Savvy Gardening: Garden Ideas, Tips, Pictures, and More » Design your yard to suit your lifestyle

Feb 22 2012

Design your yard to suit your lifestyle

Published under Gardening Tips,Landscape Gardening

Design your yard to suit your lifestyle

(NC)—A properly landscaped yard can make all the difference in how you enjoy your property. Home Hardware’s gardening expert Mark Cullen says that taking the time to plan your outdoor space carefully will ensure that it is functional and meets your needs.

“Your yard should be pleasing to the eye and be a place where you want to spend your free time,” says Cullen. He recommends that homeowners should take several things into consideration when planning their landscaping projects.

“The most important thing is to look at the entire property and know what you want to accomplish. If you enjoy entertaining, make sure to reserve a space where you can host friends and neighbours,” Cullen says.

A backyard deck or patio provides a great space to enjoy all of the hard work you put into your lawn and garden. Pressure treated wood, cedar, and even interlocking stone can give your entertaining space a beautiful foundation, but also consider some unique lighting and decoration options to improve function.

Are you looking to set the mood for your summer evenings? Consider installing solar lighting, a garden fountain, or a designer fire pit to create the perfect setting for your evening barbecue.

If you enjoy large, robust gardens, Cullen says you should minimize the space used for deck or patio and consider what garden features will enhance the enjoyment of your space, such as specialty gardens for cut flowers, herbs, or vegetables. If you have children, a large lawn or play area may be a priority. No matter the final design, consider including a few focal points such as a water feature, trellis, bird house, or planters to add character. You may not be able to include everything, but a wish list is a vital first step in garden planning.

If you have little time to spend gardening, choose low maintenance, slower-growing plants. If you love to garden and intend to spend your leisure hours tending your landscape, you have a wider variety in terms of design and landscape plants from which to choose.

Cullen says the most important thing is to have fun. “Your yard is where you want to go to relax, so taking a little time to plan out your design will make the job go smoother and be an enjoyable experience.”

More expert gardening advice and product information is available online at www.homehardware.ca.

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