Designing a Landscape – Where to start?
Are you looking for ways to boost the curb appeal and increase the value of your home? Sprucing up your landscape is a very impactful way to do so! Let’s discuss some things to keep in mind to ensure the outside of your home looks as stylish as the inside!
Take a look around your property and identify an area that could use some work. It might be that it needs a good clean up and some fresh plantings, or it could be a long-neglected space that requires a total overhaul. Whether you plan on working with a professional landscape designer or tackling the project on your own, there are a few questions you need to answer before getting started.
What’s your style?
Do you prefer something free form and colorful like a cottage-style garden or do you lean towards something uniform and orderly like a formal garden of boxwoods and topiaries? Establishing this will help to narrow down the types and quantities of plants you need to achieve your ideal look. Search websites like Houzz for inspiration.
How and when do you plan on using the site?
Is your selected site a backyard setting for family and friends to gather in the summer months? Maybe you need to look for an experienced landscape contractor to install a new paver patio for picnics. Or, is it a front entryway that you would like to welcome you home at the end of the day? Perhaps you’re spending the summer away from home and need a landscape with plenty of winter interest. Keep in mind what you hope to get out of your landscape when discussing your desires with your designer and he or she will be able to customize your plans to best suit your needs.
How much time do you want to spend on maintenance?
All landscapes require maintenance, whether it’s just some quick fertilizing, raking, and pruning or tedious deadheading, shearing, and staking. Choosing disease/pest-resistant and slow-growing varieties can cut down on the amount of time you need to spend on upkeep. Of course, choosing a reliable landscaping company to schedule seasonal maintenance is a huge saver of time and frustration!
What are the site conditions?
Different plants have different requirements, so determining the conditions of your site will help you select plants that will thrive there. Things to consider are:
1. Your USDA plant hardiness zone: Depending on your geographical location, there are plants that will and will not survive in your climate. Here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, we are a zone 7a. You can determine your zone at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/
2. Sun vs. Shade: Though many landscape plants are reasonably adaptable to a range of sunlight conditions, most species perform much better in their preferred location.
3. Moisture: Just like plants have different sun requirements, they also have specific moisture requirements. Both too much water or not enough can be very detrimental to plant health.
Where will you purchase your materials?
Your local, independent garden center will have a wider selection of plant material of higher quality than the big box stores. You can also count on them having passionate and knowledgeable designers and nursery staff who can help guide you through the design process.
Come see us at FS Landscaping Contractors/ Froehlich’s Farm and Garden, 3143 York Rd., Furlong, PA or visit our site at http://www.fslandscapingcontractors.com/ or http://www.froehlichsfarm.com.
