Landscape Design - Do-it-Yourself Landscaping
About Do-it-Yourself Landscaping
Introduction
Do-it-yourself landscaping has acquired the definition of being the art of changing and improving ones outdoor living area for practical and aesthetic purposes. Do-it-yourself landscaping has become popular with home owners who are willing to spare some time to be creative and save money on otherwise contracted out jobs. The following headings will take you through the important steps in the do-it-yourself landscaping process.
1. Planning
The first thing to think about with do-it-yourself landscaping is how your land will be used from a practical point of view. It can be used for sports or barbeques, in which case you will need more lawn space, or it can be used as a relaxation area where you will prefer to have lots of trees and shade. The best way to plan your do-it-yourself landscape would be to draw up on paper your outdoor space with its existing elements, which will give you a clear picture as to what can be done. Then you can add any of your new ideas by placing circles on the plan.
2. Hardscaping
The next step with do-it-yourself landscaping is hardscaping, which is the masonry or woodwork that goes into your land. Some hardscaping examples are:
- Arbors
- Decks
- Fences/ Walls
- Gazebos
- Patios
- Stone/Brick walkways
- Statues
- Water gardens/ Fountains
These are excellent do-it-yourself ideas to add to your landscaping and have a great aesthetic effect. Most of them are easy to find and install except for decks and patios which will require the most do-it-yourself landscaping work. It is important to get the hardscaping part of the project right in order to make the next step, softscaping, as easy as possible.
3. Softscaping
Once you've finished the hardscaping work of your do-it-yourself landscaping plan think about softscaping. If an arbor was chosen to put in your do-it-yourself landscape then a softscape example can be to have roses growing along the arbor. Water fountains give your landscape an ideal focal point and require a small amount of softscaping such as a few of container-held aquatic plants.
Bear in mind, your do-it-yourself landscaping should be in harmony with your house. Large trees are in proportion with large houses, but are out of proportion with smaller houses. Also, you can use trees as a way of conserving energy. For example, deciduous trees can be planted to offer your house shade and therefore reduce your air conditioning costs and because in winter their leaves will fall, you will have sunlight when you need it. 4. Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting plays an important role in your do-it-yourself landscaping for it extends the time you can spend in your garden. Spotlights do a great job in highlighting certain hardscaping or softscaping. If you’re not too fond of playing with electricity or hiring an electrician is not in your budget, then candles will be your next best option. Lanterns make beautiful decorative pieces and add candlelight for a serene and romantic atmosphere.
