Starting Landscaping for the First Time

From which type of grass to use to which types of plants to buy to which features are most important, there are many decisions to make when you decide to start landscaping your yard for the first time. Picket fence or ornamental? Flowers or ferns? With that many decisions, it's easy to get extremely overwhelmed!

If you want to do landscaping, but you aren't sure where to start, here are some great tips for new landscapers:

Take pictures of yards you like. If you really aren't sure where to start, getting an idea of what you like is a great thing to do. When you see a yard or feature you like, take a photo. Check out magazines and websites, too.

One note of caution, though: it's easy to get ahead of yourself! Remember not to plan on jumping right into the biggest projects possible--enjoy what you can do and then build on it.

Ask questions! Don't be afraid to ask people who know more about landscaping for help. Ask your neighbors or gardener friends what they suggest and what they do to care for their yards. Talk to those who work at your local garden store for ideas on which kind of plants will grow best in the climate while still suiting what you want.

Getting opinions from people who already have beautiful yards will definitely help steer you in the right direction for your own project.

Give your yard a purpose. Before you start buying any materials or drawing any sketches, think about what you use your yard for. Do you relax there with your family? Play with the kids? Let out the dog? Entertain?

As you plan your yard, remember to support the purpose of your yard. Knowing what you want to do will help you know what direction to take!