Whether you are a new homeowner looking to spruce up your outdoor space, or just starting out on your landscaping journey, this article is here to help. Landscaping can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tips and tools, anyone can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that they can enjoy for years to come.These landscaping tips for beginners are sure to make your home look great while being easy enough for anyone to do!
Whether you rent or own your home, keeping it looking nice does more than raise property values for your neighbors. It also gives you a home to be proud of, a space to relax and more. Landscaping can be a great way to enhance the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you have a small backyard or a large property, there are plenty of landscaping tips that can help you transform your yard into an oasis of beauty and relaxation.
What are some good general tips for landscaping for beginners?
While you could pay someone thousands of dollars to create the perfectly landscaped yard of your dreams, there’s really no reason to. Using these landscaping tips for beginners, you can create the look you’ve always wanted while keeping to your budget.
Plan your landscaping project
Before you start digging, it’s important to have a plan for your landscaping project. This means taking into account the size and shape of your yard, as well as any existing features that you want to incorporate into your design.
A simple sketch or drawing can help you visualize your landscaping ideas and make it easier to choose the right plants, hardscape elements, and other landscaping features.
If you want your drawing to be more correct on measurements, consider using graph paper and drawing things to scale.
Start with the basics
If you’re new to landscaping, it’s a good idea to start with the basics. This means choosing plants that are easy to care for and that will thrive in your local climate.
You may also want to consider adding some hardscape elements, such as a patio or using pavestone or stepping stones to create a walkway, to your landscaping design. These features can help define your outdoor space and provide a foundation for your landscaping project.
Once you have your patio area designed, consider adding patio furniture and other outdoor elements such as a fire pit.
Choose the right plants
Choosing the right plants is one of the most important aspects of landscaping. When selecting plants for your yard, consider factors such as sun exposure, soil type, and water requirements. You may also want to choose plants that are native to your area, as they will be better adapted to local conditions and will require less maintenance.
Flowers are always a great addition to your landscaping. Choose varieties that resist pests and those that can be used medicinally or in a culinary setting for best results. Calendula (Marigold), rose bushes and wildflowers are always great options.
Just remember if you plan on using these plants medicinally or in a culinary way to only use organic fertilizer on them so you avoid excess chemicals.
Use mulch
Mulch is a great way to add visual interest to your landscaping while also helping to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. When choosing mulch, look for a type that is appropriate for your plants and soil type. Mulch can be made from a variety of materials, including wood chips, straw, and shredded leaves.
Mulch also comes in a variety of colors that can be used to accent your plant growth and the color of your home. Black mulch is always a great go-to, but red mulch and other colors can often give your yard that special pop you’re looking for.
Create a focal point
A focal point is a key element of any landscaping design. This could be a yard statue or sculpture, a water feature, or a particularly striking plant.
Whatever you choose, make sure it stands out and draws the eye. This can help anchor your landscaping design and provide a sense of cohesion.
Add lighting
Adding lighting to your landscaping can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This could be as simple as adding a few solar-powered lights along a walkway, or as elaborate as installing a fully-integrated outdoor lighting system.
Whatever you choose, make sure it complements your landscaping design and provides adequate illumination for your outdoor space.
Use containers
Containers are a great way to add color and visual interest to your landscaping without committing to a full-scale planting project. You can use containers to showcase seasonal flowers or to grow herbs and vegetables.
Make sure to choose containers that are appropriate for your plants and that complement your landscaping design.
Incorporate water features
One of the more commonly used landscaping tips for beginners is to incorporate water into your landscaping design. Water features, such as fountains and ponds, can add a soothing and relaxing element to your landscaping design.
If you’re new to landscaping, start small with a simple fountain or bird bath. As you become more experienced, you can experiment with larger and more complex water features.
If you want your hard to have more of a shabby chic look, I have a tutorial for a DIY upcycled Terra Cotta bird bath right HERE that always looks great!
Don’t forget about maintenance
Landscaping requires ongoing maintenance to keep it looking its best. This means watering plants regularly, trimming bushes, shrubs and trees, and keeping your lawn mowed and edged. Make sure to set aside time for regular landscaping maintenance so that your yard always looks its best.
If you don’t have the time, it may be worth hiring someone to mow and maintain your yard weekly. Obviously, this is entirely dependent on if you can afford this or not.
Learn from your mistakes
Landscaping is a learning process, and it’s inevitable that you will make mistakes along the way. Whether it’s choosing the wrong plants or overestimating your ability to maintain your landscaping, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Use your mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow, and be open to making changes to your landscaping design as needed.
Be mindful of your environmental impact
When designing your landscaping project, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your choices. This means choosing plants that are native to your area, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, and using water-efficient landscaping techniques.
By taking a mindful approach to your landscaping project, you can help create a more sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor space.
Don’t forget about the seasons
When planning your landscaping project, it’s important to consider how your yard will look and function throughout the seasons. This means choosing plants that bloom at different times of the year, as well as incorporating features such as outdoor heating and lighting to make your outdoor space usable during colder months.
By taking a seasonal approach to your landscaping project, you can create an outdoor space that is functional and enjoyable year-round.
Get inspiration from other sources
Don’t be afraid to get inspiration from other sources when planning your landscaping project. This could be as simple as browsing landscaping magazines and websites, or as involved as visiting local botanical gardens and nurseries.
By getting inspiration from a variety of sources, you can help create a unique and personalized landscaping design that reflects your tastes and preferences.
Have fun
Finally, don’t forget to have fun with your landscaping project! Landscaping can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, and there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and experiment with different design elements. Whether you’re planting a new garden bed or installing a new water feature, enjoy the process and take pride in the results.