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Managed By: cynthiag
Managed Since: 06/05/2009
Views: 181
Money Earned: M$2.30
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
Managed Since: 06/05/2009
Views: 181
Money Earned: M$2.30
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
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Introduction
- Your yard is an extension of your home. Its used for play, for dining, for relaxation, and for entertainment. Landscaping increases both the appearance and your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. In order to landscape your yard, you need to appraise what you have, research what you'd like, and create a plan.
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Step 1: Take Stock of Your Yard
- The first step in developing a landscape plan for your yard is to assess what you have and how well your current yard is meeting your needs.
- Take photographs of the yard, preferably during all four seasons.
- Learn the names of all the trees, shrubs and plants that you have.
- Think about what you use your yard for currently, and how well its meeting your needs.
- Identify any additional ways you'd like to use your yard.
- Examine where your property gets the most and least amount of light. Are there areas with full sun? Full shade? A combination of light and shade? You'll need this information when assessing what plants will do well for you.
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Step 2: Research Your Landscaping Options
- Once you've identified what you have, and what you'd like, you can investigate your options.
- Invest in a few basic gardening reference books that will help you identify plants, and determine the growing conditions they require.
- If you have hardscape goals, such as a wall, waterfall, bench, patio, portico, or gazebo, research vendors and contractors in your area.
- Review magazines and websites for photos of yards that appeal to you. Identify any plants shown, and determine whether the will work in your zone, and in the light conditions you have.
- Tour garden centers to see what's locally available. Speak with the person who is in charge of the various landscape options. Describe the conditions of your property them and have them show you plants, shrubs and trees that will function well in your environment. The plants, which are found at the local gardening store, are generally tried and true plants that work in your area.
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Step 3: Consider Hiring a Landscape Professional
- Landscape designers and landscape architects have many years of education and training they can draw on to help you with your yard. It might be worth hiring one for a few hour consultation, to walk around your yard and offer suggestions, even if you're planning on doing the design yourself.
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Step 4: Create a Landscape Plan
- While drafting skills may be useful in compiling a professional looking plan, they are not essential. The basic elements of a good plan will:
- Focus on hardscape first. If you're planning on installing a patio or a wall, you'll want to get that in place before working on the rest of your plan.
- Create a focal point.
- Just like when you're decorating an interior space, you need to identify a central focus in your yard.
- This could be a tree, a large shrub, or a structure that you can plan your design around.
- A large space may have several areas, and each area would have its own focal point.
- Plan out trees, shrubs and plants you'd like to add.
- Create a budget, and determine how much work you can do each year. You'll probably want to add slow-growing items such as trees first.
- Consider energy efficiency when arranging plants. Strategically placed trees and shrubs can reduce heating, cooling, and lighting costs.
- If you live in an area with seasonal changes, consider them when selecting plants, making sure you have interesting things happening in the garden all year long.
- Birds and butterflies can add interest to your yard, so make sure you include plants that will attract them .
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