Landscape design for a residential garden is very important to create a beautiful environment and enhance your home's curb appeal. Plants, grasses, flowers, and trees in your home garden are constantly growing and changing with the seasons, and these form and color changes should be considered in your overall landscape plan and design. The following garden elements can define the design and direction of your garden and should be considered when planning your landscape design:
- Plants - Research what plants will grow best in your geographical area and plant them in your garden. Take into consideration their shape, height, and color, as these qualities will affect where they are placed and how they influence other elements in your garden.
- Trees - Plant trees in your garden to create shade, height, and vertical interest. Chose trees that will either remain green or change colors with the seasons to best fit into your landscape plan and design.
- Garden Paths - Stone, concrete, gravel, flagstone, and other hard materials can be used to create a garden path that directs the way a person walks in your garden. Garden paths are an important design element of your garden as they divide your garden into major and minor areas. These paths direct the observer's eye and create a passageway from one area to another. This passageway can be direct or wandering and greatly influence the atmosphere of your garden.
- Water Features - Many gardens use moving water as a major design element. Fountains, waterfalls, ponds, pools, and custom streams can add color, sound, and humidity to your garden. Water features can also contain and direct water runoff so they are a very useful part of your garden. A swimming pool is a large water feature that will greatly influence the design of your garden. Consider the overall color, shape, and size of a swimming pool when you are deciding where to place it.
- Flower Beds - Raised and ground level flower beds also play a big part in residential landscape design. Flowers should be chosen for their height and color and planted where they create maximum eye appeal. Consideration must be given to when flowers will bloom and when they will be dormant. If possible, plant spring blooming flowers next to summer and fall blooming flowers so that you always have flowers blooming in your garden.
- Attracting Birds, Bees, and Butterflies - Research the best plants for your area that will attract birds, bees, and butterflies. Flowers and growing plants are naturally propagated by birds, bees, and butterflies as they drink nectar from garden flowers and spread flower pollen to other blooms.
- Stone Boulders - Large natural stone boulders can also be used as a major design element in your garden. These monoliths can divide your garden into different sections and create vertical interest.
- Sitting and Barbecue Areas - Creating entertainment and contemplative areas in your garden is also important. Consider the amount of sun and shade that will be created with trees and plants in your garden and place these areas to take full advantage of those qualities.
Your residential landscape design should be well-planned and executed to give the effect that you want for your residence. With careful research and appropriate plant selection, you can create a beautiful oasis next to your home that will give you and your guests great visual, aural, and aromatic pleasure.
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