Outdoor Makeover Requires “Big Picture” Planning
If you’re like most homeowners, you’re already thinking about spring and summer projects that will enhance your outdoor living. But, before you begin your next garden project, stop to consider how it fits within an overall plan to achieve your ideal outdoor setting. Whether you seek quiet comfort in a casual setting or prefer entertaining in a formal garden, you’ll do much more to enhance the enjoyment and added value of your home if you plan even the smallest outdoor project as part of a complete long-term makeover.
Imagine the future
Regardless of size, a well-designed yard will have year-round appeal, whether viewed from inside the home or enjoyed from various vantage points around the property. Consider the views from different perspectives to determine appropriate locations for points of focal interest both near and far. Take current structures into account, but be sure to think of potential changes – perhaps a new fence or hedge, a potting shed or gazebo, fireplace or barbecue, dining patio or sundeck. Envision how a new driveway, walkway or border area may affect the look of your yard or how a pond and waterfall could impact the mood of your garden. You might even consider how a new walkout could enhance both your indoor and outdoor living space.
Landscaping layout and elevation
Stroll through nearby neighbourhoods or wooded areas, and take pictures for later reference. Read up on nutrition, sunshine and water requirements to keep new plants healthy, and look into the advantages or an automatic sprinkler system. Then, whether you are going to hire a professional or do the work yourself, it’s wise to begin with overhead layout plans. If your yard isn’t relatively flat, you should also consider side view elevation plans. Experiment with different plants, positions and proportions, then take your ideas, sketches and pictures to a garden center for advice about larger features, ground cover and drainage.
Although visual aesthetics are a key aspect of a property’s design and function, erosion management may also be necessary. You may need to install terracing or a retaining wall for steeper slopes, or make use of trees or bushes for gentler slopes. While grading and sculpting of your yard is the essence of “landscaping”, you may want to include some of your yard’s existing elements, such as older trees, bushes, rocks or mounds. When choosing new materials, ask for advice, so you don’t end up with an unwanted root system near your foundation, or an unwelcome fruit yield near your walkway.
If you’re serious about water and energy consumption and chemical usage, consider how you can make appropriate choices. For example, limit the total lawn area of your garden; choose bushes located near the house; carefully position trees to help you save energy. Design a mix of hardy, indigenous plants to help create a thriving garden area with less need for extra care, and ensure better success against the weather, while also providing a natural cover for local and migrating birds.
After the major decisions are made, do only what you can afford the first year. Add temporary color with container plants for a short-term reward, until permanent plants mature. As your plan unfolds, create inviting border trim of complementing colors, shapes, sizes and textures with grasses, bushes or flowers of varying heights.
Small can be great
Whatever the dimensions of your yard, your outside property is a big part of your entire home environment. Smaller gardens offer their own unique opportunities to create “up-close” and intimate impressions. Certain treatments, such as a resting area with fence art, floral clusters or hanging vines work particularly well in these environments. Another way to expand existing space – and contribute to your total property enhancement – is to treat your walkout or transition area with a consistent “flow-through” effect. For example, match kitchen floor tiles with similar exterior terrace tiles, or add window flower boxes to bring the outdoor garden colors closer to the kitchen.
A complete yard plan includes all sorts of pleasant sights, sounds and smells. However, the most important part of your plan may be confirming that it both improves your personal enjoyment and increases your property’s value. So, just as you might ask a trusted plant expert for advice about your garden, remember you are always welcome to check here for professional advice about real estate values and property improvement plans.