There are many factors that go into designing a landscape - for beginners, the number of options can be overwhelming. How do you choose the best plants and where to plant them? How do you arrange your yard in an aesthetically pleasing but functional way?
Luckily, there are some basics you can follow to get started in beginner landscaping. Regardless of your landscape goals, knowing the best practices will help you. Here is a quick guide to landscaping for beginners:
The more you know about the plants you intend to grow in your outdoor space, the more healthy and rewarding your garden will be. Consider environmental factors of your yard like the amount of direct sun, shade, wind exposure and rainfall.
It’s also helpful to think about what you want from your landscape: do you want a place to gather with loved ones, or a personal getaway?
Regardless, choose plants that work for the space you’re in. Research specific care needs before buying and planting anything to make sure your landscape gets the right amount of sun, shade and exposure it needs to thrive.
Selecting a focal point is an excellent way to get started on landscaping design. Focal points can be almost anything, but some popular options include an outdoor dining table, a fire pit or a water feature. It could also be a natural element, like a particular tree or garden bed.
If you’re not sure where to begin, try taking inspiration from other yards or outdoor spaces you enjoy. What catches your attention? What will you enjoy in your own backyard? Questions like these can help you in all aspects of your landscaping project.
It’s common for new gardeners and beginner landscaping enthusiasts to get overwhelmed. To help avoid this, start small by making simple changes to your outdoor space, like planting a starter vegetable garden or designing flower beds. Begin with the basic elements of your intended design, rather than trying to act on every one of your landscaping ideas at once.
Some small projects to start with include:
Regardless of your landscaping goals, keeping these basics in mind can help you get started. If you ever need additional guidance, you can always consult the professionals at your local garden center or landscaping company for advice and inspiration.
Ted draws energy and joy from building synergetic relationships with his Clients. Ted's nature is graciously gregarious and persevering; he's honest; and he's been dedicated to a substantial list of clientele throughout his 25 years in the hospitality business and seven years as a REALTOR. His passion is creating a sincere, successful relationship with people.
Ted grew up in a family of Realtors in central Indiana, earned a degree in economics and philosophy from the University of Notre Dame, and jumped into all aspects of the restaurant business. His ensuing hospitality career path eventually led him into the Event Management Sales & Service role in hotels and quickly guided him to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and finally to a luxury resort in the Napa Valley, where he, his husband, and their dog have resided for 16 years now.
The irony is not lost on Ted that his ‘growth’ journey has culminated in“living happily ever after” in an agricultural area with a small-town feel and sense of community strikingly reminiscent of his youth…and as a REALTOR nonetheless!