Landscaping & Landscape Design
A backyard landscape provides a homeowner with an opportunity to create beauty outside of her home by using the many features and natural elements available with landscape design. A well-designed backyard begins with a plan that takes into account what the area will be used for and the feeling that is desired in the backyard.
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History of Landscape Design
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There was a time when the average person did not give too much thought to the landscape design of his property. Most people simply did not consider the lawn and the design of their outdoor living space to be of a high enough priority while they were busy trying to support their family.
Landscape design really started with the nobility and landed families who had an abundance of space to work with and a desire to create something beautiful around their homes. During the later part of the 1700s, a turn was made away from formal gardens to a natural design including pools, lakes and trees to provide natural beauty. In England in the 1800s, designing and creating lovely gardens on a wealthy landowners property was quite common.
In the mid-1800s city parks became another area where landscape design was practiced. Many of the parks in the United States were designed by landscape architects with the idea of creating a beautiful space in the middle of the city for everyone to enjoy.
Function of Landscape Design
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Today, landscape design is used by many homeowners and not just the very wealthy or city governments.The function of a well-landscaped backyard is to provide a place of natural beauty and sanctuary for the members of the household. The backyard has become a place to entertain guests, spend time with the family or just enjoy some quiet time outside of the home.
Features of Landscape Design
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The features of landscape design include natural elements alongside man-made features. For instance, a rock garden can use natural elements that you will find in your own backyard, arranged in an attractive fashion. Decks and patios are man-made features that are used in the design plan to provide a comfortable area for you to entertain and relax while you enjoy the tranquility and serenity of your own natural space.
Common features of landscape design include flower gardens, shrubs, fountains, ponds, decks, patios, rock gardens, gazebos, swimming pools and carefully arranged trees. An effective use of lighting is another feature that should be included in a landscape design. For instance, if you plan to entertain a great deal in your backyard, you should consider lighting for nighttime entertaining and plenty of comfortable seating for your guests.
Considerations
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A larger landscaping project can be broken down into smaller stages to keep the costs low. The costs can also be kept low by doing a majority of the work instead of hiring landscapers. Building a pond or a deck is a do-it-yourself project that is much less costly when the price of labor is eliminated. The project will also be much easier to complete if it is planned in small stages instead of one large landscaping project. Don't be afraid to plan a few years down the road to get the landscaping design that you want.
What are the Benefits of Landscaping?
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The first and most obvious benefit of your landscaped backyard is the peace and tranquility that you will enjoy in your own backyard, but there are many more benefits that you might not consider.
The ability to entertain guests in your backyard is one of the benefits of landscaping your backyard. A swimming pool in the backyard can also save on family vacations.
Your home value (and resale potential) will be increased with a well-appointed and landscaped backyard.
Landscape design allows a homeowner to enjoy the beauty of nature in the comfort of his own home. Getting back in touch with nature can be an effective stress reliever at the end of a long difficult day in the city. The work involved in maintaining a landscape design is also beneficial for many people who find gardening and maintaining a lawn enjoyable.
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