When you purchase a new home or make the decision to improve your current one, you will obviously be concerned with each and every foot of space that goes along with it, for contemporary living and current gardening techniques can make every foot of your property relevant and pleasing. New techniques of soil improvement, grading, fencing and terracing make even areas with a lot of hills or slopes that would previously be considered a hindrance, now something to be desired and sought after.
Current chemistry has brought improved nutrients to the soil and has created a defense against the age-old enemies of the landscaping and gardening arena--disease and insects. Tougher bulbs and seeds make gardens thrive and look more vibrant and vivid. Beautiful hybrids have made the list of flowering trees and shrubs much longer, introducing specimens for countless design and color themes to every kind of home and garden.
New gardening equipment and materials speed the time-consuming garden tasks. New ways of living bring us into the outdoors, and barbecue meals and comfortable lawn furnishings make a small suburban back yard as luxuriously enjoyable as was previously possible only on a large estate. Aesthetically pleasing as well, is the introduction of wall waterfalls and other beautiful outdoor water features.
From an architectural standpoint, the modern home is more a part of the landscape than it was in the past. Sprawling picture windows, glass windows from floor to ceiling, glassed-in sun porches, and wrap around terraces all come together to a produce a garden that is mutually exclusive with the home itself.
As a direct outcome of this development, the view of the garden has become much more critical. A gorgeous garden, thriving turf, and vibrant, blossoming flowers, shrubs, and trees all add as much to the inside appeal of your dwelling as your curtains, wall colors, and home accessories.
The amount of hard work and time you put into your greenery and gardens will be worth it, both inside your home and outside. When you plan your landscaping you will follow similar guidelines you use in interior decoration. The lines, colors, textures, and general themes will be lessons learned that you can use in your outdoor improvement efforts as well as in your continued indoor home improvement.
If you happen to have large, sprawling grounds you will particularly benefit from meticulous planning. Gardening and landscaping literature will be full of formal plans for the immaculate garden but it will be more important to consider what would best fit with your particular property, the plan that will most appease you and your family!
Think carefully about your family's necessities and usual activities and then make your plans from there. Perhaps have a discussion with your family members to figure out what the most important elements of the garden should be.
Consider your budget, available space, and draw up a plan to determine what can fit in the area. Make a list of items you would like to include, whether its a barbecue set, play house, swing set, rock garden, walkways, wall mounted fountains, a tennis or basketball court, swimming pool, or simply an area to relax in.
If you are very lucky and have very large grounds, you may be able to fit every element you desire into your grounds but this is generally not the case. Attempt to gradually fit everything in until all of your room has been taken up. Ongoing projects also make for fun family activities.
An example of this would be an area where children can play with chalk, jump rope, play four square, or basketball. This would serve multiple purposes and give the family the opportunity to be able to renovate these areas. A vegetable garden would be a great way to have fresh summer salads and teach children about different ways to grow them.
Typically most large yards are split up into three areas; the public area (an area that can be seen from the road) the garage/parking area (where the trash and laundry facilities are as well as storage), and the private area (the backyard). The private area is your personal refuge, where you can relax with your family and feel comfortable and safe.
Consider a rock-lined terrace, patio furniture for outdoor meals, and a garden with beautiful flowers, shrubbery, patio statuary, wall fountains, outdoor waterfalls, or a birdbath.
In each of these three areas there are certain elements to attempt and some to definitely avoid. In your public area a minimal amount of concern and care should be applied. Present an attractive front but do not include elements that will require an excessive amount of care to upkeep. Try to keep your garage as free of clutter as possible and encourage guests to park in the street to keep the garage clear.
For the backyard, plan to spend the most amount of time, care, and upkeep; take advantage of existing greenery and the shade supplied by your home and garage area for relaxation areas. Set up seats in comfortable corners in the garden away from any areas designated for child's play.
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in landscaping, home improvement, and enjoys collecting wall fountains for her home. For an amazing selection of water wall fountains and other water features, please visit http://www.garden-fountains.com/.
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