Landscapes Made Easy

Adding landscaping to your property is sure to add value provided it is done right.  So what would proper landscape look like for your home? In this article, we will give you some tips and tricks that have been helpful for us and for our clients.  

CREATING A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE

1.  Choose plants that are native to the area.

2.  Use plants that follow a simple color scheme. 

3. Vary leaf and plant shapes and heights.

4. Add plants that are easy to maintain.

5. Create interest by changing out annuals in specific areas of your yard.

6. Consider Sun and Shade

CHOOSE PLANTS THAT ARE NATIVE TO THE AREA

Why should you choose plants that are native to the area?  Quite simply, they have a better chance of surviving.  Plants that are already found in your environment should grow easily and make for simple maintenance.  

USE PLANTS THAT FOLLOW A SIMPLE COLOR SCHEME

All plants, aren't just GREEN.  They might have verigated leaves that have yellow or white, or the leaves might tend to look purple, blue, orange, yellow, or....well, you get the picture.  Mix those leaf types and colors, with solid green leaves and then add your florals in complementary colors, or to simplify it even more, flowers that match.  For example, if you have a verigated white and green-leafed bush, you might add solid green philadendron and then white lilly of the valley for a consistent look.  Conversly, you may have lady palms, coupled with a verigated yellow and green bush and then a purple agapantha and purple heart plants along with yellow crepe myrtle.  These types of patterns tend to be better suited for larger landscapes.  So color matters.  Choose a few colors and stick to them.

VARY LEAF and PLANT SHAPES and SIZES

Add visual interest to your garden by varying the shapes and sizes of your plants and the leaves on them.  If you have structured box hedge, you might soften the lines around it by adding a whispy-leaf type, such as liriope.  You'll want incorporate large leaves, with plants that have smaller ones and typically place your taller plants in the back of you landscape so that the smaller varieties are seen.  Remember to always keep plants OFF of your home.  Otherwise, you are inviting insects and creating an environment for mold and mildew on your home. 

ADD PLANTS THAT ARE EASY TO MAINTAIN

Plants that are native to your area are often the easiest to maintain.  These plants also lend to a more appealing landscape since the plant will most likely be healthier in its own environment.  Does this mean you must stick to this all the way through your design?  No way!  Create some whimsy by adding pots or plantings that are focal points of your design.  

CREATE INTEREST BY CHANGING OUT ANNUALS IN SPECIFIC AREAS OF YOUR YARD

Consider adding annuals in pots to a specific place in your yard.  Maybe amarylis or mums depending on the time of year.  These are sure to give your landscape a pop of color while allowing you to feel like your are changing it up a little.  

CONSIDER SUN AND SHADE

Place your plants in the area your plan to plant them, for a few days, to test their tolerance to the light you have in that area.  You'll want to be sure you have them in the proper amount of light prior to planting them.  Check them for water daily to see if they dry out to quickly. Check the leaves to see if they are burning in that area.  Flowers will often need more sunlight than those plants that do not flower.  Look over the care instructions on each plant and keep those instructions taped to a piece of paper, all together, for easy reference. 

Landscape is an important part of adding value to your home.  Have you ever heard that buyers buy your home from the street and solidify their decision once they get inside?  It is true.  We hear time and time again, from buyers, that they fell in love the minute they saw THE house.  Make sure yours is THE house by following some simple tips to creat a beautiful Home Sweet Home. 

If you're searching for more ideas for landscaping or ways to add value to your home, call Mark Card at 386-566-8092. WIth over 50 years of real estate experience, we can help you maximize your most valuable real estate assets.