Turning Your
Vision Into Plan by Kathy Scott
A nice yard not only makes for a good neighbor,
it helps to enhance property values as well. A
high quality landscape design can actually improve
the appearance of a building or home by adding
warmth and character.
According to a recent study, four out of five
American households have a yard or a garden, and
nearly one in three plan to undertake a major
landscape upgrade this year. Unfortunately, landscaping
can be challenging, especially since it involves
various levels of planning, starting with the
lawn, then adding trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals
and eventually decorative extras.
According to Dr. William C. Welch, professor and
landscape horticulturist at Texas A&M University,
“Landscape design involves much more than placing
trees, shrubs and other plants on the property.
It is an art which deals with conscious arrangement
or organization of outdoor space for human satisfaction
and enjoyment.”
Dr. Welch believes that each landscaping project
should have a plan that not only creates a visual
relationship between the home and yard but also
organizes the site for maximum use and pleasure.
Maintenance should also be at a practical level.
“Too often these landscapes dominate rather than
serve,” says Welch. “Masses of plants or other
materials in the landscape may take up a large
portion of the space and leave little room for
people.”
A good design plan begins with studying the habits
of the people who will eventually be using the
space. Many people are tempted to begin planting
without determining how each plant, shrub or tree
interacts or grows alongside another. Unlike most
home improvement projects, Welch considers landscaping
a work in progress that grows more beautiful and
connected over time.
Breaking your landscape plan into segments will
allow for your work in progress to grow and blend
into the scenery. As you begin to sketch out your
plan, remember to include irrigation devices,
if possible, as well as any hardscape (walkways,
courtyards, patios, etc.) projects.
Determine first where you will plant major trees
in and around your property. Then nurture them
and give them time to grow and take hold. You
can add shrubs as well, taking into consideration
their growing pattern by leaving the appropriate
room between adjacent plants. Consider planting
both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs
so that your entire landscape doesn’t diminish
in the fall and winter seasons.
Perennials will add vibrant color to your landscape
and flourish year after year. Add various annuals
to the scheme, changing the essence of your garden
periodically. And, definitely don’t forget the
fun extras like lighting, decorative concrete
sculptures, benches and planters. You may decide
to even add a goldfish pond.
Don’t be afraid to ask a professional for help.
Landscape architects have the background and talent
to assist in designing the right plan for you
that can not only beautify your yard but also
add a level of dominance to your home’s overall
personality.
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