A Beginner’s Help Guide To Designing The Yard
A yard is an integral part of a home. It provides a space for activities, relaxation, and enjoyment. It’s important to design it to meet the needs of the family.
However, designing a yard can be a challenge for a beginner. There are many things to consider, but it’s no reason to worry. There are easy guides that can help a homeowner design the yard to make it a place of comfort and entertainment.
Designing A Garden: Beginners Guide
It is very possible to grow your garden without buying some seed from stores. This is true and might happen if your primary goal is to have a vegetable and fruit garden. In case that you are going to plant those, you will need to have a piece of all the plant food that you want. Fruits and also vegetables have their own seed; this means that once they are planted they have a tendency to grow more. This is really a great way of starting your own garden and doesn’t have the need of seeds to be bought at stores.
Before starting on the planting process, it is best to make a garden map. Make sure that you mark the exact place where you plan to plant the seedlings. Maps are very useful is planting especially if you are going to have different plants. By having a map, it will be a lot easier to take care of your growing plants. Usually for beginners, all plants look the same. So if you made a map, you can identify quickly what kind of plant it is when it stated to grow. It is also useful in terms of keeping track of your plants at the garden.
Gardening is quite easy to learn. All you have to do is have all the right gardening tools and help to grow a thriving and healthy garden. Almost every individual can make their very own garden; they will just need some patience and also the time to exert into this project. And if you learned all the things to do, you can absolutely grow your own garden, once you apply what you know.
In doesn’t need to be very challenging in gardening. With some gardening tricks, it is easy to make your black thumb into green with just a few problems. At times, you will need some time and also knowledge to be a first rate gardener. And of course, constant gardening practice will enhance your skills. Just work hard on your garden and all be will fine. Even gardeners that are world champion had to begin with their very first garden. And not all gardeners can grow a wonderful plant at their first try.
Realizing that the simple gardening skill you have has graduated from being just simple past time and hobbies, and that it can really help in making life a little bit manageable, can be a tremendous help for you. When you will be planting and growing and then reaping those that can be sold to the market; and when you won’t need to buy the food that you will serve your family-these are also going to make a great impact on your finances. Since we are still feeling the effects of recession, I am sure that will make the difference.
If you’re about to design the yard of your dreams for your new home, you might find these tips helpful:
1. Identify The Needs Of The Family
The first step in designing the yard is identifying the family’s needs. Every homeowner has different needs, and determining them will be a big help in planning the design and features of your future yard.
The family’s needs can be anything from relaxing, playing, or entertaining guests. Take some time to assess what you and your family would like to get out of the yard.
Once that is settled, several factors can help determine what kinds of design should be incorporated into the yard: like flora and fauna, accessibility to the house, and maintenance requirements.
Read More: Exterior Design Tips That You Will Want To Know
2. Locate Your Spot
The next part of finalizing your design is finding the spot in your yard that will be the best place for it. Many beginners make the mistake of designing their yard without considering this important factor.
Ideally, the spot should have southern exposure to receive plenty of sunlight. It should also be close to the house for easy access and there should be space for a tool or gardener’s shed.
But the most important reason to consider in choosing the spot for your project, is because that’s the place where you’ll spend most of your time. It’s where you’ll end up hanging around during the weekends while having fun with the kids, reading a good book, or simply enjoying the outdoors. So, before deciding the spot for your project, try to imagine what you would want it to be.
3. Decide On The Landscape Design
After identifying your needs and the perfect spot where you’ll place your yard, it’s time to select a landscape design. You can start by researching and looking through some outdoor photos and magazines to get ideas on what you like.
There are limitless landscape designs that you can choose from, but make sure to select one that’s suitable for your climate and the conditions of your yard. You don’t want to invest time and money on a design that won’t be functional or would require constant maintenance.
You may even decide on a theme for the yard, for more inspiration in designing it. It’ll make it easier to choose plants, design hardscapes, and pick out furniture based on the style that you want. Popular themes for yards are Tuscan, country cottage, Zen, and modern. In following a theme, you can figure out what you need and purchase it all at once, making the entire process less daunting.
Many landscaping companies will help you with the design, installation, and even maintenance services.
4. Make A Plan And Illustrate It
The next step in designing the yard is planning and illustrating it. Once you’ve identified what you want your yard to look like, visually illustrate it in the project plan.
Use graph paper when drawing the plan, to give yourself an idea of the area size in each part of the yard and to identify what the function of each area would be. You can include diagrams that show perspective of the yard.
It’s a great way to catch a glimpse of what the finished product may look like and also makes it easier to communicate with landscapers or designers who will be helping you bring your design to life.
To make the planning even easier, you should consider some aspects such as:
- The budget you are willing to spend
- The appropriate plants and trees that you’ll place based on your location’s climate
- The structure you plan to build, such as a patio, deck, or gazebo
- The need for a kid’s play area or pet’s spot
These are all important aspect that you should contemplate on when planning your yard project.
5. Consider The Size Of The Yard
The size of the yard needs to be considered when designing it. Because it helps determine the type of landscaping that can be used and the location of any structures that will be built.
Small yards can be designed in several ways and still look beautiful. One popular trend is to use vertical landscaping to make the yard look more modern and artistic. You can also use containers, furniture, and other decorative items to add interest.
Large yards present more possibilities when it comes to design. Many homeowners choose to have different areas for specific activities, such as a unique patio for dining and relaxing, a play area for the kids, and even a garden.
6. Decide On The Lawn Care Type
Another major consideration in designing the yard is the type of lawn care provided. There are two types of maintenance for lawns; natural lawn maintenance and manmade or mechanical lawn maintenance.
Natural lawn maintenance is the more traditional way of caring for a yard. It consists of removing debris, watering, feeding, and mowing the lawn. This method relies on using natural methods to maintain the health of the lawn and can be less expensive in the long run.
Mechanical or manmade lawn maintenance uses machines to take care of the lawn. For example, a gas-powered mower would be used to cut the grass, and a weed whacker or string trimmer will be used to get rid of weeds and other vegetation that has grown throughout the yard. This method typically requires more money initially for equipment but is faster and more convenient.
7. Make A List Of What You Need To Buy
Once you’ve completed the initial planning, make a list of what you need to buy to start the construction. It includes plants, flowers, mulch, and topsoil materials, and equipment such as a lawnmower and other landscaping tools. Don’t hesitate to invest in quality equipment, because it will benefit you in the long run by being more efficient and durable.
If you are hiring a professional landscaper, be sure to include the cost of their services in your budget. You can ask for references and schedule at least one or two consultations to discuss the garden design ideas, budget, and expectations.
8. Add Some Fun Extras
After the main design is complete and you have begun implementing it, don’t be afraid to add some extra ideas. These could include a hammock, porch swing, or fire pit. It would also be a great idea to set up a small garden shed, water fountain, and a birdbath.
It’s time to get creative and add some personal touches. These extra ideas won’t cost much money, but they’ll add interest and personality to the yard. |Being able to enjoy it for years to come, is worth the small investment.
The important thing is to have items in the yard that is aesthetically pleasing but is functional as well, making it memorable and exciting for people who visits it.
9. Shop Around For Supplies
The next step is shopping around for supplies. Make a list of the necessary items to start building your yard and visit multiple stores to compare prices. It’s always practical and wise to keep an eye out for sales and coupons.
10. Get Started
Now that you have all the information and equipment you need, it’s time to get started on your new yard. Begin by removing any debris from the site, and then removing grass and vegetation. Line the digging area with plastic to protect the ground. As you progress, keep in mind all of the design ideas brainstormed earlier on.
It shouldn’t be done all at once, so start with the basics and add more as you have time and money. You may want to reassess for a couple of days and then make some revisions before finalizing it. It’s your yard, so make it something you’ll be proud of, and that will add value to your home.
11. Have Fun
Lastly, the most important thing about creating a new yard is to enjoy the process. Take your time and make sure that you are happy with everything and that it does meet your needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment on your project and try new things. You may even want to get the family involved in creating and maintaining the yard.
A perfect yard project doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient throughout the entire process and enjoy yourselves.
Final Thoughts:
Designing a yard can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does take some planning and thought. By following this simple beginner’s guide, you can create a beautiful and functional yard where your family and loved ones will make memories to cherish for years to come.
