Successful landscaping projects require planning. If you’re looking to work on your yard this Spring, here are some things to consider so that you can have a successful landscaping project when you’re done.
1. Shade or Sun? Most plants that we like to have in our yards are sun-loving plants, but many people make the mistake of placing these plants in areas where they will get less than 6 hours of sun per day. Before your stick plants in the ground, consider how much sun or shade they need, and watch areas of the yard where you are considering placing that plant. Make sure that the level of sunlight is appropriate for the plants you want to put in each area.
2. It’s little now, but it will grow. Think about landscaping as “levels.” When you look at most appealing yards and landscapes, you discover that many plants are layered with taller plants in back and smaller plants in front, or with a large plant as a focal point, and small plants as accents around it. Think about the size that the plants will actually mature into, and leave enough space around them to allow for growth, making sure that something “bigger” is behind and something “smaller” is in front.
3. Wet and dry. Try to group plants according to the amount of water they like. If you put petunias, for example, which love water, right next to rose bushes, they’re not likely going to be very happy because they have different levels of tolerance for moisture retention. Try to group plants according to the labeling of how much water they require and the moisture levels which they require.
4. It doesn’t all have to be green. Consider incorporating some fun elements into your landscape like old bicycles with flowers growing out of a basket, an old brass bed frame as the border for a flower bed, or a rock garden area with some succulents as accents. It’s your property… express yourself!
5. Slope. If you have a yard where one area is high, and the property slopes to a low corner, think about the plants that you put in that corner. They will naturally receive more moisture, and the ground will stay damp for longer periods of time after rain or as snow melts, so make sure to put plants that thrive in moist environments in that area of your yard.
For more landscaping ideas, creative and beautiful hardscapes, or landscape design help, contact us today. Herstad is trusted by your friends and neighbors throughout Janesville, Beloit and surrounding communities. Call us today for a free consultation. 608-921-5349
