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A successful landscaping project hinges greatly on choosing the appropriate plants, having a certain design in mind, and situating the plants properly.  Plants can really make or break the landscape design seeing that plants give form and color to the whole picture.

Tips when choosing plants:

• Choose Native Plants: Native plants in a certain area are those      that were thriving in the particular area long before humans brought      plants from faraway places. Since native plants have been present in their      respective areas for thousands of years, they have adapted and toughened      against local conditions. They are resilient and can withstand the cruel      winter cold or the sizzling summer heat.
• Check the size: An important factor is the size or the height      the plant will reach upon its maturity. When designing your garden, you      need to think ahead of how the mature plants or shrubs will display in      your garden. If you have a small garden you might not want to choose plants      that are huge once they’re matured. . Also be sure to check if the plants      you choose might grow horizontally, these plants tend to take up a lot of      space and failure to take this into consideration may pose a problem      later.
• Check your climate: Climatic considerations are very important      because the plants survival is highly dependent on temperature, etc. Check      the weather and climate needs of the plant against that of your area. You      can waste hundred of dollars purchasing plants that will not do well in      your particular climate.
• Check your soil: The same goes for your soil. Plants have      different soil “preferences” and you need to be aware of both the kind of      soil you have in your garden and the kind of soil the plants you choose      grow best in. Finding common ground in this area will save you lots of      money and frustration along the line.
• Choose repellent plants: There are plants that can resist      certain pests. Be sure to choose these plants for your landscape      especially if you have identified the pests that are a problem in your      area. For example: Some ornamental grasses and flowers are used for deer      control. There are lots of plants that are pest resistant. Ask around at      your local nursery, and if they fit your landscaping project, then they      would be an ideal selection.
• Remember grasses: One consideration that you should not dwell a      great deal is the decorative appeal of the plants. You may be attracted to      their color, size, and flowers but they may not be appropriate. People      tend to forget about adding different grasses. These can not only fend off      intruders, but functional grasses are those that are used in the      background. Lawn grass is an example.       It serves as an outdoor carpet. Ornamental grasses appeal more to      aesthetics. They are used for decoration and for landscaping just like      flowers. These can be mixed with trees and shrubs or can stand alone.
• Check your colors: Make sure that the plants you choose for the      project have good color combinations.       Choose from colors that will either complement or contrast with      each other.  A striking color scheme      can make or ruin a landscaping project.
• Check your nursery: Choose plants from a reputable nursery that      you know have been properly cared for. Be aware – do not purchase damaged      in plants.

Important factors to consider when choosing plants:

Do you have a very “sunny” garden? Groundcovers, such as Juniper groundcovers and hardy perennials are ideal for sunny areas which are considered problematic as many plants do not like direct sunlight.

Are you looking to attract birds and butterflies? Many flowering plants attract birds, butterflies, bees, etc. It is important to choose plants that grow pollens. Plants like bee balm, holly hock and red columbine attract hummingbirds.

Do you have a very “wet” garden?

Some landscapes come with wet areas like artificial ponds or waterfalls. To avoid leaving it bare, plants that thrive in wet soils are used to give beauty and natural effect.

Are you looking for “aroma”?

The garden can be made aromatic by using foliage plants.  The lavender perennial plant’s flowers provide therapeutic scent. At the same time, it serves as a beautiful border.

When you deal with plants, information is necessary to ensure that they are right for your landscape, your geographical area, the season suitable for planting, and the proper care that needs to be implemented, and etc. Without this knowledge, you can not assume that the investment is justified..

A creative landscaping artist can choose from various themes and designs like a small garden design, a Victorian theme or a garden around a swimming pool design

Whatever the design or theme of your landscaping project is, you must carefully consider the plants to insure that they are appropriate for your needs and that they have a high chance of survival in your particular area. Without this knowledge, you can not assume that your landscaping project will be successful.

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The plants in your garden can draw different kinds of wildlife, different species of birds, butterflies and chipmunks to name a few. You must choose what kind of animals you want to attract to your home.

If you have your heart set on making your garden an oasis for birds, you have to start by studying the different kind of bird species in your area. Some birds are only there during the migration period. After you’ve read up on the bird species or picked the mind of an avid bird watcher you know, you have to find out what kind of food those particular birds eat.

Add a Fountain/Birdbath: Birds need water to survive. You can add a fountain or a pond in the garden for birds to bathe and drink. Just be sure that the water is clean and safe at all times for the birds to drink. Add Trees and Feeders: Trees planted in the garden can also serve as shelter and housing for birds and other creatures that live near your home. A good example is an evergreen tree that serves as protection against predators. Trees provide saps or seeds as a source of food for birds. You can also install a feeder, but be sure to do research on the birds you want to attract, to make sure you are adding the right seeds.

Add a Birdhouse: In order for birds to stay for more than a day and to protect them from bad weather and predators, you can have put a birdhouse in the garden. You can make a bird house or purchase one. They are available in many shapes and forms which are good for birds and bats.

Add Winter Plants: There are four seasons in a year. If you want birds to be present all year round, you should check what kind of plants can survive even during the winter. A good example is a conifer that either in the form of shrubs or trees. These also serve as good nesting places during the summer. Some types of conifers provide buds, seeds and sap. Since not all plants work well with certain types of soil, you should also check with a gardener before choosing what plants to buy.

Add Native Plants: Since the birds and creatures that you want around all year are native to the surroundings, it is advisable to use plants that these animals are accustomed to. That way, different creatures will be able to co-exist.

Landscaping the garden for the benefit of birds and other creatures is a challenging task. However, once you have created a bird friendly garden, you can enjoy bird watching from the comfort of your own home, all year round.

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The word landscaping itself means the process of designing land to enhance its view. True landscaping is a work of art and should be performed by a skilled landscaping “artist”.

That said, choosing the perfect landscape contractor for your landscaping needs could be no small feat.

Whether you want to transform your yard for recreational purposes, meditation purposes, or simply to increase the value of your property, your first goal should be to hire the service of the right landscaping company. As much as we want it to be a “do-it-yourself” task, it usually isn’t.

Here are some tips to consider before hiring a landscaper.

• You as the homeowner should make an assessment of what you want done with your garden and yard and also set a budget prior to hiring a contractor. In fact you should have a well thought out preparatory plan before you even speak to a professional contractor. You can of course make use of a landscaper’s professional expertise and input, but don’t get intimidated and let him make you stray too far from your original plan and budget • Take time to check the different landscape contractors that offer services in your area. You will find landscape companies in your local directories or online. Gauge their level of experience and the quality of their work by asking for photos or tours of their previous projects. You should also ask for references and their professional affiliations. Personal referrals should be considered for your comfort and security. If you are looking online, be sure to look at Google Places for your town. Check to see if the contractor has any reviews from previous clients. The best way to find a good landscaping firm is to ask friends, neighbors and family members. One can get more information in an hour talking with his neighbor or others who have had experience in hiring a landscaping firm than a whole day trying to search the Internet for information. • Clearly identify which jobs you want the landscape contractor to perform. If you like to work in the garden and want to do some of the work yourself, tell your contractor about it and work with him so that he will know what is expected of him. This could also be financially beneficial. • Check if the landscaping firm has all the services that you will need to complete your project. It makes no sense to hire a landscaping firm only to find out later that it cannot complete the project because it is does not offer a specific service that is needed. • First impressions are not overrated. Talk to the landscaper, hear what suggestions he has to bring to the table, and trust your gut feeling. If things seem off and his qualifications seem sketchy, then move on to the next candidate. • Always insist on a timeframe and estimated date of completion. Do not a hire a landscaper who does not really seems interested in the project and can’t give you a clear time frame and date of completion. This kind of contractor might have too many balls in the air at once, and your project might fall by the wayside. A project that drags on for months past its due date could cause you a lot of frustration and emotional distress. • Be sure that the company is operating legally. You may want to check the firm’s authorization and licenses. Don’t forget to ask if they are offering liability insurance since you might need that information in the future. • Everything you agreed to must be in ‘black and white’. Never walk away without a written contract.

Finding a good landscaping firm can take some time, but its well worth the effort. Your garden and yard can be transformed into a place of beauty and tranquility, without breaking the bank or risking your mental health, if you hire the right landscaping contractor. So take your time and make double sure you found the perfect company for your landscaping needs.
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Your yard is one of the places where you want to relax and have fun. This can be accomplished by a well planned landscape that is pleasing to the eyes and at the same time enhance the value of the property.

Planning a landscape is not as simple as arranging trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. It is considered as an art which recognizes the importance of harmony and organization of the space outside your house. Here are a few landscaping tips and ideas that can help you plan for your landscaping project.

Determine what your needs are for your particular yard:

• Do you need a place for little children to run and play? • Do you need an area for drying your clothes (if you choose not to use a dryer) • Do you need room for your pets to play or to stash your trash cans? • Do you need a place to ease away the tensions of the day and where you, your spouse and older can play sports or grill some steaks? • Are you looking for a garden full of blossoming flowers, something that encircles your whole house?

The answers to these questions will help determine what kind of work needs to be done before you start landscaping. You might need a combination of needs for different ages in which case you have to figure out how to divide your space to accommodate your variety of needs.

Consider the Cost:

After you’ve pin pointed the needs for your particular yard, you need to check how much the project will cost. This should include the kinds of plants that you want as well as any other materials like rocks or wood that will be used to compliment the garden.

Since there are people who do this as a living and who know more about landscaping than you do perhaps, you can hire professionals to prepare your plans. If you draw up the plans you might want to show the plans someone their opinion before starting your project. This will save time and money should you not like what the other person has planned.

Regarding the layout, look at the following: terrain, size of the area, and your allocated budget. The terrain of your area means knowing its natural elevations, the kind of grass growing in it, trees already there, and other structures that may affect your plan. The yard size will determine whether large items like islands or big trees should be included in the project. The budget will be the main consideration when it comes to choosing the type of design and materials you will employ for the project.

Landscape gardening takes a lot of work. Rather than turning one’s garden into a construction zone, it is best to have this done in phases. This helps keep costs down and makes the plan flexible to changes.

Money can be saved by buying these materials during the “off” seasons. Wood for example is cheaper during the winter months. The price of shrubs and soil are lower when you buy late in the season.

Getting Started:

Find a central focal point for your yard This can be anything from a statue, to the play set or even a single tree. Finding a focus for your landscaping gives you a point of reference so that you give your design a better sense of order rather than just having plants scattered everywhere.

Hardscape and Softscape

Hardscape refers to the “non-plant” parts of your garden (deck, patio, statues, fountains, walls, etc.). Softscape refers to the plants and the lawn. If you’re just starting out, lay out the hardscape first before you work with the plants. This way, the plants aren’t in the way when you’re installing the necessary hardscape materials.

Remember to involve members of your family who have artistic capabilities to contribute their ideas and skills in planning your landscaping project. If you involve the whole family and stick to the landscaping tips and ideas mentioned above, you will end up with a yard that you will be proud to call your own.

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