Landscape designers can help prune your yard plan into shape
A narrow strip of land beside a house can be difficult to landscape. (Courtesy Peggy Krapf/www.HeartsEaseLandscape.com/MCT)
Landscape designers can help prune your yard plan into shape
A paved path, seating, plants and privacy can turn a small strip of land into an intimate garden. (Courtesy Peggy Krapf/www.HeartsEaseLandscape.com/MCT)
Landscape designers can help prune your yard plan into shape
A narrow strip of land beside a house can be difficult to landscape (top left). With the right design, it can become an intimate garden with a paved path, plants and seating (top right). Transform a small area of a yard (bottom left) into an outdoor room with stylish and comfy outdoor seating (bottom right).
Landscape designers can help prune your yard plan into shape
Stylish, comfy seating invites guests to linger a while. (Courtesy Tami Eilers/www.mcdonaldgardencenter.com/MCT)
Posted: Sunday, June 2, 2013 12:00 am
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Never underestimate the value of professional landscape designers. Trained to know what plants work best and what designs function best, they can save you time, money and heartache.
“There is much more to landscaping than popping shrubs around a house,” said Peggy Krapf, a member of the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers (www.vsld.org).
“Good landscaping has a real artistic component — integrating architecture, plants and functionality — similar to interior decorating.”
Here’s what Krapf and two other Virginia landscape designers say about good garden design:
Consider the architecture: “I love to bring the architecture of the house into the garden,” said Krapf, of Heart’s Ease Landscape and Garden Design in Williamsburg. “Connecting them with fencing is a wonderful way to enclose the garden — making it feel like an extension of the house. Be sure to use compatible materials and colors in the outdoor spaces. If your home has a brick foundation, be sure to choose a matching or blending color for walks and pathways. Pick out paint colors for fencing, furniture and sheds that echo the accent or trim colors on the house. Choose a favorite flower color and repeat it around the garden for a cohesive look.”
Create a plan: “Develop a plan, make your wish list, set your budget, know the local climate and imagine how you will use the space. Also, consider maintenance,” said Eric Bailey, of Landscapes by Eric Bailey in Newport News. “Do you enjoy the garden? How much time do you have to spend? Do not restrict your landscape to only plants. Decks and patios transition your home from the inside out. If you have a patio, consider a pergola or arbor. If you have a garden path, consider a gate.”
Evaluate curb appeal: “Look at any issues that steal attention from the front door. … Hide trash and recycle cans from view,” said Tami Eilers, of McDonald Garden Center in Hampton.
“Always consider the colors and architectural design style of the house when choosing plants, flowers, paving materials and pots for front yards. Ideally, paving materials should reflect the same color as the roof.
“Placing a tree between the curb and the house gives a sense of added depth to the front yard; 90 percent of front-yard shrubs should be evergreen.
“Keep your house numbers and front porch well-lit, visible and clean, because this is the first place an arriving guest will see. Keep shrubs well below windows and clear from paths.”
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