A great landscape not only adds great curb appeal for the future, but it provides a personal paradise away from the everyday. Whatever your reasons, taking on a landscaping project is no small feat and hiring professionals is sometimes out of the question. You don’t have to be an expert to create your own oasis: these do-it-yourself tips will have you vacationing in your backyard in no time.
- First, consider what theme you want. If you have frequent company, you may want to focus on an entertainment-friendly design. Small children warrant many concerns, as do pets. Are you looking to focus on a really fantastic fountain, or create a laid-back atmosphere complete with a swing-set? Another important concern is how much effort you’re willing to put into your design: if you don’t have time for frequent maintenance, shy away from fast-growing plants like ivy. A larger patio space will cut back on grounds maintenance, and planting annuals will keep you from spending all of your free time in the garden. Whatever your desires, keep this in mind: formal gardens are the most cost and time intensive option. Unless you’re prepared to exert a monumental effort for your space, look into other designs.
- The next step is to plan in advance. The most important thing to keep in mind is that, at some point, large machinery may need access to your backyard. Either plan a path accordingly, or be prepared to have some beloved plants uprooted. If you already have large, natural growing trees, try to work around them. It’s far more expensive to try and get rid of a tree than it is to simply curve a patio path around it. If a deck might be in your future, don’t spend too much effort laying patio tile: a great look doesn’t have to be labor intensive, especially if it’s temporary. Research which plants work best for your climate, and keep in mind how big they will get. The idea of landscaping is to enhance your home, not overpower it. That also means layering larger plants with flowers or annuals: in addition to creating a better look, it will cut back on the spread of pests and insects.
- Like the old rock song, the best advice is to keep ‘em separated. Use dividing walls, plants, or patio tiles to divide landscaping areas from living areas. Hedge your patio off to give it a sense of being its own space. Capture the far-off feeling of your outside bar by strategically placing curtains. Reign in planted areas with a small rock trim, which may also assist in keeping small children and animals from attacking your annuals. The swing-set and outdoor castle could be hemmed in with anything from railroad ties to patio tiles. The fire pit should safely remain separated from the greenery, and the pond should be hemmed or grilled to keep unwanted guests out. Just remember: the more tile and rock that is laid down, the less time you’ll spend outside on the lawn mower.
- A swimming pool undoubtedly adds value to your home and of course is a great addition but what about the cost? Well you might consider a hot tub. You don’t have to be absolutely rolling in cash to enjoy some simple luxuries in your backyard or patio. If getting a pool or built-in spa installed is too expensive then how about an inflatable hot tub.
The idea is not so silly these days. You can buy a basic inflatable hot tub like the Coleman Saluspa from Amazon for under 400 dollars. These hot tubs are very popular at the moment and it’s not hard to see why.
Go check out the Coleman Hot Tub. These things are flying out the door at Amazon. Well over 800 sold last month alone.. No kidding..
Regardless if you’re dreaming of an outside Mediterranean paradise or a family-friendly forest, landscaping design doesn’t have to be a job for professionals. Equipped with the right information and prepared for a little hard work, you can be a successful entertainer with your very own outdoor paradise.
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