Home Landscaping

Privacy Landscaping

There are many things you can plant to make natural hedges that will keep your yard very private.  However, when planting a hedge, you must be sure the plants are evergreen and do not lose their leaves.  If this happens then you will only have privacy four months out of the year!

Good trees that tend to make for good privacy features are American aborvitae. Here is an example of a hedge of these trees.  With some simple plants and flowers to go with this hedge, it creates a beautiful sight!

Another idea that creates a smaller hedge, instead of a giant wall, is to plant smaller shrubs such as Ilex crenata which is a Japanese Holly.  When trimmed correctly, this creates a beautiful short wall.

 Lastly is a more permanent idea. Rather than planting a row of trees or shrubs, consider building a retaining wall.  This has potential to look very expensive and fancy and it can be done for a low price.  Also this is more reliable incase one of the trees in a hedge of shrubs dies.  Located under the "Do It Yourself" section there is a retaining wall you could build!

Hardscapes

 

There are many benefits to landscaping. Landscape and hardscape improvements increase the value of your home, they also add non-monetary value to a home as well. Landscape and hardscape improvements can add the following benefits as well:

    Lower noise pollution

    Reduce crime

    Lower heating and cooling costs

    Improves the appearance of property

    Blocks unsightly views

    Provides added living space

    Increases the use of outdoor spaces

Annuals and Perennials

Annual flowers are those that complete their life cycle in just one growing season. In other words, you plant a seed (or a seedling plant), it grows foliage, then flowers, seeds and then the plant dies, all in the same year. Annual flowers tend to bloom from spring until autumn frost. Although they must be replanted each year, annuals are hard to beat in terms of showy, season-long color.

Perennial flowers are those that grow for three or more years. Although most perennials tend to have a relatively short season of bloom, combining several species in your planting can yield season-long color.

 Do It Yourself 

Here are some easy do it yourself landscaping projects that will put the finishing touch on your outdoor are.

Paver Patio

You will need:

-Gravel and stone dust

-Pavers

-Wood stakes and string

-Shovels

-Hand tamp or plate tamp

-Grading rake

-Level

-Hammer

-Tape Measure

1.Using the string and stakes, layout the area you want your patio to be

2. Dig the area of the patio down about 6 inches.

3. Spread the gravel around evenly about two inches deep, tamp this down with the tamper.

4.Spread the stone dust about two inches thick evenly, just as you did with the gravel.  Tamp this as well. 

5. Layout the pavers in the desired pattern and use the level and hammer to set them into place and keep them level.

6. Use mortar or concrete or your desired solution to keep the pavers in place.

7. Now enjoy the patio!

Simple Water Feature

What you need:

-Fountain Pump

-Large Planter

-Plastic Tub

-Epoxy Putty

-Adhesive Furniture Feet

-Small Stones

1. Flip the tub upside down and place the pump on the center of the tub, the purpose of the tub is to elevate the pump and hide the cord.

2. Drill a hole in the tub that is big enough for the cord to fit through.

3. Then, put the cord of the pump through the hole you just drilled, then put the cord through the bottom of the planter.

4. Insert the tub upside down into the planter with the pump on top.

5. Seal the bottom of the planter with the epoxy putty.

6. Place the adhesive furniture feet on the bottom of the planter.

7. Put the planter where you want it and fill it with the small rocks.

8. Fill it with water, plug it in, and watch the water flow!