Any homeowner can tell you landscaping design matters, but what matters most in landscaping design? There are so many elements and decisions to be made during a landscaping project that it’s easy to get lost in the process. You can get so bogged down in small details and endless possibilities that things don’t turn out quite as expected or major components get overlooked.
We’re here to help you stay focused and get the landscaping design you always dreamed of. Below are three things that many experts and homeowners consider to be what matters most in landscaping design.
The first rule of landscaping design is to know what you’re working with. At Colourscape we always do site inventory and analysis to get a firm understanding of our canvas before we start designing. The analysis helps to determine the functional, aesthetic and planting requirements.
The process should go beyond doing an inventory of what plants and structures are currently present. For a landscaping design that will last you need to know:
The goal is to know the environmental factors that affect the landscaping design. Two things to pay attention to are which plants are doing well and which ones are struggling. This will give you insight into where the soil conditions are best and what types of plants to avoid using. After a thorough analysis, you can determine which plants will most likely thrive and how to place them for optimal growth.
One other thing that needs to be factored in is how the outdoor areas are used, the intended use and how you want it to look when you’re done. This information helps you map out activity and entertainment spaces.
You can have the most spectacular landscape design with beautifully positioned outdoor lighting, intricate paved paths, and eye-catching water features, but no one will notice if the lawn is struggling. A healthy, green lawn is an integral part of most landscaping designs.
The site analysis done earlier in the project goes a long way in getting a lush lawn. You’ll know what type of soil you’re working with, how much coverage is needed and whether more than one type of grass is needed because of sun/shade patterns.
If the aesthetics of a healthy lawn aren’t enough to convince you of its importance may be the financial aspect will. Some experts estimate that lawn care can have a return on investment of 267%.
Landscape design, like interior design, is most effective when there’s an overarching theme. A style theme provides direction when you are selecting materials, colors, and plants. It helps to create a cohesive design where all of the elements work together.
Choosing a theme can be a little stressful. It’s a big decision that will have a dramatic impact on the entire project. Start by considering the design of the existing structures. The landscaping design theme should complement the architecture of the home or building. The style of the neighborhood is another factor when landscaping design is visible from the street.
It also helps to check out landscaping designs online and save the ones you like. This can reveal the aesthetic style that you’re most drawn to for your own property. It’s also a great resource for relaying ideas visually if you are using a professional landscaper.
Popular landscaping design themes include English garden, formal, woodland, oriental and xeriscape.
Colourscape specializes in landscaping design in the Houston area. Our team has decades of experience creating one-of-a-kind designs that look great season after season. If you’re ready to transform your landscape give us a call to set up a complimentary consultation.