At Four Seasons Landscape, we understand that planning a major landscaping project can feel daunting. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to get bogged down, but we want to help you enjoy the process of designing your landscaping while ensuring you’re covering all the necessary bases. Below, we’ll go over a few of the main things to consider, along with some tips for creating great landscaping that you’ll get lots of use out of.
- Consider your style. The first step is deciding the overall look you want to achieve. Do you want the symmetry and manicured look of a formal garden, the wild lushness of a cottage garden, the tranquil harmony of a Japanese garden, or an option that is both attractive and environmentally responsible by including xeriscaping? There are plenty of styles to choose from, so take time to familiarize yourself before making a decision.
- Plan for function. Think about how you want to use the space once it’s finished and build your ideas from there. For example, if you plan to use your yard for entertaining, an outdoor kitchen or a large patio make great additions to your landscaping plans.
- Create focal points. Water features like ponds or fountains, installments like statues or sculptures, or gathering areas like patios and pergolas are excellent focal points that add variety and visual interest to your landscaping.
- Choose plants for color and texture. Even if you are sticking with a specific style, there are plenty of options for including interesting and eye-catching colors and textures in your landscaping. Try to select plants with varying heights and growth patterns, some that flower and some that are leafy. Be sure you have a few plants for each season, so you’ll have something to enjoy year-round.
- Include hardscaping. You want plenty of plant life, but don’t forget to incorporate hardscaping elements as well. Walkways and retaining walls help define specific areas, while firepits and patios create space for socializing.
- Highlight with landscape lighting. With good landscape lighting, the enjoyment doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. You can emphasize a specific area or feature that you particularly like with spotlights or ensure that you have good visibility and add ambiance with overhead options like string lights.