Designing your new home is the first step in creating your living environment. You also need to design the area around your home as well. With a little planning, you can create a unique area that compliments the exterior look of your home, increases curb appeal and serves a variety of functions. The easiest way to make your home your own is to design your yard in ways that make it feel comfortable and inviting. Think of your yard as a blank canvas. You have a variety of tools you can use to create a lawn that is just as unique and functional as you are.
Type of Plants
When deciding on the type of plants you want to include in your lawn or landscaped areas, you need to consider how much maintenance you are willing to invest in them. Artificial turf is becoming extremely popular in areas where drought conditions are common. One of the main benefits of artificial turf is that there is relatively no maintenance. Natural grass lawns not only require a regular watering schedule, but you must also mow, trim and remove yard waste at least twice a month.
If you want to include decorative plants, there are several types of grasses that grow extremely tall and make an excellent backdrop when planted near fences. You can also add bushes or flowering plants that provide color and fragrance.
Landscaping Options
By landscaping certain areas of the lawn you can create focal points that add visual appeal. Landscaping can include decorative plants, flowering bushes, small statues, lighting, fountains and either organic or inorganic mulch. No matter what materials you choose to use, you can create almost any type of mood. With subtle background lighting, you can put spotlights on specific plants or items located in the area or you set the lights to music for subtle changes.
Recreational Areas
If you are a sports enthusiast, you can include a variety of different recreational areas in your yard. Tennis courts, putting greens, bocce ball courts, swimming pool, hot tub or patio areas can be included when you are laying out the yard's design. By making preparations ahead of time, building them will be easy and you will already have everything measured and ready for them to be installed.
Cement patios and large wooden decks can be created that lead to a swimming pool or outdoor barbecue/fire pit area. You can build your patio to include anything that you would possibly need for a gathering, such as a picnic table, lawn furniture and a permanent grilling station and fire pit. You can even purchase an weather proof entertainment center that allows you to watch television and listen to music outside.
Climate Conditions
When you design your yard, one of the most important things to take into consideration is the climate. Climate conditions will dictate what types of plants will thrive in your region as well as what will produce the best blooms or fruits. If you live in an area that is prone to extreme drought conditions, the plants and decorations you choose will have to be able to survive in hot, dry weather. Extremely high temperatures can damage lawn furniture and burn both plants and grass, stunting their growth and turning them brown.
If your area is prone to sudden downpours and massive amounts of precipitation, you will need to find plants that can handle excessive amounts of moisture without getting root rot. If you do not know what type of climate conditions are prevalent for your region, you should talk to a local landscape professional before you invest large sums of money in any foliage or decorative plants.
