If the mantra in real estate is location, location, location, then the motto for effective landscaping is planning, planning, planning.
Landscape design involves much more than placing trees, shrubs and other plants on your property. It is an art that deals with conscious arrangement of your outdoor space. Good landscaping means enjoying the space while avoiding hours of maintenance.
Good landscape design can significantly improve a structure, whether it be a city home, lake home or business, by adding warmth, livability and personality. The work of an unqualified designer can subdue a building, conceal important features or contradict the intent.
Whether you enlist the help of an expert or are a do-it-yourselfer, consider the following:
- Will the ideas withstand the test of time? Know how large each plant will be at maturity, when it will bloom, what color it will be at different seasons, what sun or shade requirements are, what colors will enhance your home and what textures blend together. Once you know, plan the precise placement. Know your soil and how easily you can water. You may need to consider an irrigation system.
- Nighttime curb appeal, as well as security, can be helped by landscape lighting. Illuminate walkways, driveways, and prominent landscape features.
- Do you enjoy the sound of water trickling down a wall or flowing across a bed of rocks, a fountain or pond? Water features bring sound and movement, and they create a more dramatic, even tranquil environment. Wildlife is often attracted to water features – birds and butterflies can be your guests.
- Consider how you want to entertain outdoors. Do you want a modest grilling station or a full kitchen, a fire pit or a masonry fireplace? Decide what will give you a sense of vacation in your backyard.
- Garden art accessories also bring additional beauty and character. Shop for what will bring additional style and beauty to your landscape and home.
Urban landscapers need to ensure they follow city codes. Some trees, grasses and flowers are considered pests. A professional landscaper like Roger Klocke, who started Natural Environments Landscaping in 1987 and Garden Elegance in 2003, combines his landscape design and garden products center with customer service. Customers, he and his wife, Terri, say, appreciate his attention to all the details that make a beautiful, livable landscape. “He has an incredible eye, knowing what will enhance someone’s home,” Terri said of Roger, whose hallmarks are personalized design, quality products and quality craftsmanship.
The Garden Elegance retail center offers the do-it-yourselfer a selection of products from around the world. It has the area’s largest selection of garden art, flagstone, character boulders, natural wallstone and much more.
The Klockes do recommend enlisting the help of a professional to plan and install your landscape. It will, they say from experience, ultimately save money.
If doing the work yourself entices you though, you can still hire their designer to create a master plan and help you find everything you need at their retail center at 5508 53rd Ave. S., Fargo.
Landscaping needs “to fit the style of the home and the personality of the people living there, so when you drive down the street, it’s different and unique,” Roger said.
Now is the time to plan, visit with professionals, and and be ready for the spring thaw. You also can contact your local Extension Service office for tips and ideas.
To contact Natural Environments Landscaping and Garden Elegance, call 701-237-6994 or 701-282-4449.
