Ask Mr. Fix it

Does your lawn seem to lack something? Possibly you keep it neat and trim by mowing, edging and trimming but you really haven’t added any color or personality to it. If so, you are in need of some landscape design ideas.

Don’t be afraid of getting in over your head when it comes to landscaping - it need not be complicated. It is, however important to the value of your home and the enjoyment you and your family get from being there.

Where Do I Start?

If you’re a relative amateur when it comes to landscaping, it’s best to start small. For homes with a smaller lawn it’s easy because you’ll basically just choose a plan you like to begin with. However, if you have a large lawn, you have a lot of options and that can be dangerous. You’ll likely be tempted to try more ideas than you can implement at one time.

Start out by making a few simple changes. Possibly you’ll add some small bushes to the front of your house. Once that phase is completed successfully you may want to add some flowers and ground cover. By making a few changes you’ll be able to monitor your progress and experience fewer setbacks along the way. There is nothing worse than buying several types of plants, adding them to your yard and then deciding they look awful. Don’t let this happen to your yard.

Talk To The Pros

For the aspiring gardener, seek the help of a professional landscaper. Many advanced firms can use computer aided design techniques to plan your landscape so that you can see it before it becomes permanent. If you have the budget, it’s a safe way to ensure your yard will look the way you want it to.

If you’re on a budget and you must do it yourself, there are many places you can find help. Many times your local garden center will offer free consultations or training workshops that teach basic landscaping design and skills. Of course they do this with the hope of selling their customers the plants needed to complete the design but usually there is no obligation. Many nurseries will offer guarantees for the plants you purchase.

Other ways to get ideas include browsing online - but be careful because you’ll find so many ideas that it’s easy to become overwhelmed by it all. Internet garden shops are also a great way to buy your plants and supplies because you can browse at your own convenience and the nurseries will ship your order just in time for planting. Planting times are nearly foolproof.

Finally there are always the old standbys for finding home landscaping ideas including landscape and garden magazines, gardening shows and if all else fails - driving around the neighborhood. Above all else, take your time and find an idea you really like. After all, you’ll live with it every day until you decide to go it all over again!

Tags: plumbing, electrical, home improvement, home repair, home fix-up