Now that summer is just around the corner, we all want to enjoy the warm weather in the green environment of our gardens. Yet, a yard filled with weeds, no shade from trees, and no comfortable sitting space isn’t quite the dream environment for the summer hot days approaching. Many homeowners believe that landscaping is a daunting task that is better left to professionals. Yet, the best news is with a little bit of research and easy tips, everyone can beautify their outdoor space. Read on to find out the best landscaping tips that will help you get started with designing and growing your garden.
Start with a budget and plan
No matter you are redecorating the outdoor or indoor of your house, it is always wise to start with a budget and a plan in your mind. You should do exactly the same when considering giving your garden a breath of fresh air. A little bit of research before you even step foot in your garden is essential to know what you should expect along the landscaping process. Imagine how would you like your yard to look like at the end and start considering what you need to get it in that exact shape. For example, to beautify your garden, you need to invest in gardening tools that will make your job a lot easier. Every gardener should have gloves, shovel, rake, hand and digging fork, secateurs, and lawn mower. Also, if you are thinking about adding a comfortable patio, there is an extra cost that you have to add to your budget.
Get your lawn into shape
Once you know how much you can afford to spend on the landscaping of your garden and how you would like it to look, you have to get your lawn into shape. Before you can start planting new trees or flowers, you have to prepare your outdoor space for the changes that you are about to make. Start with determining the shape and size of your garden and consider how you can make the best out of the free space you have. If you are considering removing a tree from your yard in order to plant a new one or to create more free space, you should ask a tree root specialist to help you remove the tree stump left behind. Secondly, mulch the leaves to get a better image of your yard and spread mulch to create a planting area that looks neat and to add organic matter to your soil.
Consider paving
Paving is one of the most expensive aspects of the landscaping process. Yet, it is essential for your outdoor space to have a complete look. When it comes to choosing paving, there are many options available from natural stones, concrete, bricks or outdoor tile. In order to make the best choice for your yard, you have to consider both the style that you are aiming to create in your garden and the climate of your area. For example, in very cold areas, the weather can have a make your paving freeze and become very slippery which will be a danger for you and your family. However, when paving in a warmer climate, avoid excessive heat absorption by choosing products in lighter colors.
When it comes to choosing paving options suitable for your garden’s style, it is all a matter of personal taste. If you look for a more traditional and natural look, choose to use natural stones or bricks. For a modern design, outdoor tile and concrete are more suitable choices.
Create a focal point of your garden
In garden design, creating focal points is the best way to draw attention to a certain area of the outdoor space. Gardens don’t only have to be purely functional outdoor spaces where you can grow a couple of plants. It is, in fact, the very first thing that your guests see before entering your house. Thus, the aesthetics matter too.
Despite its powerful effect on the way your yard will look like, creating a focal point is extremely easy. It can be either an ornament such as a statue, a water feature or decorative pots, a large tree or a bed of colorful plants. You don’t necessarily have to start planning your garden around the focal point right from the beginning. Yet, make sure that the focal point will be suitable with the style and design of the rest of your outdoor space.
Choose the plants wisely
If you are a nature lover, you may want your garden to be filled with different types of plants. However, you have to choose the plants wisely, considering their requirements, to create a maintain a healthy garden. First of all, you need to start with determining the type of soil you have in your yard. There are five types of soil and you definitely need to know your type for sure before digging around your garden to start planting. Determine whether your soil type is sandy, silty, clay, saline soil or peaty. Secondly, consider whether it needs fertilizers to become a suitable environment for the plants to grow healthy. Once you know the type of soil, you can start choosing the plants that are suitable for your yard, location, and climate.
Decorate the trees with fairy lights
If you want your outside to glow into the night, decorating the trees with fairy lights is the most cost-effective and stylish mean. Adding lighting to your landscape can definitely enhance the look of your garden and make your house look more luxurious. However, if you are looking for a less expensive and minimalist way to make your outdoors shine, fairy lights are your best shot. Depending on your preferences and your garden’s lighting needs, you can choose between solar, plug in, and battery powered fairy lights.