Landscaping Ideas to Beautify Your Outdoor Space
Posted by Jack Walker on September 2nd, 2008
by Sarah Duke
No matter the size, if your home has a yard you are certain to get a lot more enjoyment from it if you undertake some interesting landscaping ideas. You can add a water feature or a rock garden, or create a secluded nook shaded by trees and shrubs. You can probably come up with even more own ideas of your to make your yard more pleasant and attractive.
One of the more popular landscaping ideas today is to create a walkthrough garden. Carefully select the perfect flowers to lend color and charm to your outdoor space. A mix of annuals and perennials is ideal because it reduces your labor and cost while still allowing for the more colorful show that annuals provide. Investigate various kinds of shrubs and trees to provide contrast and balance. And place some stepping stones throughout the garden to encourage easy enjoyment of the surroundings.
Another great landscaping idea is to create different sections in your yard, each with a distinct feature, then unify the entire space by repeating certain aspects of each section in other parts of the yard. You don't have to have a large yard to pull this off, either.
If children will be making use of your yard, designate a section of it as a play area for them to enjoy. A wooden play set will look more natural and blend in with the surrounding landscaping features. Adding a tree house lends even more interest to your outdoor space.
A lawn is frequently a big part of any landscaping effort. Choose a variety of grass that's appropriate for your soil conditions and climate so you'll have a luxurious expanse of green to set off your other natural features. Surrounded by trees, shrubs and flowers, a lawn can be an attractive showpiece.
Many people like to include a water feature in their yard. Ponds and waterfalls add a dramatic touch to your outdoor decor, and the sound of water is considered very soothing by many people. There's a huge variety of designs and products from which you can choose. Your only limits are your budget and available space.
A rock garden is a perfect solution for problem areas of your yard where it's difficult for many plants to thrive. Maybe it's a spot that's too dry or the soil conditions won't support plant growth. Or perhaps it's an area that doesn't drain well and is always wet and soggy. Putting in a rock garden that includes a few exceptionally hardy plants can be ideal for these problem areas. But it's also an attractive and low maintenance feature for any area of your yard.
There's no doubt that landscaping can provide you with great enjoyment, both in the process and the final result. Do your research, get some professional advice if necessary, make a plan, and get going! That's all it takes to turn your landscaping ideas into reality.
Related News
Eco Gardening (iVillage)
Climate change and sustainability were the buzzwords at this year's Chelsea Flower Show. But what can you do to be greener in your garden? ...more
Gardening ... From Alpha to Omega ready for 2nd season (Hot Springs Village Voice)
Attention all gardeners! The second season of workshops and classes are scheduled to begin Oct. 25, and everyone is invited to attend. Are you new to the Village? Do you need a little help deciphering this Arkansas soil? Or perhaps you have just recently moved into a new home, and need some advice on landscaping design. ...more
Dress your garden for Halloween (MSNBC)
Just in time for the trick-or-treaters, gardening guru P. Allen Smith presents five festive, simple ideas to prepare your yard for fall, plus a tasty recipe for toasted pumpkin seeds. ...more
RV Enthusiasts Want Internet Access, Not Swimming Pools (PRWeb)
Operators of RV parks who do not offer their guests free high speed wireless Internet access (WiFi) may want to change their ways. According to a June survey by RVtravel.com (http://www.rvtravel.com), far more RVers would choose a park that offered free WiFi over one that offered only a swimming pool and no free Internet access. (PRWeb Jul 19, 2007) Post ...more
'Naked Gardeners' open up for the public (Evening Standard)
When Ian and Barbara Pollard let it be known that they enjoyed gardening in the nude, they attracted a fair amount of coverage. What they didn't expect, however, was to discover that their enthusiasm for clothes-free horticulture was shared by so many others. ...more