How to Create a Landscape Design

Landscaping can add considerable value to your home and give it great curb appeal. Things to take into consideration when you landscape include the size of your outdoor space, the theme that you wish to convey and maintenance of the landscape.

• Take into account your outdoor activity level.  The size of your yard, your household size as well as well as the activities that you engage in will all play an intricate part in the design layout that you choose. For instance, if you have small children you may want to put a sandbox in the backyard or a tree house. If you are single and entertain frequently then you may want a deck or patio with ample room for barbecues.


• Look through magazines and books for ideas.  Purchase home decorating books or check out some from your local library to get landscaping ideas for your yard.


• Take into consideration the annual look of your yard. For example, if you live in a geographical area that has all four seasons, then plant various shrubs that bloom at those various times of the year. Evergreen shrubs will be good for winter months and azaleas will be good for springtime.


• Measure your property. This will give you a foundation to build on when shopping for plants and shrubs. Coordinate their growth potential with the size of your yard.


• Assure the proper placement of plants and flowers in the yard. Think about how large the plant will grow before you place it. A typical rule of thumb is that smaller plants go in the front of the yard and larger ones go along the side or the back of the yard. Also make sure that your plants will get the adequate amount of sunshine or shade needed to flourish.