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An island bed brings the tranquility of a gardenscape to your lawn. It's a pleasant variation on the common garden placements along a property line or directly in front of the house. Since an island is visible from all sides, it requires edging or continual maintenance to keep tall lawn grass from impeding the view or encroaching onto the island.
If you landscape properly you can actually add an increased sense of privacy to your back yard. Learn about frugal landscaping for back yard privacy with help from a landscaping industry expert in this free video clip.
Succulents provide gardens and yards with contrast in aesthetics since they have different appearances than other types of plants and require minimal maintenance. Succulent plants store water in their fleshy leaves, making them adaptable to dry and hot environments. Some succulents are less than 2 to 3 feet, allowing gardeners to place them in small side yards. Make sure the side yard has good soil drainage and access to full sun exposure.
Metal gazebos provide you with a freestanding structure in which you can relax or entertain guests. Such gazebos are simple to erect if you purchase one in the form of a kit. By using welding or carpentry skill, or creativity, you can create a personalized metal gazebo to help complete the look of your outdoor living space.
One of the keys to having well manicured landscaping is paying as much attention to the structures and surfaces in your yard as you do to your plants. Yard brick in a retaining wall, garden wall, planter or walkway can break down from exposure to plant roots, ice and water. However, you can reface yard brick in a number of ways based on the look you want to achieve.
Having a patch of gravel in your yard with benches or chairs placed on it can provide instant seating around your home and encourage garden guests to relax together or spend quiet time alone. Through careful landscaping, you can take the drab, open area currently on your gravel and transform it into the kind of garden nook you’d like to sit in. Before you can begin planting, you’ll need to consider the types of plants and accessories you want in the area and the overall look you’re going for.
In the United States, craftsman bungalows were extremely popular during the first half of the 20th century. Craftsman bungalows are characterized as rather small homes with an emphasis on developing a harmonious relationship between the home and its natural surroundings. The landscape of bungalow homes follows a similar philosophy of harmonizing the man-made structure of the home with its natural surroundings by incorporating plants native to the home's geographic location. Harmony aside, other considerations when landscaping a home involve the shape of the land, budget and personal lifestyle.
Landscaping your yard is an important aspect of home upkeep, because it creates a welcoming environment and increases your home's curb appeal. Beautifying a yard with a hill can pose a challenge, though, because when it rains the water can both cause plants to erode and puddle up at the base of the hill and damage those plants. Think carefully about your landscape options when you are working with a hill so that you create an area that is both attractive and can help control the hill's erosion.
Contemporary landscapes reflect the clean lines and industrial materials used for modern architecture. There's an emphasis on functional outdoor spaces that entice people to spend time outside. Gardens are not a priority in the modern landscape; visual interest is provided with sculptures, plant containers and small water features The contemporary approach is especially suitable for small yards where space is at a premium.
Courtyards are characterized by enclosure. Whether it's bounded by a fence or a wall, the courtyard is a private world. The intimate nature of courtyards is a strength but they're often small spaces. Bringing in vertical elements in the form of trees, planted to break up the horizontal line of the enclosing structure and to draw the eye upward, creates a sense of space without interrupting privacy. Internal planting and ornaments complete the courtyard oasis.
Planning a landscape design is challenging but it is important to plan ahead. Particularly with a large yard, like a 3-acre garden, which is expansive and will become cumbersome if not easily maintained. Design your yard according to your particular needs but choose many elements that are low maintenance, such as a rock garden instead of acres of lawn. Keeping up on mowing and weeding gardens takes away from the time you enjoy your space.
An incline brings variation and depth to a back yard, but it also presents maintenance challenges. Inclines can be dangerous to mow, and drainage issues typically lead to dry soil at the top and moist or eroded soil at the bottom. When landscaping a sloped back yard, choose hardy, attractive plants that will improve the appearance and health of the overall area.
Small trees can serve as focal points in the front yard or bright spots in the shade tree understory. In small yards, small-sized trees can even serve as shade trees. Trees that offer visual interest in multiple seasons -- spring flowers, decorative summer fruits, colorful fall foliage, exfoliating bark -- are particularly good choices.
A beautiful yard will make your yard adored by your neighbors but an un-kept yard can be a nuisance. Doing something with side yard space may seem like a daunting task but with professional tips and the right accessories an ordinary side yard can become an outdoor sanctuary. When you've run out of creative ideas when it comes to your side yard there are a few things you can do to bring it back to life.
There are some really easy front yard decorating ideas that can add tremendous curb appeal to your home. Even better, most are quick and inexpensive, especially if you already have the decorating items in your house or garden shed. You will be adding seasonal beauty to your home and are sure to get many compliments with any one of these ideas.
From tiny columnar cacti that grow only a few inches to the giant saguaro, columnar cacti have a distinctive look of low vertical ribs that run from bottom to top of the cacti column. The columnar cacti root system is a long tap root that will extend deep into the ground to stabilize the plant and feed. Columnar cacti can be grown from seeds, although seed-sowing is not as successful as propagating the cacti from a healthy cutting.
In a small yard, added features like a Jacuzzi can take up valuable space. While you may have limited landscape options, there are plenty of shrubs and trees you can incorporate into the yard to add color and privacy for you and your guests. A Jacuzzi is an ideal feature to have in any yard to spend time with friends or enjoy alone, so use landscaping to complement the tub rather than hide it on a patio or in an inconspicuous area of the yard.
Your entryway and mudroom are the first parts of your home that guests see. It's also the area that sees the most foot traffic from your family. As a result, its design should be a blend of form and function. When remodeling your entryway and mudroom, there are a variety of projects both large and small that can improve the area's look and make it a more useful space for you and your family. Once you determine your budget, you can figure out which of these projects provides the best fit for your home.
Water sprinklers can save you time when it comes to maintaining a healthy, green lawn. A properly installed system will cover the entire surface of the lawn with a light spray of water. Some can even be set to turn on and off automatically at selected times. The pipe system of the sprinklers is installed under the surface of the lawn; each sprinkler head is low to the ground so that they are not very visible. This keeps a yard looking clutter free. This project does not require a professional for most steps. However, check with your local town or…
The advantage of a small yard is that the landscaping details can be worked out more intricately. Because space is limited, you will need to utilize every square foot in a productive way. The beauty of the yard, as well as its function, will enhance the home's livability. You will also want to entertain more if your yard is an enjoyable space to spend time.
Make your yard a distinctive showplace by creating a desert landscape using cacti. Combining a variety of cactus shapes and sizes will compliment most home styles and areas. Once the cacti landscape is complete, it is a low-maintenance alternative to the traditional flower bed. Not only do you spend less time watering, but you also save on your water bill. Having a simple plan and doing some research on cacti will give you the effect you want.
Even small side yards can be landscaped for your outdoor enjoyment. No matter the size, with some careful planning it is possible to create an outdoor space that is enjoyable and welcoming. Decide what you want your yard to contain, and create an area you will be proud to share with family and friends.
It's said that fences make good neighbors, but building a fence isn't the only way to put a little buffer space between yourself and the surrounding houses. Whether you live in a neighborhood with lots in close proximity, or simply desire a little more discretion from the prying eyes of neighbors, you can enhance the privacy of your small front yard.
Decorating basements can be tricky because basements often have no windows. If they do have windows, the windows are generally very small. There are several things that interior decorators do to make small windows look larger or to make the small windows complement rather than detract from the decor in the room.
Small houses present wonderful opportunities for trying out inventive landscaping. When the front acreage is far less than an acre, it's less expensive and time-consuming to plant a cottage garden, recreate a craftsman bungalow entry or design walls to shield your comings and goings from a nearby street. The University of Missouri reminds home landscapers that the purpose of the front yard is to direct people easily to the door, and provide a sense of style that harmonizes with the architecture and the surrounding neighborhood.
Sprinkler valves control the flow of water to individual zones on a control box. Linking the valve to the box is a series of colored wires. These wires carry electric currents which cause a pin inside the valves to push on a diaphragm, releasing the flow of water to sprinkler supply lines. By tracing back the colored wires on a control valve to the control box, you can easily identify which sprinkler valve is on which zone.
Whether a small courtyard invites or repels depends on how creatively it's designed. How you decorate your courtyard depends on how you plan to use it and, to some degree, on how much sun it gets. Careful planning makes a small courtyard into both a peaceful retreat for solitary contemplation, and a private outdoor party room for entertaining guests.
Closets serve an important storage function in the home, but you probably wouldn't know it from looking at the interiors of older homes. Back when these homes were built, people did not have the same storage needs as most families need now. Often you are lucky to find older homes with closets in the bedrooms at all, let alone ones that can tackle the expansive storage needs of the modern home. Decluttering and paring down your closet needs can help you make the most use of a small space.
A tropical landscape can be created in almost any climate. A tropical landscape increases a home's value and contributes to the home's overall atmosphere. Placement of key plants and trees creates a landscape. When designing a landscape, choose only plants that survive in your geographic planting zone. These zones, developed by the National Arbor Day Foundation, identify the survivability of plants and trees for your area.
A small house requires smart use of space. Owners of a modestly sized home can better utilize limited space with an open floor plan, the elimination of unused formal rooms, the use of multi-purpose spaces and the inclusion of built-in furniture. After the economic downturn, many Americans began opting for smaller residences for cost savings. Others are simply interested in reducing their carbon footprint, green living and the conservation of natural resources.
Whether you intend to grill, read or grow a container garden, a front patio extends your living space, offering a casual outdoor area. The appearance of a front patio not only adds to your enjoyment of the space, but it also can enhance the curb appeal of your home. Examine both functionality and style when selecting furniture and accessories.
Windows can be a stunning focal point for a room. Aside from filling a room with natural sunlight, they give you a view of your surrounding environment. However, decorating a wall with windows can be tricky. If you have a full wall of over-sized windows that run practically from floor to ceiling, you might feel overwhelmed by a lack of decorating options. On the other hand, if you have several standard-sized windows, you may be stumped on how to decorate by uniting them effectively. Luckily, there's a solution for every situation.
Different landscapes can create major change in the way you feel in your home. Natural areas reduce your stress and increase your energy. When designing a landscape for your home, try to think about what you personally love to see in nature and duplicate it as much as possible in your space. Major themes could be pools and small waterfalls, Japanese influenced lanterns, or just a simple bench in front of a great garden.
A front yard becomes an extension of an outdoor living space with the right landscaping efforts. While having a green lawn and well-manicured shrubs was once the only right way to landscape a front yard, many new ideas and methods exist for less-traditional homeowners. Some of these ideas require a professional landscaping crew, while others are easily implemented by the homeowner.
When installing a backyard pool, homeowners often want an unusual, eye-catching design that stands out amidst the rest of their landscape. Depending on the style that you prefer, there are several options that can make a statement in your yard. If you are having trouble choosing a design for your home, examine the way in which you plan to use your pool, and you will likely find an option that best meets your specific needs.
You don't have to wait until a holiday such as Christmas or Halloween rolls around to decorate your front lawn. Make your house stand out from the rest in the neighborhood all year long with decorations. Add beauty and curb appeal to your lawn using statues, plants, lights, lawn furniture and architectural structures.
Living in a desert climate has its challenges, especially when trying to plan out landscaping in a small area. Desert terrain features sand, harsh sun exposure and limited water, but there are still plenty of ways to beautify your surroundings. When planning the landscape for your yard, it's important to choose plants that thrive on little water and even create different zones in the space to utilize a water supply. Just because you live in the desert doesn't mean you're stuck with cactus. With a little planning, your yard can be colorful and beautiful.
Your front yard is often the first impression of anyone driving by or stopping over for a visit. Trees significantly add to the landscape of your home, but they are also the most permanent features due to their size. Choosing trees for your front yard is not as simple as picking one for its appearance. Consider also its final height, care and maintenance.
Every square inch in a small yard counts. Plan the garden before you plant to take advantage of every scrap of space. Just because your yard is small doesn't mean you can't have flowers, vegetables and herbs as well as space for play and entertaining. Utilize containers, hanging planters and making your beds and borders do double duty.
Images of hearth and home conjure up a roaring fire in a stone fireplace. Next to the fireplace can be a box with stored firewood that you make yourself, or you can buy an unfinished pre-built model. The box's construction, use and placement are factors to consider. A wood firewood bin should be sturdy and have adequate interior space. Ensure it is accessible and will complement your furnishings.
You don't have to give up the dream of a pool just because your yard is small. Certain pool designs are ideal for small yards. Although several existing pool designs are suitable for smaller yards, most pool builders will even work with you to customize a pool that meets your needs, budget and accommodate your yard size.
A great lawn doesn't come cheaply. The cost of neighbors passing by on the sidewalk who take time to comment on the greatness of your lawn can be better measured in terms of labor and attention than money. Those homeowners who take lawn maintenance seriously can be rewarded with a showcase, admired by all those who pass by.
Lawn maintenance specifications are the written details of what the property owner expects from a service caring for her landscape. It can be in the form of a written memo or a contract. The critical element is that both the provider and the recipient know the precise work that is to be performed and the payment for these services. Key sections of the written document include mowing, edging, fertilization and pest management.
Landscaping makes the difference between a boring yard and one that you can be proud of. It entails not just planting trees, shrubs, flowers, ground cover and grass, but doing it all in an organized, well-designed fashion. Rather than stick random plants in haphazard locations, carefully plan the concept and look of your landscape for maximum visual interest.
Basement windows can give homeowners a headache. They're often too small to let in any real light or positioned in an inconvenient area that leaves your basement open to prying eyes. Luckily, there are numerous ways for you to hide your basement windows in a charming and decorative manner. However you decide to hide your windows, ensure that they can still open and close, as they still need to function as a source of ventilation for your basement.
Decks provide a convenient outdoor living area ideal for hosting small parties, family dinners, or just to sit and enjoy the outdoors. A small yard provides a slight barrier to building a good-sized deck. Having a small yard does not mean you have to use stairs only to exit the house. Decks can be customized to suit any size yard.
Small side yards often go unused because of an awkward shape or limited space. If you have an open area on the side of your house, use it for a barbecue area; the narrow space is often a perfect fit for a grill and prep station. As you plan a landscape design for a barbecue, consider safety issues and usability.
To establish landscaping with a small budget, you will first need a plan. Then consider the cost of each item and possible alternatives. The cheapest ideas may not be the best, if they require much maintenance time or money. Landscaping ideas for small budgets may take a little more time to become established but can still produce an attractive and usable space.
If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace in your home, a firewood shed can give you a place to store logs for the fire and keep the wood dry and protected. You can build a firewood shed away from your home as a separate building, or you can add it onto another structure, such as the side of a house or barn.
All landscaping requires some maintenance to remain attractive. If your budget is small and your time is limited, however, take some time to create a plan. Note your planting zone and the amount of shade, sun, moisture and other conditions that may influence plants in each location. You can then incorporate some low-maintenance landscaping ideas for your small budget.
The right landscaping turns a small urban yard from plain to decorative. Landscaping in small spaces presents issues of overcrowding. Traditional-style decorating may overwhelm the small area making it appear cluttered. Roots and foliage debris growing into a neighbor's property is also an issue. Keep cost in mind before beginning execution of any landscaping project.
Small gardens can be a challenge for gardeners, but with today's smaller lots, they're becoming more common. There are a few tricks to make your small garden appear larger. If possible, use curved lines for your flowerbeds or pathways. This will trick your eye into thinking the space is larger. Select only a few varieties of plants. Choose flowers that bloom in shades of one color, such as pale lavender to a rich plum. This uniformity gives the appearance of a larger space. Selecting a theme for your garden helps in plant selection. Only choose those varieties of plants that…
The average lawn or yard in the United States measures 1/5 of an acre, or approximately 8700 square feet. Anything smaller and, yes, you have a small yard. You may not be able to play football, or even Hacky Sack, in your space, but there are many ways to make your small outdoor experience enjoyable.
Just because you have a small patio space doesn't mean you can't be creative. Small spaces are perfect for creating a look and theme that's unique---and you don't have to spend as much money on decorating. With just a few items based around a theme, you can make your patio distinctive, personal, entertaining and inviting.
Landscape a small sunny spot of your property with perennial flowers and herbs that will reappear every year. Many perennial flowers and ornamental herbs thrive in a sunny location. Landscaping a small spot with perennials can result in dazzling color and aromatic sensations for your property. The blossoms and scents will attract birds and butterflies.
Close your eyes. Imagine the classic small cottage. Do you see the white fence? The flowering shrubs? Maybe a small pond? A busy street? Probably not. When searching for real estate, sacrifices must be made. You may have your small cottage on a busy street or in an urban setting. Adapt your landscape to maintain the quaint appeal of a classic cottage.
Homeowners who are challenged with small-space living have options for decorating their patios. Though space is limited, it can have a big impact. Be inventive, use your space effectively and use designer tricks to make your patio appear more spacious. The result will be a patio that invites your guests to stop and enjoy.
Dress up your small front or back yard by planting native plants from your area. You may only need a few compact plants to create a more appealing yard. Choose plants that naturally grow slowly, or select dwarf shrubs and plants. Avoid over-sized trees and shrubs because they can take up too much space.
Small-scale, inexpensive landscaping offers you the chance to garden when larger gardens are not possible. Small-scale gardens include miniature dish gardens, patio plants, wildlife plantings, and even potted vegetables and fruits. Whether you're unable to care for a large garden because of injury or you live in an apartment, you can have a beautiful, manageable, and affordable plant haven.
Basement windows are notoriously small and famous for letting in very little light, not to mention having mediocre views at best. That said, it doesn't mean you have to give up on these windows completely. With a little effort and strategy you can make your basement windows seem bigger and fresher.
A mudroom is salvation, particularly if you live in a four-season climate with months of snow, mud and rain that you don't want brought inside. But when the mudroom lacks the desired capacity, you have to get creative. A cluttered entryway will spill over into the rest of the house. A blocked doorway is very inauspicious, not to mention inconvenient and irritating. Expand your too-small mudroom with clever use of furniture and fixtures.
All your items will fit into a small walk-in closet with the proper layout and design. The traditional setup of a closet, with a long clothes rack and a few shelves, leaves a pile of clothing and other items with no home. Step out of the traditional design box to alleviate this issue. Before redesigning your small walk-in closet, always go through your items carefully and discard items you do not use or wear any longer. The largest of closets cannot hold every item you have ever purchased, so stay realistic in your expectations.
There are many landscaping options for a small front yard. When landscaping a small front yard it is important to remember that you need only one focal point for your design. Decide on what kind of theme you want for your front yard, choose something as your focal point and begin your design from there.
Small water fountains add attractive and soothing décor in a garden or on a counter. Indoors or outdoors, fountains have a relaxing look and sound that enhances any style. The soft gurgle of the flowing water can drown out noisy neighbors, traffic and children.
Small windows in a house or apartment can become a decorating challenge because the wrong window treatment can impact the room in a negative way. Avoid the common pitfalls of making the window or space look too small and cramped. Draw attention to the window area, by learning some designer tips and tricks of how to take advantage of small windows when decorating.
Small courtyards give you the opportunity to beautify a space within the architectural design of your home. Despite the small space, grow vegetables, herbs, ornamental plants and climbing vines can grow there. By contributing natural elements into the courtyard, you not only create a pleasing entertainment area but also can grow food and flowers for get-togethers.
Orbit has been producing lawn care products for more than 40 years, and their sprinkler system line makes installing an entire sprinkler system more manageable. Take the project one step at a time to minimize difficulties and mistakes along the way. Do not underestimate the need to plan your sprinkler system before digging holes and trenches. A little planning in the beginning will save you time and money in the long run.
A desert landscape offers the perfect solution to creating beautiful, unique landscaping in even the smallest of yards. If you live in a drought zone or love the dusty look of the Southwest, a desert theme lends itself well to xeriscaping, which offers a low-maintenance solution for your yard while utilizing less water than traditional landscaping ideas.
Small yards present challenges to homeowners who dream of installing a pool. For many homeowners, challenged by asymmetrical property lines and limited ground, there simply is not enough room for a traditional swimming pool. Thankfully there are small space alternatives for backyard pools. Pools in mini sizes, custom shapes, and original designs are all possibilities. These creative ideas can help make the most of a little backyard.
Small homes have a charm all their own and a warmth that make them inviting. But there is a big difference between a small home that is cozy and one that feels cramped or cluttered. Fortunately, some minor creative changes can make a big difference in the feel of these cramped homes. There are a lot of these “big” ideas out there for small homes to bring that cozy feel to life.
The interior design of a church is supposed to be highly functional and yet visually appealing at the same time. A church’s décor can reflect the attitudes of its members. Ancient cathedrals with stained glass may remain virtually unchanged for centuries—yet even in small churches, something as simple as moving a potted plant can create a schism. Because of this, great care should go into designing the interior of a church.
Small windows are often best-dressed when they're wearing nothing but a topper. While it's tempting to think of curtains in terms of the best style for the window, the reality is that a window is just one element in a whole room. Most often, rooms with small windows need every bit of light that those windows can let into them. Valances are one way to dress up small windows without reducing the light they provide in a room. The right valances can help balance walls, camouflage uneven window frames and set a new tone for the style of a room.
While small landscapes may mean less work, it may be difficult for landscape equipment and mowers to maneuver around the beds and structures. With limited space, landscape planning is even more important.
Retainer walls add to the design of your landscape while providing a spot to plant vegetables and herbs. Use creeping flowers such as sweet pea and moonflower vines along the wall for an added design element. Install solar lights around your wall to create a magical glow at night. Plant large evergreens along the wall to create the illusion of a smaller space.
Small side yards are sometimes hard to landscape because of the small space and odd shape. Air circulation is problematic as well. A solution for a small side yard is to decorate the area with a tropical theme. Tropical plants will withstand the heat and add dimension and color to an otherwise drab area.
Small patios can be very attractive and welcoming spaces, you just have to use a little imagination when it comes to creating the illusion of space and in utilizing the area to its fullest. Create small but beautiful surrounding garden areas. Add a water feature and the ambiance of your small patio has been transformed to a private retreat.
Simplify the landscaping in your small yard with pavers for an outdoor living area or add layers to the design with flower beds that border the yard. You can even build a focal point like a small waterfall and a pond in one section of your landscaping for a peaceful retreat.
If you're fortunate enough to have a front patio area, then you'll certainly want to make the most of it. Even if your space is limited, you can still turn it into an appealing, enjoyable place to relax, study entertain. Here are some ideas that will help you make the most of your small front patio area.
When you're dealing with a small closet, you need to think about its purpose and what kinds of things you want to store there. Then you can determine how to maximize your storage space. There are many ways to use all of the available space; you just need a little creativity and the right supplies.
Landscaping is all about putting your personal design stamp on your out door space. You can hire a professional landscaper and allow them to design a landscaping theme, or ask them to follow your ideas. If you are someone that loves gardening and out door projects, you can create beautiful landscapes all by yourself.
