Residential landscapes have much practical value, as well as many other benefits. A good landscape design not only adds value to your home, but having a beautiful yard to enjoy and socialize in brings a soothing to the soul. Getting started on such a project takes expertise and planning – and here we look at some of the mistakes commonly made.
The first mistake would have to be piecemeal design without the benefit of a landscape plan. Most of us immediately think of plants in the landscape, but designing for functionality should come first. Designer and homeowners need to consider how to connect the indoors with the outdoors and how the outdoor spaces will intersect with each other. One should plan for spaces such as patios, small seating areas, play areas, vegetable and flower gardens and also edges/plantings/fences/walls that define those areas from one another.
Major and minor pathways should be located and layout and materials for them chosen from a palette that is in harmony with the architectural style of the home.
A second common mistake is to overlook considering primary views, both from the street to house and from windows inside the house looking out into the garden.
Creating a well-designed entry from the street will create a kind of “curb appeal” that immediately increases the value of the home. Adorning that transition from street to front door will be a welcome to visitors as they approach the house. That view is also something shared with the neighbors and much appreciated by them. I always try to stop and thank homeowners on my morning walks, when I admire their yards and consider what value that they add to our little community. Considered views from the house draw one out into the garden and allow us to be “in the garden” year around when weather may not otherwise permit it.
When we consider creating those various spaces noted above, a common mistake in design is to undersize them.
Major walkways should be sized so that two people can walk abreast of each other and constructed in a way that people of various abilities can transverse them. Minor pathways can be narrower and less formal in structure, using materials such as step-stones and softer surfaces such as gravel, decomposed granite or even bark mulch. Patios need to be sized according to the number of people who will inhabit them and large enough so that outdoor furniture fits comfortably with room to walk around the various pieces.
In my next column, we will continue this discussion about residential landscape design.
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