A garden is the focal point of any home and for that reason it is important keep your garden well kept, colorful and inviting. Weather you have a little or a lot of extra cash to spend on transforming your garden the key is to put some basic landscaping principles to work. If your prepared to get your hands dirty, all it takes is a little hard work to turn your lawn into the envy of all your neighbors.
Landscape gardening is all about bringing several different elements together to create a streamlined landscaping look. The look should consist of a variety of different size bushes, shrubs and trees and may also follow a coordinated color scheme if flowers or other blooming trees are involved. To get started, simply visit the garden section of any home improvement store. A sales associate can point beginners in the right direction and provide helpful tips on getting started. Remember, it is easy to start with just a few basic pieces and then add on as time and skill level allows.
Inexperienced gardeners should choose hearty plants that require little upkeep and can withstand a range of climates. These will be the easiest to take care of and keep looking great. Choose one or two trees to create the main focal points of the landscape, then fill in the surrounding areas with smaller bushes and shrubs. A good set of tools is also important for any at home gardener. It is handy to have a set of long shears as well as smaller clippers to tend to different size bushes. A ladder, shovel, rake and a good pair of gardening gloves will also be necessary along the way. Some prefer landscaping trash bags to store yard waste.
Next comes the process of planting and installing the landscaping. A professional can be hired to assist with the project, or it can be done by the homeowner. It is sometimes helpful to put down a layer of plastic under any landscaping rocks or mulch, to help keep weeds from growing through. Make sure to cut holes to give trees and bushes enough room to grow and breathe. It is also important to consider whether an automatic or manual watering system will be used to regularly water the landscaping. Automatic sprinklers are convenient and save time, but manual watering with a hose can be just as effective.
Finally, it is important to regularly maintain the new landscaping for a polished and well-kept look. The smaller clippers are useful here for quick and easy pruning of bushes and clipping of weeds. Use the longer shears to reach any unwieldy branches on larger trees. Keep a proper yard trash can handy to dispose of all clippings, or use them as compost somewhere else. Landscape gardening is a great way to ensure the outside of a home looks great and inviting, and it's a project that will last for years to come.
