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Landscape Design

Learning Landscaping

9 years ago

Hi everyone. This is coming from a previous that owned a house but just bought a new house and wants to get serious in making their yard look really nice. I'm always up for learning but how and where to learn is the question. I absolutely have no clue in terms of landscaping.

How in the world do you learn what plants work i'n your area? Just walk into the local big box stores and see what they have available?

How about overall landscaping design. Do i need to get a book or maybe look at some blogs? I'm been trying to learn as much as i could buy watching youtube videos but i need more.

Any help would be appreciated.

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Comments (4)

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Yardvaark
9 years ago
For starters, look at lots of landscaping and evaluate it, trying to discern what's good from what's not. Discuss here.

As far as what grows, big box and many garden centers sell plants that really don't grow in the area. Better to start looking around where you live and observe what grows. Meet some gardeners and learn from them. Trial and error. Visit a local botanical garden. Go on garden tours.
violetwest
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
This is what I did in a similar situation (first time homeowner and gardener):

1) Start reading: Go the library and check out books on landscaping; buy books at your local B&N or Amazon. Videos are great for how-tos, but books are better for background knowledge. Lots of good websites out there, too.

2) The big box stores, as Yardvaark says, are not the greatest for plants, since they ship in "popular" plants that may not do well in your area. However, they are good for other supplies, such as edging, pavers, trellises, etc.

3) Start visiting your local nurseries and learn the names of plants. Bring your books to start learning about the plants, whether they are native or adapted to your area, how much water and sun they need, and especially how big they grow. Just like puppies and kittens, those cute little plants in their pots sometimes grow into mature monsters.

4) Investigate local resources, such as your county extension office, local university extension and agricultural website, local master gardener programs, and local public gardens. All are excellent sources of advice specific to your locality.

5) Plan to put hardscape and "structures" in first. I don't know if this is standard practice, but I think it's so much easier to get that messy, labor-intensive stuff down first. A good hardscape plan can divide the space into "rooms," protect your foundation, add height and interest,direct water to where you want it, make patio and play spaces, etc.

6) Last but most IMPORTANT: Spend a lot of time in your yard thinking and observing. Don't skimp on this step -- thinking and planning can take many months as you observe the seasons progress on your property. Find out the answers to these questions:
--What do you want to use the yard for?
--How much maintenance are you willing to do?
--Where does the sun fall on your yard? When?
--Where does the water go? Where do you want it to go?
--What type of soil do you have?
--What is your USDA hardiness zone?
--Will you be installing low voltage lighting, or other lighting needs?
--What other conditions do you have to address: Privacy? Shade? A view to highlight or block? Stong winds? pet/kid needs?

hope this helps
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
violet's suggestions are excellent, especially #6 ! And don't try to rush into it. It takes time to learn about plants and gardening and certainly landscape design. If it were all that simple, many of us professionals would be out of work!

And I'd suggest you not focus too much on YouTube videos. Many of them are a bunch of junk produced by folks who have no idea what they are doing or talking about.

If it all gets too overwhelming - and it could - consider consulting a professional for at least a verbal consultation.
ncage30
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone for your time in replying to my post. Lots of great information. Sometimes it can be hard to get started.

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