Getting Started with Landscaping

Spring is here and there is perhaps an area or two around your yard that could use some landscaping. If you have never tried your hand at planting and tending shrubs or flowers before, you may feel a little intimidated. However, with a ground work of basic knowledge, you can get to work experimenting and creating a landscaped area that brings you visual enjoyment, as well as a sense of self-satisfaction.

1. Pick the area.

Stand back and look at your lawn. Evaluate it from different angles and perspectives. What is the most unsightly area of your lawn? Is it the entry way, path to the garage, or a certain area of your back yard? If this is your first attempt at landscaping, make sure you pick a small enough area which you can work at without feeling overwhelmed. After you have completed one small project, you may get more ambitious in your selection of your next task.

2. Select the right plants.

Before you select the plants you want to use, you need to know what native plant communities are in your area, as well as the hardiness zone of your climate. You can find this information on the web, or by inquiring at your local nursery. Most likely, the plants that are commonly available at your local gardening center are appropriate for your climate, but you should always double check.

3. Consider the arrangement of plants.

Contrast is pleasing to the eye. Hastas, for example, are popular because they exhibit a striking contrast between green and white. Some of your plants should provide the appeal of contrast, while alternating plants should be smooth and fluent in appearance. When planting around the edge of a house or outbuilding, it is also a good idea to use a smooth plant, such as a rounded shrub, in order to soften the hard line of the structure. A rounded shrub may then be contrasted with more dynamic, diverse plants, such as irises.

4. Evaluate the overall effect.

Landscaped areas which are finished with a smooth, curved border look best. Avoid landscaping with straight, boxy lines, as they seem to look severe and drastic. Landscaped areas should provide a serene, beautiful arrangement of plants without appearing as though some plants are out-of-place or distracting.

Though you may feel as though landscaping should be left to professionals, you will be delighted once you get started and realize how manageable and rewarding the process is. By selecting the right location, choosing the correct arrangement of plants, and giving thought to the overall effect, you will be landscaping with confidence in no time.