If you’re eager to make a backyard oasis, but you’re a stranger to the rules of landscaping, the choices at hand may slightly overwhelm you. That’s why we have put together this beginner’s guide to help you make the process a plain sailing.
Initial ideas and questions
First and foremost, jot down your desires and needs for a landscape design on a sheet of paper. While you’re at it, answer some of these questions that will help you shape the overall idea:
- Would you like to make a playground for the kids?
- Do you plan to grow some edible plants too?
- Is the construction of a patio in store as well?
Make a preliminary blueprint of the site and work from there. Play with ideas but don’t let it get out of hand and adhere to the initial scheme.
Mind the elements
Nature is a powerful force we should work with, not against. This in mind, it’s advisable to study the wind and sun patterns. For example, the patio placed on the west side of your property will definitely not go along with the afternoon lounging in the summer time. Also, if you leave the fire pit unsheltered at the mercy of windy weather, you will have troubles maintaining the flame. These are rather common blunders of landscape novices you can now easily avoid.
Let it go
Give your garden some time, let your initial ideas settle. Rash decisions may not be the best and lead to short-lived garden elements. Some concepts are just not meant as long term solutions. This works especially for the large portions of land where you can get carried away and crowd the space with random additions.
Work your way up
Think small scale when making first steps of your project. The landscaping process should go one step at a time, letting you enjoy the procedure. Begin with modest flowerbeds, and tend to it a few hours a day, when you have the time. You don’t even have to fill it all in at once. It’s good to see how the situation develops and act on it.
However, home gardening TV programme is often showing us magical transformations that happen in around three days. It’s no wonder they can do this, when a crew of 60 is at their disposal. Still, you can invest in some valuable machines that can actually do a lot of heavy-duty digging in a jiffy.
If you’re planning to expand your hobby into something more serious, visit earthmoving machinery auctions to learn about the selection of the available tools and equipment and find the perfect fit at an affordable price.
The scale and cohesion
It’s important to concentrate on the pacing and scale when designing your ideal garden. This is deemed the most difficult aspect of landscaping for beginners to handle, but definitely and unavoidable element that connects the whole scene.
The variations in shape, size and colour can be accomplished with taller plants and low-lying flowerbeds and the numerous footpaths swerving around the place. Repeat some elements or colours to create cohesion, but not in excess, to avoid monotony.
The central point
Work around a focal spot. Every decent garden layout has one or several focal points, and this principle is a wonderful aid for the landscaping rookies. This point of focus can be a tree, a sculpture, a grand plant or a collection of shrubs. The idea is to have something to draw and guide the eye along the backyard.
Stay open-minded
Since you’re making something new, don’t be too rigid and dare to make changes. Even you’re particularly keen on carrying out a certain idea, be realistic about it and weigh your options carefully. Something that currently appeals to you may fall out of favour in the years to come, so don’t be afraid to drop it. Customer festoon lights are by far the most effective way to transform your garden this summer, click here to check out affordable festoon lights.
Our last note: Your finest tool is your patience. If the vast space is getting the best out of you, opt for fast-growing ground plants to avoid the muddy ground while you’re deliberating.
Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, landscaping adventure doesn’t have to be a taxing endeavour. However, if you want to get better results, hiring a residential landscape contractor is highly recommended.