landscaping can vary by degrees including budget, skills
and climate, there are a few easy things you can do in
order to be proud of your landscaping without paying
an expert.
The following tips will guide you on the right path
to do-it-yourself landscaping:
*Always layer your planting beds. Layering
in three rows, begin with your tallest plants in the
back row, next tallest in the middle and your shortest
plants in the front. And don’t just plant one bed—put
another elsewhere in your yard to help provide a sense
of harmony.
*Calm your yard with water features. Providing focal
points in your landscaping work is a must, and one great way is to incorporate water
features such as ponds and simple waterfalls. They both look appealing and add an
attractive element to your yard—the calming sounds of moving water.
*Utilize retaining walls. If you are planning on protecting the fragile
landscaping work around your home, it’s imperative to construct a strong retaining
wall. Erosion-prone areas in your yard will benefit greatly by incorporating
segmental retaining walls constructed from concrete masonry. Using concrete
masonry not only provides the best value for the investment, it also delivers superior
design flexibility and aesthetic appeal to any landscape idea.
*When planting flowers, go with annuals. To have a continuous sense of
color throughout your yard, plant annual flowers alongside your favorite perennials.
Research and lay out creative flower combinations that make use of both kinds of
flowers for year-round beauty.
*Think year-round. One of the biggest mistakes one can make is only
providing one or two seasons’ worth of eye-catching landscaping. Plan for having
plentiful trees and shrubs during the springtime, fall foliage during autumn months
and good, visually interesting plant life in the winter, such as holly shrubs or
bayberry bushes.
DECKED OUT
One of the most inexpensive ways to add living space to your home is the
addition of an outdoor deck or patio. Having a great outdoor space is like adding
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MILLCREEK
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SPRING 2019
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