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
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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 an extra room to your house. It can
be enjoyed by the whole family, or experienced in quiet solitude
as a retreat to the Zen of outdoor living.
If you like to entertain, then an outdoor space is a must. Guests
can spill out onto the patio, extending your home to allow more
freedom for guests to mingle, both inside and out.
Though the words “patio” and “deck” are often used
interchangeably, there is a difference. A patio is generally
constructed of stone pavers, tile or a simple concrete foundation
that sits squarely on the ground. Decks are usually made of wood,
PVC (also called vinyl) or composite, which has wood content
that has been encapsulated in a PVC wrap. Decks can either be