| You can create a chic landscape without turning it | | | | materials. Use green materials such as eco-friendly |
| into a design disaster. According to the American | | | | decking or wood materials such as ipe wood that |
| Heritage Dictionary, "kitsch" is defined as | | | | last awhile in harsh environmental conditions. |
| "sentimentality or vulgar, often pretentious bad | | | | De-clutter your landscape of unused materials or |
| taste, especially in the arts." Applying this term to | | | | objects that you may have picked up along the |
| the landscape can be quite different. It could imply | | | | way, but really serve no purpose in your yard. |
| specific garden elements unnecessary in the | | | | Plants with quality and contrast. Choose plants |
| landscape or a plant species variety that is too | | | | that will provide seasonal interest. They should |
| dominant. Whatever the reasoning, here are a | | | | also have a unique edge such as color, texture, or |
| few tips to keep your garden looking unique | | | | form. Make sure there is enough variety without |
| without being kitsch. | | | | choosing plants that clash. Keep plantings that will |
| Simplify the landscape. Consider how you would | | | | compliment one another, throughout the |
| like the space to be utilized. Will there be spaces | | | | landscape. |
| for entertaining guests, family gatherings, play | | | | Lighting. This is one element many homeowners |
| areas for kids and pets, etc.? You may also want | | | | tend to neglect. The right lighting can add a certain |
| to xeriscape gardens or maintain specific plant | | | | ambiance, while naturally enhancing the form and |
| varieties native to your region. Too much of a | | | | structure of your landscape and plant material. |
| good thing can turn your landscape into a | | | | Lighting around walkways, specimen trees, water |
| nightmare. Keep garden spaces simple and allow | | | | features, and in tree trunks may be considered. |
| room for plants to mature. Gnomes and glass | | | | Placing materials. Try something different besides |
| objects may be "fun" for some gardens, but | | | | foundation plants surrounding your house or |
| distracts from the original purpose of a garden. | | | | property line. You can still maintain privacy with |
| Redefining the space will further clarify what | | | | fencing, hardscape materials, and choosing plant |
| plants will grow best in a thriving landscape. | | | | species with the right height, texture, form, and |
| Choose quality materials. Select hardscape or | | | | color for your landscape. Consulting your local |
| groundcover materials that maintain a sleek design | | | | landscape design expert or nursery may also |
| and contrast that will compliment plant choices. | | | | answer your questions regarding new materials as |
| Consider changing your patio furniture with new | | | | well as detailed design and installation options. |