Do It Yourself Landscape Design – Where To Begin
There’s an old saying that states something like – “Getting Started Is Half Finished”. And so many times I find this to be true as I see do it yourself landscapers struggle to find their initial design idea. However, once they establish a framework of necessary design elements, it usually goes pretty smooth from there.
It’s not surprising that the most common landscape design question that I get is – “where do I begin?” or “how do I start my design?”. I know it can be difficult. And especially if you don’t have a vision for your design.
So where do you begin? How do you start your landscape or garden design?
While every design is different and every designer follows a set of rules and principles, I find that most do it yourselfers all have the greatest success from using the same starting point. Begin by laying down any paths, driveways, access routes, or walk areas that might be needed. And also create access to any areas that you may plan on creating. In many designs, this will help to establish a framework that you can simply design around.
Of course, this won’t be applicable in all designs as many don’t require any access or travel. So take and use this advice where and if you can.
Paths and walkways can accomplish many functions in your landscape or garden. Their main function, of course, is to create a designated space for people to walk on.
However, in design and as an aid to design, their function could be to guide your visitors to, through, or away from some other area in the garden. Also, they’re a great way to break up a vast expanse of lawn, meadow, or bed area.
First, let’s look at walkways, paths, and such as necessary elements.
Walkways are needed to guide visitors or yourself to and from another area. Observe that almost every home has a walkway leading to the front door, which is, of course, where most folks want to invite guests to come. So walks, whether refined (brick, flagstone, etc.) or primitive (gravel, mulch, etc.), are necessary to “guide” or “lead” visitors to, through, or away from an area.
So where are the necessary areas where you need other walkways or access? Maybe from the back door to the alley where you dump the trash. Or from the
1000
house to the pool area. Or from the pool area to the kids play area or the outdoor cooking area. You get the picture.
In a design sense.
Establishing walk, drive, and access areas will in turn help to create borders and boundaries. Once you have your walkways laid out, you can simply design a lot of the landscaping around them. The same goes with driveways and parking areas as well. You can plant beds on either or both sides of a walk or use a walkway as an edge to create borders.
Keep it interesting if you can.
If you were to, for instance, plan to place a sitting area at the back of the garden. Of course you would need some type of path for you and your guests to get there. However, instead of plotting a straight path, why not create a winding tour through other interesting areas of the garden on the way there?
Curves and winding paths do more than just create interest. They can also create an illusion of more space, distance, and travel. This is especially useful in creating small gardens and landscapes.
Once you lay down walkways, driveways, and access areas, you’ll have a good starting framework for the rest of the design. Now, simply design around them.
By: Steve Boulden
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Written by Steve Boulden. Steve is the creator of The Landscape Design Site which offers free professional landscaping advice, tips, plans, and ideas to do it yourselfers and homeowners. For more free advice on landscaping and garden planning, visit his site at: www.the-landscape-design-site.com/landscapeplanning.html
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Landscaping Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Home & Family | Landscaping
Landscaping Plannning – Tips on low maintenance, yet awesome landscaping Chicago
Home landscaping – The basic checklists
Tips in Finding the Right Las Vegas Landscape Company
Canvas Gazebo – A wonderful Choice For Savoring Your entire Outdoor
Lawn Care In Your Lewisville Home
Landscaping and Sodding Services
The Wonders of the Mulberry Tree
Landscaping Plannning – Tips for gorgeous garden landscaping
Garden Arbor Plans – 5 Keys To Building the Perfect Arbor
Landscaping Plannning – Wonderful ideas to choose your landscaping contractor
Add A Hot Tub To Your Backyard
Deciding to add a hot tub is a great choice for any homeowner. A hot tub has many benefits including physical benefits as well as providing a great atmosphere for social gatherings. And, because a hot tub is heated, they can be used all year round. If you are considering adding a hot tub to your deck, backyard, or as an addition to your swimming pool, there are a few points to consider.
Because many hot tubs are above ground, homeowners can install hot tubs themselves. As it were, planning is involved for such aspects like location, support, and more. The first major aspect to consider before you decide on purchasing a hot tub is where your hot tub will be located. Because a hot tub is modular and many varieties are above ground, it can be located either outside on a patio or a deck, or inside in a sun room or conservatory. Wherever it is installed, it needs to have adequate structural support. When the hot tub is filled with water and in use, it will get very heavy and needs to have a strong base. We recommend your hot tub be on a slab of concrete, on outdoor rated concrete decking material, or on concrete pavers. Also, if you choose to erect your hot tub in your home, adequate ventilation is required. If you are placing your hot tub on a lifted deck (as opposed to a flat concrete paver deck) make sure that the deck is properly supported to be able to handle the extra weight. Remember, the area will not only be holding the hot tub shell, but the water and any guests you have in and around the hot tub as well.
Another important factor is considering access to gas lines, plumbing lines, and electrical lines. In order for your hot tub to function, it will either be powered by electricity alone or electricity and gas to heat up the hot tub. Some hot tubs use electric heating coils so there is no need for a gas line. Plumbing nearby is also a necessity. Your hot tub will occasionally need to be drained for cleaning or be filled when water evaporates so it is convenient to have plumbing accessible. The most important factor of the three is your gas and electric lines as water can be ran to the hot tub with a hose if the water line is near the hot tub.
Another factor to consider is the traffic in and around the hot tub. When you own a hot tub, your popularity will skyrocket so you need to accommodate for the extra people and guests that will be
1000
visiting and frequenting your new hot tub. Consider purchasing or making extra seating, installing landscape lighting or spot lighting around the spa area, building changing areas for your guests, adding towel racks, adding more outdoor furniture, and adding other features to accommodate your extra guests. We recommend adequate outdoor lighting as the hot tub is apt to be used as much in the evening as in the day, if not more.
A final consideration is sheltering your hot tub. If you want to be able to use your hot tub during precipitations such as rain or snow, it is helpful to build a structure over your hot tub. If your hot tub is near your home, a great alternative to building an expensive roofed shelter is attaching an awning or canopy to your home. This way, you will be able to enjoy your hot tub all year round.
A swimming pool or a hot tub is a great investment. Our contractors are able to build you an in ground hot tub attached right to your swimming pool. Regardless if you prefer your hot tub to be independent of your swimming pool or are looking to have a hot tub attached to your in ground swimming pool, our swimming pool contractors are able to build what you need. Contact our professional swimming pool and spa contractors.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Poseidon swimming pools is an inground gunite swimming pool contractor and master swimming pool builder in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. We build custom inground pools, custom spas, and commercial pools as well as landscaping, patios, and pool houses.
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Landscaping Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Home & Family | Landscaping
Landscaping Plannning – Tips on low maintenance, yet awesome landscaping Chicago
Home landscaping – The basic checklists
Tips in Finding the Right Las Vegas Landscape Company
Canvas Gazebo – A wonderful Choice For Savoring Your entire Outdoor
Lawn Care In Your Lewisville Home
Landscaping and Sodding Services
The Wonders of the Mulberry Tree
Landscaping Plannning – Tips for gorgeous garden landscaping
Garden Arbor Plans – 5 Keys To Building the Perfect Arbor
Landscaping Plannning – Wonderful ideas to choose your landscaping contractor
Mail this post
Leave a reply