Springtime is a great opportunity for you to improve the landscaping in your yard. Not only will this beautify your land, but it can also increase the value of your home and improve your physical and mental health. So, as you make your plans, consider ways you can up your landscaping game this season. Here are five suggestions to get you started.
Add Lighting
The correct lighting can make your yard more accessible and more beautiful. Line your pathways with lights in order to make them stand out more. This will make it easier for visitors to walk at night, protecting their health. It will also add a new level of beauty to your yard, illuminating the colorful flowers even at night. You can also look into string lights and solar power to make the yard more festive and welcoming on warm nights. Lights are a great addition to your landscaping year-round, but especially in the spring.
Use a Variety of Materials
If you want to make your landscaping even more eye-catching, use a variety of materials as you plan out your gardens. Different textures will add a new layer of interest. Consider some spiky plants to counter the smooth beauty of your flower beds. You can also use stones to create interest. Many designers use natural flagstone, a sedimentary rock that is broken into layers and used for landscaping. Varying the textures and colors of your materials will make your landscaping far more interesting.
Reduce Your Lawn
While it might seem controversial, shrinking your lawn and replacing the grass with other types of plants is becoming more and more popular. A recent NGB survey showed that 67% of participants who were under the age of 35 wanted a variety of plants in their yards. They still wanted green grass as well, but less of it. Consider this for your own yard. Think about what kinds of plants would look nice in place of grass. This is also a great way to incorporate an herb or vegetable garden into the design, providing fresh food along with beautiful views.
Invest in a Water Feature
A water feature is a unique way to add character to your yard. Depending on the size of your space, you could do anything from a small fountain to a koi pond. Consider making it look natural using local stones with a weathered look. Or you can go for a more obvious decorative approach by using marble. No matter what you decide to go with, a water feature adds personality to your landscaping.
Add Seating
If you want to truly enjoy your landscaping, add seating to your design. You can incorporate benches along the walkways or you can make a designated area for socializing, which is good for your mental health. By adding seating and potentially a table, you invite yourself and guests to relax within your garden. It makes for a more welcoming atmosphere that you can enjoy at any time. As you consider your seating options, ask yourself what would look best and what you would be most likely to use. Decorative seating that no one sits on can be pretty but impractical. Meanwhile, ugly seating could wreck the view. Find comfortable seating that will go with the style of your landscaping.
If you want to up your landscaping game this spring, there are many ways to do so. By considering these five tips, you’ll get a head start on the ideal landscaping for your home. From there, you just need to apply them!