Designing Your Surroundings

As it always is in designing or decorating anything, looking at other examples is a prudent and intelligent thing to do. You can get lots of creative ideas for landscape designs from books and other publications available from the library or home improvement centers, such as Home Depot or Lowes. Lots of landscape design ideas are also available online, with design tips, how to select plants for your particular geographical area, and general care advice.

Any landscape design should include a variety of trees and plants that complement each other throughout the seasons. Since blooming seasons differ between varieties, alternate these plants in different areas throughout your yard, so that your yard flows through the seasons. Don't forget the annual and perennial mixtures, these flowers and blooming shrubs add a pleasant fragrance to your outdoor retreat. Landscape designs can also be very pet friendly by including a walking path and a stump or solid structure that can be for your male dog. Be sure to keep toxic plants away from the pet area, and have a small patch of grass just for your four-legged friends. They won't be as tempted to tear into your new plants if they have an area that is designated just for them and save yourself some headaches.

If you still have absolutely no idea what type of landscape design would best complement your available yard space, consult a landscaping specialist. These professionals offer a different vision of what types of landscape designs you could choose from, and have abundant knowledge about indigenous plants and others that will thrive best in the type of environment you live. Take your time and look at a variety of landscape design options, then make your choice based on your budget and time etc. You can always add a little at a time to your landscape design, it doesn't always have to be done all at once. But you do want to have some idea how you want your finished landscape design to look. After all, this will be an area of your home that will provide you a relaxing retreat, a place where you can be in touch with nature all in your own backyard!