Landscaping ideas are as varied and diverse as the homeowners who need them. Some people prefer a structured look for their yard, others choose an overflowing cottage garden aesthetic. No matter what you want your yard to look like, it’s important to know common components of landscaping design.
One of the first things to consider in your landscaping design is ground cover. Decorative topsoil can be used to keep your garden looking nice while waiting for new plants to grow. Topsoil, organic compost, and mulch insulate the ground to keep seeds warm and nourish the young plants. Gravel and other decorative stones can be used to create paths and walkways around the plants. In warmer climates, landscaping sand can make a dramatic statement.
Hardscaping elements, such as walls, dividers, and lights are often a point of interest in landscaped gardens. Often, these elements work well with the surrounding plant life. Creeping plants and flowering vines benefit from growing on the brick and stone structures, and add variety to the garden’s appearance. Fire pits and patios turn a beautiful garden into a functional area for entertaining guests.
Some gardens incorporate water into their designs, with small fountains, rivers, or ponds. Ponds are especially popular, as they can support water plants and fish. Another growing landscape trend is the incorporation of fruits and vegetables into the design. Both ornamental and delicious, produce growing among flowers can benefit the plants by increasing nutrients in the soil or deterring certain pests.
While the exact design of a landscape is up to you, as the homeowner, there are many guides available to help you start on your landscaping journey. A visit to a lawn and garden store will yield all the supplies you need to begin landscaping, from decorative topsoil to young trees ready to be planted. Staff are available at garden stores to help you and answer any questions you may have about beginning landscaping. Reference links.