Small Business Insights

Beautiful landscaping around your home can add curb appeal and value with little investment on your part. While large scale installations are best left to the professionals, minor installations require no more than a pair of steady hands, a strong back, and a weekend of your time. While the actual work is not that difficult there are few concepts you should keep in mind when planning your landscape design. These concepts will be examined below.

The Importance of Symmetry

Symmetry or balance is one of the most important if not the most important aspect of landscape design. Quite simply put if you have something on one side of sidewalk or driveway you need to have something on the other side. If a tree is at one corner of your home you should have a tree on the other corner. Symmetry is aesthetically pleasing. Of course, symmetry is more complex than simply making one side the mirror image of the other. Symmetry can also be achieved by balancing big installations like a tree with something like a large stone or water installation. This can get complicated and is best left to the professional landscaper or experienced amateur. 

The Importance of Color

There are more colors than green. There are many ways to add splashes of color to any installation. You can use colorful non flowering plants or flowers. As far as non flowering plants there are many varieties to choose from such as:

• Ornamental grasses are a great option for the borders of a landscaped area

• Shrubs come in a variety of colors and are hardy and easy to install.

• Ferns are another great option, but require a lot of water so make sure you can either keep them watered or live in a suitable climate.

When it comes to flowering plants your options are practically limitless but take care. Having a variety of options can lead to a lack of consistency throughout the landscaped area. Too much variety is not a good thing.

• Annuals are cheap and are a great addition to any garden. They can be changed every year so your garden always looks fresh and new. Their main drawback is they only last one year and must be replanted. This is why they are great for containers.

• Perennials bloom last for years but their blooms are not as lush as annuals. They often require more care than annuals, but they do not have to be replanted every year.

• Roses are something everyone loves, but they are a finicky plant. They can be more trouble than they are worth if you do not have the proper soil for roses.

• Flowering Trees are expensive, but they are a great addition to any garden.

Garden design can truly enhance a property. It can help you sell a house. A beautiful home deserves a beautiful yard and garden. While most installations can be done on your own, if you think you might have difficulties with your soil or drainage it might be best to consult one of the many professional landscapers in your area. Some are quite affordable. Happy gardening.