A majority of homeowners focus on other exterior features like roofs and garage doors during a home improvement project, downplaying the importance of a unique landscape.
While landscaping is considered a demanding and costly project, you can still achieve low-maintenance landscaping that aesthetically transforms your space. Whether you’re a new homeowner planning your first landscaping project or are looking to improve your old processes, here are four unique landscaping ideas you must consider.
Incorporate Hardscaping Elements
Hardscapes are the non-living structural elements in landscaping. They complete your yard’s appeal, making it fully functional and appealing. However, you have to choose the right hardscaping elements to fit into your space and design ideas. Elements like paved areas, pathways, and retaining walls can clearly define walk paths and enhance your space’s visual appeal.
While choosing hardscaping materials, consider those that are durable and require minimal upkeep to make your work easier. For instance, if you’re considering paved surfaces, you should use materials that can be sealed, such as concrete, bricks, and natural stone, for minimal maintenance. Sealing pavers helps protect them from expedited erosion, fading, and staining and maintains their aesthetic qualities.
Plant Low-Maintenance Plants
While low-maintenance plants don’t need constant care and attention, they need the right weather conditions to thrive. Consider low-maintenance plants that can thrive in your local climate and soil conditions for seamless integration into your yard. If you live in a semi-arid area, consider planting drought-tolerant plants such as purple coneflower and Russian sage. These types of plants will need more care in their first years of planting, but will successively adapt to the environment and become more independent with time.
If you live in wetter areas, you’ll need to choose from the few types of shrubs and trees that excel in saturated soils. The common options here include red maple, pin oak, bald cypress, and high bush blueberry, among many other options. These will also not require constant watering and plant care, except for the occasional treatment for soil-borne diseases.
Create a Seating Area
Homes with an inviting seating area visible from the main entrance have an edge over competing houses listed for sale at the same time. The seating space offers a perfect area for conversation, relaxation, and unwinding and catching up with nature. You can have it designed for longevity such as permanent stone or sturdy wooden patios or gazebos.
The ideal structure should also include some comfortable seats and plant pots hanging from the roof to bring life into the space. The space should be so inviting that anyone can sit there alone without feeling lonely as they get immersed in the blend of nature and the space’s comfort.
Consider All Seasons
Seasonal changes can bring with them opposing climatic conditions that widely affect plant growth and glow. If your landscape only comes to life in the wet season and dies in the dry months, you should consider planning through the seasons when choosing your plants and hardscape features. Install irrigation systems and install water fountains to make the space look green and lush, even in drier months when water is scarce.
By incorporating the above landscaping ideas, you can successfully achieve the right landscape for a more inviting and valuable home. If you’re planning to sell one day, it’s best to start incorporating these ideas early for a perfect curb appeal when the time comes.
