Xeriscape landscaping or, simply, xeriscaping,by definition, is landscaping designed specifically for areas that are susceptible to drought, or for properties where water conservation is practiced. Derived from the Greek xeros meaning dry,the term means literally dry landscape. Note that xeriscape is pronounced as if it began with the letter, Z, which sometimes…
Homeowners can quickly tire of the way their yard is landscaped – or maybe not even landscaped at all. Everyone wants a pretty, well-kept yard that looks planned. So what if you’ve never landscaped before? Many people are scared to try it themselves, thinking that landscaping is best left up to professionals. Good news: it’s not! There are plenty of simple ways…
Buying a cottage on Cape Cod was the homeowners dream but the weedy, wooded, spider- and mosquito-filled lot had become a nightmare. After: Dream Realized Chris Lambton and crew push back the wilderness and clear the weeds and fallen, rotting trees then extend the deck to create designated dining and food prep areas. Insect-repellant flowers and herbs, like…
If your home is your castle, but the area right outside looks like a blackened, scarred landscape worthy of a medieval battle scene, you know you have work to do. Your home s landscape wasn t meant to be abandoned, abused and neglected; it s an asset. In fact, a functional, beautiful yard can increase a property s value by as much as 20 percent [source: Colorado…
Small yard landscaping is no easy task. Despite less surface area, homeowners, or apartment owners who want a flashy curb appeal, need to work that much harder to make their yards stand out. Fear not, as there are five easy and simple small yard landscaping tips you can do to make sure your home or apartment doesn’t get lost in the neighborhood chatter. Add Flowers…
A Birmingham, Ala., couple couldn’t believe their luck when a larger townhome down the street came up for sale. Before moving, they wanted to have both the new front yard and new backyard redesigned and landscape plans drawn. The busy professional couple were not gardeners, so low maintenance was a priority. They wanted year-round good looks, so evergreens were…
If you own outdoor power equipment, you owe it to yourself and your yard to use them in the best ways possible. But it’s easy to let your equipment sit in storage with no idea what to do with it. You have the tools, you just need some inspiration to make your yard the envy of the neighborhood—and to do it quickly and easily. Edge Around Your Lawn A string trimmer…
Front Yard Infographic Having trouble remembering the width of a driveway gate? Not sure how much space you need for parking? Wondering how wide to make your front walkway? Find all these dimensions and more on this handy infographic featuring common front yard elements. Front Yard Dimensions (PDF) Traditionally, front yards serve two main purposes: providing…
Hard yet soft ― these seemingly contradictory qualities are part of gravel s appeal. Durable enough to cover paths, terraces, and driveways, gravel conveys a softer mood than most other types of paving, says Susan Calhoun, garden designer for the Bainbridge Island, Washington. It feels more organic than pavers or brick,says Calhoun, who prefers to limit the…
The blocks for this project have a locking flange — which makes the installation easy. The interlocking blocks can be used to build walls up to 28 inches high. Follow the block manufacturer s instructions concerning wall height limits. Plan your layout. Avoid having downspouts pointed at the retaining wall and, if it s against the house, keep soil and mulch well…
What are some great garden ideas & garden designs? Everyone has an idea in their head about what makes their dream garden. You should always keep the conditions of the land in mind, as well as their own personal preference and taste. You can inject a “feel-good” factor into your garden design to help it feel welcoming and inviting to both you and your…
Until recently, water conservation was strictly an issue facing the dry western states. But as our population grows, the existing water supply may not keep pace with increasing demands elsewhere. Whether this is related to drought or inadequate delivery infrastructure, it is now a more widespread challenge. With efforts to live green with greater sensitivity…
What are French drains? When are they useful? How do you install them? If your neighbor s land stands at a higher elevation than yours, you may be experiencing problems with excessive moisture on your property. Water from your neighbor s property may be running down the slope (just one of the challenges of landscaping on a hill) and spilling onto your property…
Before starting on your new landscape design, survey your area and make some notes; you cannot concretely consider certain landscape decorating ideas unless you identify what kind of climate you are living in, how much you are willing to spend and how much space you have to work with. Additionally, as you browse several Victorian landscape ideas and landscape…
Successful landscaping goes well beyond a beautiful lawn. See 12 pro tips for showing off your front yard. By Larry Bilotti Your front yard, regardless of its size, plays an important role in your home’s overall curb appeal. Your landscaping, however, goes well beyond just a beautiful lawn. It should take into account the style and size of your house, how it’s…
Imagine a gorgeous flower garden drenched with color from early spring to the first frost of autumn. A daydream, you say? Not anymore! This flower garden design fills the wish list of amateur and expert gardeners alike with … Constant color: Spring flowers and foliage in burgundy, pink, and blue give way to yellow, orange, blue, and ebony for summer and autumn…
Swipe to view slides The combination of used brick and weeping mortar joints used in this older home was extended to this retaining wall that brings the front entry patio up to grade with the front door. This irregular technique is a remnant of Arts and Crafts brickwood where the irregular setting of bricks and the extruded mortar was a desirable feature. The…
“Blah.” Does that word or something like it come into your mind when you gaze out at your yard? If it does, perhaps the next word should be thinking is: “landscaping.” That can mean everything from a modest do-it-yourself makeover to calling in a pro to make substantial changes. Whichever you choose, the first step is dreaming and planning, landscape designers…
New to gardening? In the market for easy gardening tips? We re sharing all of the gardening basics you ll need to turn your backyard into a stunner. From drought gardening advice to recommendations on the best drought resistant flowers, make the most of the dry conditions in your backyard with these expert tips. Is your backyard throwing shade on your garden?…
Check the local nursery or home center and find out if there are fruit or nut trees, or berry producing shrubs and bushes that do well in your area. Here in the south, we have pecan trees, blueberries, and grapevines which are often used in landscaping and provide a food source for wildlife, as well as ingredients for favorite recipes. Choose the right plants…
If you re planning a patio, it s a sure bet you ve got plenty of patio landscaping ideas. It might even be the case that you have so many, you re overwhelmed by the options. Luckily, there are great options that can help you decide which patio landscaping ideas are best for your outdoor space s design. After exploring deck and patio design ideas, one of the first…
Learn the best way to choose plants, trees and mulch for your new landscape. Plants Southern Nevada is home to a broad cross-section of desert-friendly plants. A visit to one of our local demonstration gardens, such as the one found at the Springs Preserve, can give you a good idea of how these plants interplay in a landscape and provide inspiration. Our landscape…
