1. Landscaping with year-round interestMake sure you're providing something of interest in each of the four seasons. Research plants- section plan for all four seasons. 2. Planting beds Layer your planting beds in 3 rows: a back row with the tallest plants, a middle row with the next tallest, and a front row with your shortest plants. Use repetition. 3. Color Varying foliage textures and colors are used to spice up the yard with diversity. Evergreen conifers, has foliage that offers different textures and colors. Perennial flowers are wonderful for your planting beds, but they bloom for a short period. 4. Water Features Good landscape designs are anchored by focal points. One of the biggest trends is to use water features. Water features are not only appealing, but emit soothing sounds. Using pre-formed rigid plastic liners, durable pumps, flexible tubing and cheap fountains, they're also a lot easier to install than you think. You may even decide to advance to the next water feature, waterfalls. 5. Incorporate HardscapeDon't restrict your do-it-yourself landscaping to plants. Walls and fences make an essential design statement, as they frame your property. 6. MaintenanceBe sensible in planning your yard for maintenance. Beautiful or not, you will resent your yard if it causes you too much work. If you don't mind spending hours each weekend on upkeep, plan your yard for low maintenance. |