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Not planning ahead is probably the Number 1, most common landscaping mistake a homeowner can make. Why? Because it leads to many of the other common landscaping mistakes that take an ideal vision – and make it a reality loaded with problems.
Here are three of the most common, landscaping mistakes and how to avoid them. We’ve also included some “bonus tips” on things you can do to keep your current landscape looking it’s best.
Just as websites such as Houzz and HGTV blew up the world of interior design, they also increased homeowners’ interests in exterior (landscape) home design. As a result, there are tens of thousands of homeowners out there, basing their DIY landscape designs on pictures of what looks good – rather than solutions for the yard they have.
For example, it’s lovely to plant beautiful, delicate flowering plants – but not if you have small children and pets. You may be passionate about sunflowers or petunias – but find they wilt and fail in your shade-prolific yard. The key to a successful landscape is to identify what your lifestyle and yard space realistically accommodate.
Things to take into consideration:
Even if you want to save money by doing the work yourself, a single consultation with a professional landscape designer can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the wrong landscaping materials, not to mention your time and energy.
The rise of popularity in the British murder mystery (and the previously cited design websites) has elevated the idea of landscaping potential because the shows often feature luxuriously landscaped estates. Something to remember, though, before you go out and get ready to plant those box hedges, or plan a backyard meditation labyrinth, is that estate-style landscapes are high-maintenance. Plus, it rains a lot – year-round – in the UK.
Your best bet is to determine how much time (or money, if you plan to hire a professional yard maintenance team) you want to spend each week or month on your landscape and then plan accordingly. If you’re a low-maintenance household, we recommend creating a low-maintenance landscape you can enjoy – along with one that supports your community’s water restrictions and pricing tiers.
Most plants bloom for just a season or two at a time. So, if you don’t plan in the long-term, your yard will be stunning in spring and summer, and then whither to a blank canvas by fall and winter. The best landscapes are those that “think ahead” and plan to ensure there is visual interest in all seasons.
Just as your colorful, summertime zinnias begin to fade in the fall, your calendulas and English daisies will take over with gorgeous blooms. You will also want to balance annual plants (those that have to be repotted each year or two such as pansies), with perennial plants (those that bloom year after year, like Gaillardia Grandiflora or Blanket Flower). In this way, your yard and gardens are appealing year-round, and the maintenance requirements are balanced as well.
Here is a quick bullet-list of other tips that will ensure you design an attractive, Bay Area landscape:
Interested in landscaping design ideas customized to your yard space and lifestyle? Contact us here at Bay Area Landscapes to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to provide a one-and-done consultation, and we are also available to keep your landscape looking its best all year long.