subject: Landscaping - Giving Your Garden A Makeover [print this page] When people come to your home what do they see first? It isn't your kitchen or your newly remodeled bathroom. The first thing they see is your front yard. If you want a beautiful yard all year long, it will require continual maintenance. Some have years of experience with landscaping and yard maintenance. Those just starting out may feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to begin. These simple ideas will help you use your resources best to get a great looking yard without spending too much time or money.
Color is key for a beautiful garden. Try to find attractive plants that will infuse a lot of vibrant colors into your yard. You may also want to choose similar plants or colors to create a repetitive and consistent look in your yard. This repetition is especially important in the front yard. A patio can be a great addition and should be utilized if you already have one. The patio can be the jumping off point for yard design. You may want to plant flowers or shrubs around the patio or you could do the same to the path leading up to your home. Cement walkways are particularly attractive when surrounded on both sides by flowers or bushes.
Since water and climate are always an issue in the garden, select plants that are native to your region. This will mean that less water and time is required to keep everything looking its best. Local plants and those that grow well in your region are also more likely to attract beautiful birds and butterflies which will make your garden more attractive.
When planting a flowerbed or garden, remember that creativity is not only allowed, it is appreciated. There are no set rules to creating something beautiful. Feel free to style your yard after your personality. You may even want to establish a style or a theme for your yard that suits your individual tastes. Why not look through gardening books and magazines for inspiration? If you see something that you like, you can try to emulate that style.
There are many themes to choose from. You could have an herb garden brimming with edible and fragrant herbs. You may also choose to create a flower garden. A Japanese garden is also a popular choice. These gardens use rocks and water to make a relaxing statement. Other themes include using statues or ornaments in your yard. Choose a theme that expresses your vision for the garden.
