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: , , , ,

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: , , , , ,

Terraced hillside garden ideas

landscaping No Responses »
Jun 242010

Terraced gardens serve several purposes. They take away the hassle of mowing a steep bank, they create beautiful gardens and they can stop erosion and water runoff problems.

Garden Terrace
Creative Commons License photo credit: MoToMo

Hillside gardens may create a secret garden area in a section of the yard that served no purpose and they seem to add depth and give a small space backyard more of a feeling of space.

There are many ways to create a hillside garden. The proper flowers, plants, shrubs and trees must be selected and drainage is always a concern. By laying out the hillside and taking into account any drainage, water runoff and possible flood control you can set up a stunning garden area.

This you tube shows several hillside gardens. The styles of most of them seem to be more of a cottage garden look.

During this summer I will be creating a terraced hillside garden in my front lawn. The area is difficult to mow and recently has had run off flooding problems due to a clogged roadside drain. The easiest solution to this problem is to terrace the yard and redirect any water away from the house.

It will also create a beautiful easy to care for yard and more privacy to the area. My plans will take more than a year to accomplish but hopefully during that time I can make the area look somewhat pretty.

During the next week or so I will have some of my beginning plans shown for hillside steps, small space raised bed garden, terraced gardens, hillside plants and plans to keep any water away from the home. Yes, my house was severely flooded by flash flooding last year.

Posted by Denise at 1:15 am Tagged with: , , , , ,

Tips for Choosing Plants for Landscaping

landscaping No Responses »
Jun 142010

Your landscaping is only as good as the selection you make in plants, shrubs and trees. Plants are what people see and relate to first when viewing and enjoying your backyard and home landscape. They set the mood and create atmosphere.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden, Vancouver
Creative Commons License photo credit: wat suandok

And although mood and atmosphere are important there are a few other concerns to consideration when selecting the right plants for your home.

Know your landscaping plants

Will the plants, trees and shrubs grow in your climate? Check the growing tags on the plants when purchasing them and remember that naturalizing plants (plants that grow naturally in your area require less care, water, and tend to have less diseases.)

One other overlooked area when buying shrubs and trees is noticing how tall and wide that cute little plant will grow. It may only be two to three foot tall but may grow to 50 foot tall and create a problem if you did not plan for it’s full growth when selecting its place in the yard.

Color combinations

Take into consideration the color of your home and other permanent garden accessories with colors. Trees shrubs and flowers can clash with the home, pother plants or be such a vibrant color that they distract form the overall mood of the backyard area.

Plant maintenance

Are the plants you selected easy to care for or do they require constant trimming, protection from cold temperatures, constant watering or are susceptible to disease. I planted paper birch trees in the side yard and they were just getting to the perfect size for shade when they developed a disease. Most of the paper birch trees in this area died for a disease that affected the roots.

Its wise to check with the garden center on what trees may be having disease issues.

You may want to opt for low-maintenance plants if you have a busy work schedule or active family. A beautiful yard is a pleasure to work in but it’s also a pleasure to enjoy, so cut back on work with easy to care for plants and ground covers.

With a little research and landscape planning you can have that perfect backyard oasis that the family can enjoy all season long.

Posted by Denise at 11:50 pm Tagged with: , , , ,
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