I have never been a natural gardener. For years, I struggled to keep basic houseplants alive, only to kill them at the first opportunity. It was difficult and stressful to buy a home with a yard, but I knew that I might be able to learn what I was doing wrong and correct the problem. To start off, I focused heavily on the lawn, and tried hard to keep it trimmed and well-maintained. Next, I cleaned up the flowerbeds. It was a lot of work, but I knew that it would pay off in the end. When I was done, my front yard was gorgeous, and guess what--it even stayed alive. This blog is all about loving your little landscape.
With spring here and summer right around the corner, you are probably already visualizing a beautiful backyard, a place to entertain your friends and family that will also be a place for personal relaxation. If you'll be working with a landscape contractor, you'll want to give the contractor a clear picture of what you want. Then, because of the experience and training your landscaper has, he or she will help you to fine-tune your plans to make them even better than what you envisioned them to be. From a focal point to a planting area, here are some ideas that might help you and your landscaper create a unique and lovely backyard.
A Focal Point - If your backyard is large, consider having a heritage pergola as your focal point. Your landscape designer will know just how to accentuate it, using different kinds of plants, rocks, and even hanging baskets and hanging decorative bird houses to add drama to the pergola area. If your backyard is not large enough for a pergola, another beautiful focal point would be to have a small tiered water fountain. Surround it with smaller planters of different sizes and shapes. Hang ferns and other flowing plants in hanging baskets to add interest to the area where you have placed the water fountain. Look for garden statuary that will enhance the yard, too.
A Play Area - Do you have children or grandchildren who will be using your backyard? If so, think about creating a special play place for them. Plant low bushes and flowers and provide the materials that the children can use to make tiny houses for fairies and garden gnomes to live in. Add small furniture where the children can read books, have tea parties and play board games on a pretty day. Also, include an enclosed storage container for balls and other sports equipment. A bench swing or a hammock will add to the fun and to the beauty of your backyard.
When you meet with your landscaping contractor, it is a good idea to show him or her pictures from magazines or even sketches of what you have in mind. Write down any specifics and make sure that you and the contractor understand each other. Make a list of questions you have for the contractor before you even meet him or her. For example, ask about lawn maintenance and lawn service that will help to lessen your work load. Contact a company like Bill and Dave's Landscape Maintenance for more details.
Share