| Landscape gardening is an integral part of | | | | conditions and the particular problems in the area |
| beautifying a garden, enhancing your existing | | | | you reside in. They will also be able to advise you |
| building or home, and adding interest and color to | | | | about plants that would be suited to your |
| your yard that will make it stand out. | | | | particular yard situation, so take your notes and |
| Nothing is more pleasing to the eye than a well | | | | soil samples along with you when you visit the |
| laid out garden that gives a tranquil feel to it. | | | | garden center. |
| Planning and executing the plans with good | | | | Once you have identified the current condition of |
| attention to detail, are important aspects of the | | | | the existing yard, then you can start planning on |
| whole design of a good landscaped garden. | | | | the changes you wish to make. Types of plants, |
| A landscaped garden does not happen by itself, it | | | | where you want them planted, trees, shrub and |
| requires meticulous planning to ensure that all | | | | combination's, together with the lawn area, plus |
| aspects of the plans are carried out to produce | | | | any hardscapes - fountains, gnomes, gazebo, |
| the desired effect. Gardeners who spend time | | | | benches, or other similar additions all form part of |
| and put in the effort are usually rewarded with a | | | | the hardscapes. Pathways and types of materials |
| vista that is easy on the eye, and gives pleasure | | | | you wish to use for your pathways can also add |
| to all who use the garden. | | | | charm and special looks to the overall effect of |
| Your first action is to assess your yard, take a | | | | the end results. |
| note book with you and draw a rough plan of the | | | | Once you have a reasonable idea of what you |
| existing garden, take note of what plant, shrub, | | | | want done to the yard, it them becomes decision |
| trees are already in the garden and whether you | | | | time, whether you want to do it yourself or call in |
| wish to remove them or leave them in place. | | | | a landscape artiste to look over your ideas. You |
| Take note of areas that might need to be shored | | | | can then get a quote from the landscaper to |
| up, or have a drainage problem that might need | | | | decide how much you will allow them to do and |
| attention. Over a few days observe which areas | | | | how much you can do yourself and the relevant |
| get sun and shade, and the length of time the sun | | | | costs involved. Planning and executing a revamped |
| shines on various spots and take particular note | | | | garden requires a lot of time and energy, if you |
| of shady areas that receive very little or no sun | | | | have what it takes to do it, then by all means do |
| at all. | | | | it your self, or as much as you can leaving the |
| Take samples of your soil, and if you are not | | | | difficult parts to the landscaper. Whatever decision |
| sure of its composition, then ask for expert help | | | | you finally take, do get some enjoyment out of |
| from your local garden center, most garden | | | | creating a beautiful garden. |
| center staff are knowledgeable about soil | | | | |