How to Get Hardscape Ideas for your backyard

landscaping No Responses »
Jul 122010

Hardscape adds a natural look to your design and creates more atmosphere and unity in your landscape. The definition of hardscape is any masonry or wood work that is integrated into a landscape. This could include Benches, pools, patios, rock walls, and cooking areas. Hardscapes are necessary for entertaining purposes but also add visual appeal to your landscape.

jandy4
Creative Commons License photo credit: Coppell Pools

Here are a few tips on how to find and create great hardscape ideas.

The easiest way to get ideas is to drive around your community. You can see what you like and how it fits into your environment. Are the designs inviting? Do they show that they need a lot of upkeep? Do they add to the home and landscape with out being overpowering?

I see hardscape ideas I like and either photography them or make notes. I can then sit down and see how it could fit into my backyard and garden designs.

Check out some of the home magazines that specialize in southern home design. Homes in states with warmer climates like California and Florida tend to have a lot more hardscape’s due to the warmer weather they experience all year round. It’s said that homeowners in states that get snow don’t bother wasting money on hardscapes that are only usable half of the year.

In my area this is not true. I live in a zone 5 climate and have a long winter but many homeowners have found hardscape is easier to keep clean that shoveling snow. We tens to have more covered  paths or sunrooms with patios and decks but there is an increase in hardscape design that is made for winter living. That means extending you indoor/outdoor living space.

Interior home design magazines are also full of ideas that can easily be moved outside and incorporated into your landscape. It takes a little imagination on your part, but the best, most comfortable hardscapes are inspired by interior home design. The idea is to make the transition from interior to exterior as seamless as possible. I call this the indoor outdoor flow and it adds a feel of more space, which is wonderful if you live in a town and have a small home and yard.

And last but not least, consult a local hardscape designer. With the trend to stay at home many builders and designers also specialize in hardscape design. Any general contractor will be able to guide you through the hardscape design and construction process. And they are aware of any local laws and permits you may need for hardscaping in your area.

For more information on hardscaping check out:
How-to-age-hardscape
How-to-build-hardscape
What-is-hardscaping

Posted by Denise at 9:35 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

How to build a perfect pond

backyard projects No Responses »
Jul 082010

There are several important points to consider when adding a pond.

This you tube will give you ideas on what you should consider when adding a pond to you backyard and landscape

Ponds make a wonderful addition to any backyard. With proper planning they will add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of your home for years to come.

This you tube has a finished pond design. It is a Koi pond with waterfalls and plenty of plants. The layout is beautiful and the detail with the fish, water plants and waterfalls add to the home. You will be able to pick up many design ideas with this video.

One point to consider when making a pond this close to you house is proper drainage around the pond and making sure no water can bother the house or foundation.

Posted by Denise at 11:16 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

Planting tips for a new landscaping project

backyard projects No Responses »
Jun 272010

If you have a new landscape project in mind like I do for my front yard you need to have a plan and research the plants, trees and shrubs first. Make sure they are the proper plants for your area and will grow well.

Two important tips for any new garden project

1.  Do not to buy the first plants you see. Do research and make sure they will fit your landscaping needs. Another good point to check is how much maintenance will they need. High maintenance plants can be a drain on your time and backyard enjoyment.

2.  Don’t buy plants just because they are on sale.

Once you have a landscaping plan in mind here are a few helpful tips

1.  Keep any plants and shrubs you have purchased in a cool shady place and in their original pots. I set the plants out on the planting bed and move them around until I find a design I like. I also refer to their plating instructions and check the size they will grow to when mature. I may have to move a shrub to another if it will grow to tall and create problems

This step will give you a preview of how the bed will look when planted. I usually get a second opinion or take a photo so I can look at it later. Make any plant adjustments or spacing design before digging the holes. When you are satisfied with the placement it’s time to plant.

2.  I usually plant in the later afternoon, evening or on an overcast day. This is easier on the plant being transplanted and will help reduce plant stress.

3.  I also plant my landscaping gardens from the largest container to smallest container.  Trees first, shrubs next, and then perennials and annuals.

Tree-Planting Tips:

Dig a hole that’s twice as wide as the pot or root ball but no deeper. If the tree is potted, loosen the soil slightly around the roots, and then place the tree into the planting hole. This step is the most important step for a healthy tree. If it takes a day to dig the holes, take the time and make sure it’s done correctly.

For balled-and-burlapped trees you will want to loosen the burlap after the tree is in the hole. Cut away as much of the burlap as possible. When the tree is in place and straight, fill the hole one-third with soil, tap firmly to make good contact between roots and soil, then water. Repeat twice more until the hole is filled. Water the tree thoroughly by letting a hose run slowly for 30 minutes.

As you plant the tree you may want someone to stand back 10 feet or so and make sure the tree is straight.

Shrub-Planting Tips:

Plant the shrubs in a hole that’s about twice the diameter of the root ball. The top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding soil level. Backfill the hole with garden soil and tap the soil firmly to ensure contact between soil and roots.

Water the plant immediately by slowly running a water hose at the shrub’s base for about 20 minutes. Once the shrub is well watered add a layer on mulch to keep the soil cool and retain the moisture.

Perennial- and Annual-Planting Tips:

Set the plants in soil at the same level they were growing in the pot. Firm the soil around each plant with your hands. Water thoroughly and add mulch around the plants to keep the soil cool and retain moisture around the plant.

I often will use compost as my mulch. It will add extra nutrients to the plants when they are adjusting to their new home.

Depending on the garden plan a rule of thumb I try to use in most gardens is to keep the perennials and annual plants about even. The perennials give me a base to the garden and constant texture and color through leaves. The annuals add change in color of the garden plan and fill in any holes in the garden.

By planning a landscape or garden project before you start planting you can make the job easier and move along quicker. And by using trees, shrubs and plants you give the garden depth and create atmosphere.

Posted by Denise at 4:05 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Creating A dry bed for your backyard

backyard projects No Responses »
Jun 202010

I live on the lower part of a large hill; many would call it a mountain. When the road drains are clean I have no water drainage problems. But when they are clogged I have massive property damage. The drains are a problem I have no control over, but I can add terraced hillsides and dry creeks to help redirect the water and stop soil erosion and possible flooding problems. Sloping property often will have drainage problems.

A dry creek bed will provide a route excess water to escape. A dry creek bed, if properly designed is attractive whether dry or when it’s directing water and it will add the ambiance of a rushing stream, even without water.

This you tube shows a more decorative cry creek. It looks to be made for more of a gentle runoff.

Here is one way to build a dry creek bed for landscape drainage.

Plan the course of the dry creek bed. To help with planning notice anytime when you have had excess water and what route it traveled. If there is a way to want to re-direct the water, include his in your plans

The easiest way to make your creek bed is to outline the shape with a garden hose. By using a water hose you can create gentle curves and turns that resemble a meandering stream. You can also pick up the hose easily and create a new path if so desired. Redirect the bottom of the stream away from the property or into a pond for proper drainage.

Dig the outline by using a shovel and make sure the creek bed is slightly deeper in the middle. You will also need to have an idea of how much water you may have in drainage and plan accordingly. I will be making three cry creeks that will range is width from 3 feet to 8 feet. (I have a fair amount of property and many creeks.) Use the soil that you remove to build up mounds along the sides of the dry creek bed. Firmly tamp the soil down.

Dry creek beds are generally about 3 feet wide and 1 1/2 inches deep. But as I mentioned above I have several areas hat have large runoff at times and will be wider and deeper. These beds require different landscaping to look nice all season.

Lay landscape fabric in the creek bed to keep weeds from growing in a smaller dry creek. Make sure you don’t get any dirt on the fabric. You don’t want a place for weeds to start to grow. Place the large boulders or rocks here and there along the sides of the creek bed. Settle them in 1 to 2 inches deep. The rocks give the creek a more natural look and will help to slow down rushing water in the event of runoff. I usually try to find unique or pretty rocks to add more interest to the dry bed.

Scatter the largest size of river rock over the fabric of the creek bed. This will help hold the fabric in place. Add an inch deep layer of pebbles over everything. Toss the remaining sizes of river rock down the dry creek bed. You are trying to create a natural creek bed look.

Walk around on the pebbles to settle them in place. Let the dry creek settle and then you will want to add plants for a “garden look” and to naturalize the area.

Selection of plants that will grow well in a dry creek will take time and research. Look online for Dry Creek plant suggestions or check back in a week or so for plant ideas.

I will be adding dry beds during the summer and the project will probably last into next summer.

Posted by Denise at 1:57 am Tagged with: , , , , ,

Three Tips for the Perfect Patio

patio design No Responses »
Feb 062010

A patio will give your home new life and a new look. This backyard project can be a huge undertaking or can be very reasonably priced and take a weekend to put in. The project is all based on the needs and budget of your family

Cannes in the Rain
Creative Commons License photo credit: Bex.Walton

There are many considerations to think about there are three points that should be your top concern.

Location

What is the intended purpose of the patio? If you intend to entertain a lot, setting the patio up off the kitchen will make parties and dining an easier experience. You will find that the morning will be the perfect place for reading the newspaper and the first cup of coffee.

Locating the patio off the living room tends to lend more to family activities. And if properly decorated you can create a flower between the indoor and outdoor areas making both feel larger.

By selecting a place in the backyard that is away from the house you will create a patio with added privacy. A patio by a pool becomes a small party area and summer resting spot. A small patio near a garden or wall can become a secret garden, perfect for reading and escaping from the world for a few hours.

And with location you need to consider microclimates. If you live in a cooler area a patio attached to the home or a wall will stay warmer, particularly in the fall season and at night.

Patio Styles

Your patio can be surrounded by plants, miniature potted trees and shrubs for a secluded garden look. Or it can be more open with rock and hardscape for entertaining or backyard activities. If you have paths that lead off your patio you will create a flow in the backyard which works well for a children’s play area or pool that set off to the side.

Privacy

Privacy is one of the most important issues to consider in creating the patio. Placing a patio off the home or near a wall will instantly give you a certain amount of privacy but there are a few more steps you can take to make the patio an area for relaxation and quiet.

  • Lattice screen with raised bed garden at the bottom
  • Fencing
  • Living privacy wall. Privets and evergreen will work well for a living wall.
  • Trees
  • Plants. A range of small to large plants will create a lush barrier

With a little planning and thought the patio will become part of the house, create a backyard oasis feeling and the compliment the personality and needs of your family.

Posted by Denise at 7:00 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,
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