Sometimes we inherit a landscape that's been well managed and needs very little TLC. The previous owner understood curb appeal and how it affects everything around it. They assessed quality, gathered a plan, spent the money and raised the value of their investment.
If you are lucky enough to have inherited this type of landscape, count your blessings because you are definitely in the minority.
In reality, most of us inherit our landscapes from past owners who gave up on curb appeal twenty years ago and left us to manage anything that survived. This usually consists of old, outdated, overgrown green blobs of something that is hard to look at and even tougher to identify.
Relax, don't get frustrated, you can change your curb appeal.
There will be 2 things that will slow you down. Money is always a concern but you can build your landscape in stages as funds become available.
Your first road block is simply getting started and finding the time to act on the impulse you've probably had for years to do something about your curb appeal.
Your second issue will be deciding on your new plant choices. The varieties and colors are endless and this takes research, patience and probably some professional help. Your landscapes environment (soil conditions, sun/shade) will have the ultimate say in what plants you choose but the decisions can be really tough.
Contact me
Remember, if you decide to do this on your own and you will succeed, the work will not be easy and it will absorb a lot of your time. Go for it and if you need help, e-mail me your questions, my info is in the contacts page.
If you want something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.
Just the facts
Questions you must answer before getting started.
1. What is your plan? Do you have a plan?
Without a plan you will spend more time and money and the results will frustrate you.
2. Planning on amending your existing soil?
You will never have a better opportunity to guarantee the future health of your garden then before you plant. Spend the money and amend your soil.
3. What plants do you like? How big will they get ? Do they require a lot of care? Do they like sun or shade?
Learn about the plants you think you like. Are they right for your landscape? If not, move on. Poor decisions now, will affect the future health of your plants and cause your more work. Choose wisely.
4. How much money can you spend? Save and do in phases.
Knowing up front how much you can spend each time will allow you to follow a comprehensive plan instead of piece mealing things everytime you stop by Home depot.
5. Will you do the work yourself or pay a professional?
If you can afford it, let the professionals do all the hard work (tear out of old material, bed prep, edging and new installation). You simply plant the flowers when their finished.
If you don't have the money, prepare for a lot of hardwork that will not only test your will power but also your heart power. Be careful and take your time.
Don't over think, great ideas will grow!
Getting Started
What tools do you need?
Basic Tools
Bed prep? You should.
Do this before you plant
When was the last time you checked your gutters?
Clogged roof gutters will make a mess of your new landscape.
Clean those gutters
Learning how to manage weeds is an asset.
Dandelion-bad
Did you know you have help with weeds
Save lots of money and time.
Before you purchase any plants for your new landscape, learn about each variety you like. One of the most important things is the mature or final size of the plant.
When you know mature expectations, you know how much space to allow between each plant at installation. Spacing each plant a little wider allows it to grow and mature to its full potential without the usual pruning and maintenance problems that occur with over planting.
Proper spacing not only leads to a healthier and more natural looking plant, it saves a lot of money and time by simply decreasing the amount of plants you buy and then have to install.
What are some landscape companies thinking
Junipers over planted. Every other plant should be removed
Leyland Cypress planted too close made them grow tall and thin. Space at least 10 feet apart at installation, they will eventually grow together.
Leather leaf Viburnum grows 8 feet wide, bed space is 4. Not a good choice.
Newly installed junipers in double rows. Bed space is 2 feet wide and one individual plant will grow to be 4 feet wide. How deformed will these plants be after 3 years of necessary pruning that will be needed to keep them out of the parking lot. Bad design, bad installation and lots of wasted money.