What to think about when you are doing a new landscape

At Nickel Creek Landscape and Design we can do it all for you or we can help you help your own yard.  The design process is something we love but we know that you have great ideas to, so if you’d like to consolidate your own ideas for your landscape, here are some thoughts for you:

Mapping a Design

First, you will need to map out your lot or property on graph paper.  Some may even choose to purchase one of the many computer programs available specifically for landscaping design.  Be sure to include you house and other buildings on your property. Next, decide if you are going to use existing walkways, decks, driveways and so on.  Anything considered permanent could be removed or altered to fit your new look.  Are there plants and trees in your yard that you wish to keep?  Map the ones you wish to keep.  Some plants can be moved to new locations creating a new look and possibly giving the plant a healthier location.

Creating a Look

Creating a landscape depend greatly upon what look you are going for.  Do you want a yard with little upkeep or do you have a green thumb?  Do you need more lawn for children to play on, or would you rather sell the lawn mower?   Are you looking for curb appeal or wish to create a privacy screen to block wind or any unsightly view?  Drive around and look at other yards to get ideas for your own yard.  Keep in mind however, their yards are already mature, they did not instantly look that way!

Take notes when out looking at landscapes and keep a gardening book handy to identify plants you like.  There are many publications available about landscaping and plant types.  Most will also be able to tell you what plants are right for your climate.  Next, go to a local nursery.  They only sell plants that thrive in you location and the people caring for these plants are an excellent resource.  If asked what will grow in full sun on a slop with sporadic watering? They will provide a list of available plants. They can tell you the approximate size a plant will grow to enabling you to decide where to plant it within your yard or garden.  Nurseries can also help identify pests and diseases attacking existing plants, trees or shrubs.  With the proper care, your yard will grow to be the most beautiful on the block!

Lighting is a beautiful addition to any any landscape plan.

Landcaping Installation

This is often a back breaking process, so you wouldn’t be the first customer of ours to call us in to do your installation.  However, you can forge ahead too.  Take a garden hose and lay out your garden shape in the area where you want to do the installation.  You will need to remove all grasses or plant growth from the area.  Think about replentishing your soil by having soil delivered from you local nusery.  Do this process several days before you plants are delivered so that it has time to sit and rest before planting.  Once you are ready to plan your newly puchased plants, leave them in the pots while you are deciding the final layout.  Things often look different on paper then the so in live, so be ready to move things around until you are satisfied with the location of each plant, tree or shrub.

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