Friday, 21 March 2014

Landscape Design Can Give Your Property A New Look

By Luisa Sharpe


There are few things quite as good for the soul as a haven of green on your property where you can escape to. However, creating that little Eden can be quite a challenge, especially if the property isn't in the best of shape to begin with. Luckily a trained eye will see endless possibilities where others just see a heap of rubble. Whether you have a family home in Helotes TX or a small condo in Palm Beach FL, with a bit of clever landscape design you can turn your property into something extraordinary.

Landscape architecture is actually a more descriptive name for the art of planning the open spaces around a building. This is because it involves more than gardening. It requires the planning of every little detail, from the fences to the flower beds. The designer needs to have not only knowledge of plants but also of structural engineering, conservation, surveying and architecture.

The designer often works in close collaboration with an architect to come up with ideas. In fact, many architects are not only famous for the buildings they designed but also for their role in creating beautiful parks and other open spaces. A prime example is the Park Guell in Barcelona, which was designed by Antoni Gaudi, who also designed the city's famous Sagrada Familia. Both these designs by Gaudi are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

You would probably need a design on a smaller scale than a public park, though. There are many different ways to create a fantastic garden and it doesn't have to be complicated. A bit of paving in strategic places, some trees and colorful flowers are good items to start with. Even something as simple as a gate can become a beautiful focal point.

Another easy way to turn a garden from something ordinary into something spectacular is with the help of a water feature. This can be in the form of a large item like a swimming pool or fish pond, or it can be a small fountain or bird bath. The sound of the gurgling water has an instant cooling and calming effect.

Many people think that if they only have a small courtyard, there is nothing much that they can do with it. However, strategically placed potted plants can do wonders to transform a small space and there's no reason why you can't use the walls too. Plant a few creepers that won't take up surface area on the ground. Alternatively, add some beams overhead from which to hang potted plants.

When you plan the design of your garden, it's important to take the natural environment into account. If there are plenty of large old trees already, you may want to create a shady, forest-like space rather than having to chop down these old beauties. A steep and uneven topography may require the use of terraces. You also need to think about the natural climate. A garden full of tropical plants simply won't be sustainable in a dry desert climate.

To begin planning the garden of your dreams, it's a good idea to browse through landscaping magazines. They will give you ideas and even advice. A professional landscape designer will be well worth the expense too since he or she may come up with solutions you would never have thought of.




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