Types of Landscape Design
There are numerous types of landscape designs available to transform your backyard into a pleasurable retreat. The style that is right for you all depends on your personal preference, the style of your home and the natural surroundings of your home. Cottage gardens, Tuscan designs and Southwestern themes are just some of the many examples of home landscaping designs.
Cottage Garden Landscaping Design
Cottage gardens are overflowing with old-fashioned flowers such as peonies, snapdragons, pansies and bachelor’s buttons. These flowers are perfect for their romantic feel due to their soft pastel colors. Comfortable, rustic furniture such as wicker or weathered Adirondack chairs are often seen to adorn the area. Mismatched, informal furniture is best. It is common to find structures such as wooden fences, gates and arbors nestled among the flowers and plants. Many cottage gardens have curved pathways made of stone or pebbles, bricks or woodchips. Accessories typically seen in this type of garden include vintage material such as old watering cans, weathered benches and birdhouses. You can even complete the garden with a white picket fence.
Tuscan Style Landscaping Design
The Tuscan landscaping designs feature trees, shrubs, hedges, herb gardens and creeping vines. Tree choices often include the Italian Cypress, olive trees, a variety of citrus trees and palm trees. Tuscan gardens often have large rustic planters filled with berry plants, small palm trees and citrus trees as well as topiaries. Trees such as the boxwood and the yew tree are great for topiaries. Herb gardens are also known to complement the Tuscan design. It is common to have containers growing herbs such as rosemary, sage, thyme and basil in the area. Vegetable gardens are also common and can feature tomatoes, bell peppers, eggplant. Creeping vines, like the grapevine and wisteria, seen on arbors and pergolas are also a great addition to the Tuscan style garden. Winding paths can be created from tile, flagstone, decomposed granite, gravel and tumbled travertine. Garden accessories should have a rustic appearance with a European flair. Terra cotta planters are a favorite as well as Italian ceramic pottery. Furniture may include teak wood furniture or wrought iron. Fountains, either wall fountains or those located within the garden, also add to the Italian atmosphere.
Southwestern Landscaping Designs
Southwestern gardens are usually considered simple with a little bit of rustic added to them. One may see both Native American and Spanish features in a garden of this type. When choosing colors, choose colors such as red, orange, yellow and brown. Structures seen in a southwestern garden include covered patios, gazebos and pergolas mixed in with terra cotta planters and colorful pottery. Additionally, fountains and ponds can be seen mixed in among the rocks and boulders. Plants include those that require little water such as cacti, ornamental grass, sage and yucca. Additionally, flowering plants such as azaleas, geraniums and violets add color to the garden. Structures which help add a little southwestern flair to the garden include ranch-style fencing, sculptures, fountains and benches. The incorporation of adobe style bricks and stucco as well as gravel walkways help to create a stunning southwestern landscape.