Landscaping refers to the planning, laying out and construction of gardens that enhance the appearance and create usable space for outdoor activities around a home.
Today we have modern landscaping, that makes changes to an area of land in one or all of the following three categories:
Plants: The addition of ornamental, edible, native or other types of landscaping plants.
Terrain: Changing the shape of the land through grading, backfilling, mounding, terracing, etc.
Structures: Constructing fences, patio covers, walls, decks, raised planters or other built features.
Below we are going to discuss the key tips one should consider when deciding to do landscaping at their home.
1. Know Your Garden
The first step in landscaping is figuring out your yard. This is in terms of the topography of your land, the soil type and the climate of the area. This will guide you to knowing which plants can do well in that specific place. It is important to consider the specific conditions of your garden that are likely to create a microclimate based on the amount and length of sun and shade exposure the area receives.
As you consider the topography of the site, ensure you take note of how water drains in your landscape. A great landscape promotes water movement away from the main house to the areas around your garden.
2. The Purpose of Your Landscape
What are the major uses you have for your garden? The outdoor space is commonly used for entertainment, gardening, parties, relaxing, occasional picnics and play by most households. Keeping these purposes in mind, plan the landscape design accordingly. Consider all those who are likely to use your yard, specifically children and pets when you are consulting the designers. You can then choose landscape designs suitable for them.
3. The Theme of Your Yard
A theme can unify your landscape and help guide your plant and material selections. Themes can be as simple as using consistent shapes or forms throughout your yard or as complex as creating a relaxation garden or an Oriental garden.
When deciding on a theme for your yard, a good place to start is looking at the architecture of your home. Try to complement the lines and style of your home’s architecture in your yard; after all, your yard is an extension of your home. Themes can help guide how you place and select plants, decorations, hardscapes, and structures.
4. Selecting the Plants
Another important factor to consider is choosing the right type of plants. Those that are native to your region will be easier to grow on your property. They’ll thrive without requiring constant maintenance. However, it’s not impossible for those that aren’t home-grown to your area to thrive, as well. The only downside is you’ll have to monitor them closely.
5. Pay attention to detail
Plants, hardscapes, and garden ornaments all have their own visual details, from various forms and shapes to an array of colors and textures. By thinking about how these visual details can be used to complement and contrast each other, you can create a cohesive and captivating landscape.
Don’t just think about visuals; taking into consideration the scents of the plants you select for your landscape can enhance the experience you create for those in your garden. Think about when flowers will be blooming and fragrant, as well as what scents will complement each other in the landscape.
6. Placing your Plants
Plant life is important to any landscape, but shouldn’t be placed without forethought. This is especially crucial when growing trees. Sometimes, homeowners underestimate how large they can grow. You shouldn’t grow trees too close to your home because, once grown, their roots can disrupt the foundation and cause damage. If you’re planning on having trees on your property, it’s advisable to get a landscape expert to guide you.
7. Using Your Existing Plants
You likely will have some plants and shrubs in your yard before the work is done. Recognizing which plants can be incorporated into your landscape design is important. This way, you can avoid unnecessarily removing every plant and starting fresh. Choose plants that have a use apart from aesthetics. For example, certain shrubs and ornamental plants are suitable for use as a fence or barrier plant. You can even section your yard based on the type of plants that grow in a particular zone. The temperature, shade and light, and the soil condition, also influence the choice of plants at a certain location.
8. Practicality
Take a look at the greenery in your backyard. It may look pretty, but it’s not a good idea to just let things run wild. How about adding more to your landscape instead of just plants, shrubs or flowers? If you have space available in your backyard, you should consider installing a durable, good-looking deck with an outdoor kitchen. This helps extend your living space and provide a spot for fun and relaxation with friends and family.
9. Envision The Future
It goes without saying that the passage of time will affect your landscape plants. When selecting plants, make sure you consider the plant’s growth rate, maintenance needs, and its eventual mature size. Make sure you provide your plants with enough room to reach their mature size. Keep in mind though, that mature size is typically based on optimal growing conditions, your landscape’s specific conditions may cause a plant to grow larger or smaller.
10. Maintenance.
Make sure to incorporate into your landscape design the amount of maintenance required. There’s no such thing as zero maintenance, after all. If you don’t have the time, you might want to go for a simpler design. However, if your heart is calling for something more extravagant, then consult a capable landscaper who can guide you in that process.
Why is Landscaping So Important?
Increases The Value of Your Home
Whether you’re selling your home or not, it’s always a good idea to do things that are going to add value. Not only do you get to enjoy the newfound beauty, but you also have more options when it does come time to move on. Landscaping is a relatively cost-effective way to improve your home’s value without disrupting your everyday life. Plus you have so many options for what you can do.
Investing in Landscaping Will Make Your Home Even More Beautiful
Having a beautiful outdoor space where you can enjoy nature while still being close to your home is incredible. We spend so much more time at home now than ever, so why not make it exactly the way you want it. Having a relaxing outdoor area at home can do wonders for your comfortability at home and your mental health.
A Well-Maintained Landscape Can Also Provide Shade and Privacy
There are many ways to increase privacy and shady areas around your property. Planting trees gives you a naturally beautiful way to improve the aesthetic of your yard, while giving you a place to refresh and relax on a really hot day. Also, fences, lattices, and raised decks are another great way to improve privacy and the overall look of your property.
Creates a Calming Environment
Surrounding yourself with nature is an incredibly healthy thing to do for your mind and your body. Planting trees and flowers on your property is one of the best ways to give yourself instant access to a calming environment where you can destress. It also helps keep the environment around your home more beautiful when you decide to add some natural colors and elements.
Landscaping helps with water management
Landscaping that includes water management features helps keep water in a manageable state. The right landscaping can also help with stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, and promote the growth of native plants. In fact, many landscape designers are becoming more aware of the importance of water management and incorporating these features into their designs.
Landscaping helps to clean the air
Trees are the most efficient air filters we have today. They absorb about half of all nitrogen oxides, which causes smog. They also absorb carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. They clean the air by absorbing harmful gases that cause respiratory problems.
It’s important to understand that trees and plants do not just help clean the air. They also provide food, water, shade, and habitat for wildlife. It’s important to have a balance between nature and humans.
Conclusion
Landscaping has many benefits to the owner and it’s only fair to try it out. One thing to note is that you do not have to know all the nitty gritty details of landscaping. Instead you can just hire a landscaper to do the designing and execution for you at a fee. This also applies to the maintenance of the yard.
To learn more on this, contact Mazero Agrifood Ltd on +254729777711.
Wishing you the best in your Landscaping journey!