- Outdoor lighting improves safety and aesthetics while adding texture and contrast enhances visual appeal.
- Make your landscape wildlife-friendly with native plants and feeders, and create distinct outdoor “rooms”.
- Incorporate personal and durable art pieces to customize your space and solve problems through smart landscaping.
- Using plants for natural fencing, shade, and sound barriers and replacing grass with low-maintenance options can optimize your outdoor space.
When it comes to home landscaping, the basics are what usually come to mind – planting flowers, trimming hedges, mowing the lawn, etc. However, there are several other aspects that homeowners often overlook when it comes to creating a beautiful and functional outdoor space. This blog will discuss a few of the most often overlooked aspects of home landscaping that can take your outdoor space to the next level.
Light it Up.
The right lighting can transform your outdoor space into an entirely new environment. Not only does it make your space safer at night, but it also helps create ambiance. There are many options available, from string lights to landscape lighting, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Or better yet, employ the help of a professional outdoor lighting designer. They can create a custom plan that will accentuate the beauty of your outdoor space and make it safer. They can also advise you on the best options for your space and budget and give energy-efficient recommendations.
Add Texture and Contrast.
One way to make your landscaping stand out is by adding texture and contrast. Combine plants with varying leaf textures and colors to create a more visually appealing landscape. For example, mix large leaves with small leaves, or add ornamental grasses. This adds depth and interest to your garden. You can also layer different flower types to add color and contrast.
Make Way for Wildlife.
Adding small touches to your landscaping can make it more inviting for wildlife. Incorporating birdbaths, bird feeders, and butterfly feeds are just a few ways to create a natural habitat in your backyard. You can also plant native plants that attract hummingbirds or butterflies. This will not only add beauty but also encourage local wildlife to visit your outdoor space.
Create Outdoor Rooms.
Just like in your home, you can create outdoor rooms to make the most of your space. Whether it’s a cozy seating area or a dedicated dining space, you can use furniture, plants, or even hardscape features like pavers or stone walls to create the boundaries of each “room” and give it a distinct purpose.
Incorporate Art.
Adding art to your landscape is a great way to give it a personal touch. Whether it’s a unique sculpture or a piece you created yourself, it can be used as a focal point and make your space truly unique. You can also hang artwork on walls or trellises or even create a gallery wall out of outdoor-safe items. Just make sure to use pieces that are made for outdoor use so they last longer.
Use Landscaping to Solve Problems.
Instead of just adding plants and features purely for decoration, consider using your landscaping to solve problems. There are plenty of ways you can go about this. Here are four examples:
Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade.
Planting trees and shrubs to provide shade on the sunny side of your house can help lower your energy costs and make the outside of your home more comfortable. You can also use trees and shrubs to provide privacy or to block the wind.
Use plants to create a natural fence.
Using plants like hedges, shrubs, and trees to create a living fence provides privacy while adding an attractive element to your landscaping. You can also use plants to create a sound barrier between your property and a busy street.
Replace turf grass with low-maintenance vegetation.
Turf grass requires frequent mowing, fertilizing, and water. Replacing it with more low-maintenance options like ornamental grasses or ground covers will require less maintenance and save you time and money.
Add a rain garden or water feature.
Rain gardens and other types of water features can help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and even provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. These features are also aesthetically pleasing and add a unique element to your landscaping.
By utilizing landscaping solutions to solve problems in your outdoor space, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis that will last for many years to come.
Landscaping can be more than just a visually pleasing arrangement of flowers and shrubs. It can serve as an extension of your living space, provide solutions to common problems, create habitats for local wildlife, and even help you save on energy costs.
Remember, the opportunities to enhance your outdoor space are only limited by your imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ideas or seek professional help. With a little time and effort, you can transform your yard into a beautiful and functional oasis that reflects your style and caters to your needs. Happy landscaping!
