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Landscaping combines elements of art and science to create a functional, aesthetically pleasing extension of indoor living to the outdoors. One initial purpose of landscape design is to blend man's technology (house or building) into the natural surroundings.

Landscaping the Front Yard:
The front yard is commonly called the public area. Locations typically landscaped in this area of your yard include foundation plantings, open areas, or border plantings along the street or property lines.

• How do you want to view your planting areas?
• Are they to be enjoyed as you drive up, or as you look out the window?
• How will traffic flow from the front door to the driveway or mailbox?
• Will you plant trees in the front yard and what will you plant?

The front yard is always on display, and should be handled a little more formally than the other areas in your yard. It should be easy for people to find and approach your front door. The plantings should be simple and easy to maintain while complimenting your home.

Landscaping the Back Yard:

The back yard is commonly called the private area .

• How will this area be used?
• How will you "wall it off", providing a visual break between you and your neighbors?
• Do you need a focal point, and if so, where?

Your backyard is usually the largest and most important "outdoor living area" to your family. How will the family move from the house, across the deck or patio, to the various points of interest? As with the front yard, your plantings should compliment the architectural style of your house. However, give yourself permission to relax and play in the back yard. If formal is what you want, go for it. If you want vegetables in one part, and flowers in another part of the yard, you get to decide. Striking a balance will be strictly up to you; this is your back yard.

Things you should know about all Landscape Beds :

Consider the mature size of the plant and growth habit when matching the right plant to the right place. Make sure you know the exposure and drainage requirements for each plant. Plan for as much seasonal change as possible, considering flower, fruit, fall color, and winter interests. Will you be using an edging in the landscape bed? If so, what's involved in the installation? Will you use mulch, or weed barrier and rock, or ground covers in the beds? Will you use boulders or wall stone in the beds? Are you going to haul in topsoil to create raised areas, or amend your clay and plant the landscape bed flat? Have you considered taking a soil test to see what amendments are needed?

Landscaping can be fun:

With a little courage and these principles, let your creativity flow, or hire a Landscaping Professional such as Blade Enterprises who can help you. Once the plants have been in one full year, get some information on good pruning practices to help maintain a healthy, uniform appearance to your landscape.

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