Answers
I see a lot of books on designing large gardens, but we live in California and have a very small back yard that we'd like to liven up (right now it's just mulch). Is it worth hiring a contractor? Is there good landscape design software we could use to help do it on our own?
HGTV offers an online tutorial.
If you are cramped for space. I'd plant vertically...Tall, skinny shrubs, climbing plants, hang baskets from fence, house, etc. Save all the ground space you have for you to move around in and enjoy. Potted plants offer lots of versatility. If you get tired of where they are or need that space later, just move them.
P.S. Keep the mulch away from the foundation of the house. It give bugs easier access to basements and crawlspaces.
This design packs in a huge amount of food plants into a small back yard but still has spacious entertainment areas and a beautiful water feature ...
My home was just waterproofed and all landscape plants had to be removed in the process. I want to start planting but would like to get a professional plan. My house value is only about $125,000. I plan to sell in 2 yrs and I think a nice yard with help with that process but am not sure if I can afford to have a design only drawn up ( I would purchase plants and do the work myself.) I just want a plan for the front of the house.
the answer is anything from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
You can find some nice design ideas online but I also believe most garden centres would do a basic design for you and not charge much if you then bought the products from them.
Be honest about what you are wanting and I am, sure you will have great success.t
Limewire _ Has alot of programs you can download from there sight, i am sure landscaping programs are among them....
Try these to links. I recommend Image-pro. Good Luck!
http://www.shareit.com/product.html?prod uctid=206731&affiliateid=61418
http://www.superhomecenter.com/software/ catalog_home_garden_software.htm
Lola has the right idea, home centers also sell fake rocks that go right over them.
The Perfect Tool- Landscape Design Software
Landscaping the surrounding area of your home is not a lot different than other types of landscaping. People like their home to look as good as possible so the entire neighborhood will be envious. The great thing about back and front yard landscape design is it is not hard, and almost anyone can do it without out professional help. It will take some energy and spare time but doing it yourself can be enjoyable and rewarding.
There is a variety of Landscaping software programs available to allow you experiment with different ideas. It is far better to plan ahead with sizes, shapes and styles of plants and patio materials.
The internet can also be utilized to find unusual or new outdoor landscaping ideas . There are tons of photos of completed projects, plans, plants and materials.
There are likely thousands of different landscaping ideas that you will find to be useful for your yard and well within your budget and there are a lot of sites that focus specifically on home landscaping. These sites will also give you some great ideas as well as practical information. It is important to do extensive research before you begin your project to minimize the mistakes so that the job will not have to be done over again.
...DIY tips for creating a beautiful patio and yard in less time
(ARA) – Summer is the season for DIYers to complete outdoor home improvement projects, but even the most enthusiastic homeowner wants to make the best use of time so he or she can still enjoy the beautiful summer days.
Here are some common patio and landscaping projects and time-saving tips for completing them more easily, with better results:
* Fast-setting concrete fixes fencing in a snap. Are you putting in a fence? Fixing one that just doesn’t look as good as it used to? You don’t need special equipment to get the job done right. Start by digging a new hole for the post. If one already exists, remove the loose post and clean out the existing hole.
For easy results that last, use a fast-setting concrete mix. Simply pour the dry mix directly into the hole and add water. This activates the cement and the mix will set in approximately 30 minutes. Remember to make sure posts are straight before concrete hardens. You can use this process for other outdoor projects like adding light fixtures or a mail box.
...News
Valley landscaper cuts the grass, trims the noiseAZ Central.com - Sep 10, 2010
That must-be-a-better-way moment led him to launch his green landscaping business, My Green Cut Yard. His lower-impact gardening features old-fashionedAshland Daily Tidings - Sep 09, 2010
The next morning, my housemate, a landscape designer, enlisted his crew to clean up and clear out the yard. At the end of the day, a 6-foot-tall stack of and morenbsp;raquo;lonad News - Sep 10, 2010
A house becomes a home when one#39;s personality is added to a yard that is beautifully maintained. Fresh Start Landscapes, is a dedicated company ofSun Peaks Independent News - Sep 10, 2010
Learn about lawns and alternatives, sustainable landscape design, organic vegetable gardening and others. Classes run on Saturdays from Sept. 11 to Dec.
Los Angeles Times - Sep 10, 2010
Crumbling, ash-covered foundations dotted the landscape. Authorities told residents in west Boulder to be prepared to evacuate if the wildfire moved into and morenbsp;raquo;FavStocks (blog) - Sep 10, 2010
Thankfully, there are tons of different landscape design styles to choose from. Begin by thinking about the kinds of things that you#39;d like to see and grow.
Knoxville News Sentinel - Sep 10, 2010
West Knoxville retiree gets much from his #39;giving garden#39;But the real gem lies in the backyard - a tiered landscape full of color. The lower level nearest Butler#39;s one-story house starts with a white theme. and morenbsp;raquo;