Have you decided to save money by designing your own garden or yard? Have you ended up with a disorganized space that looks mismatched and incongruous? Are you disappointed with the results and wish that you’d invested in a professional landscape and design company?
Well, you won’t be alone. Every year millions of homeowners throughout the U.S. decide to design their own gardens and yards, and every year, many of those end up dissatisfied and wishing that they had sought professional help. Whether they did so to save money, or because they thought they knew what they were doing, the end result remains the same. However, if you’re determined to design your own garden, there are a few mistakes that are commonly made, and definitely worth avoiding:
1. Having an even number of plants
It’s true that naturally in life, things often come in pairs, but when it comes to plants, pairing them up or using an even number, is not such a good idea. While a pair of plants framing a doorway, for example, may work effectively in such a location, in a landscape, pairs or even numbers of plants does nothing but stop the eye from moving across the landscape in a natural, dynamic way.
Instead, group plants in odd numbers from 3-11, and try not to plant them in straight lines.
2. Clashing colors
You might love bright colors, but when you have too many plants that are brightly colored all vying for attention, they often start clashing with other plants and nearby structures, which can create a haphazard effect. Instead, choose flowers that stand out against their backdrop, instead of clashing with it.
3. Incongruous garden style
It’s always important to pay close attention to the architectural design of a home when designing the garden, and all too often, a garden doesn’t match the style of the home and looks out of place and awkward.
Take a close look at the style of your home and try to design a garden that reflects it, rather than clashing with it.
4. Empty beds
Many modern garden designs sadly seem to feature planting beds that are sparsely filled and surrounded by mulch, and often thanks to the misconception that they will be low maintenance. However, the opposite is often true. Weeds will usually try and fill the gaps left in such beds, and sparsely filled beds aren’t exactly attractive, either.
Instead, go for a more naturalistic design with full planting beds, that won’t just look more attractive, but will require less maintenance, too.
5. Failing to follow a plan
Having a clear plan in place when designing a garden can help avoid such mistakes as putting in plants that don’t look good together, or don’t grow well together. All too often, a poorly designed garden will simply end up with a mish mash of plants that aren’t thriving, and don’t make the space look aesthetically pleasing.
Instead, talk to a local horticulturalist about what plants would look best, and grow best in your garden, before buying or planting anything.
Avoiding all of the mistakes listed above is simple when you hire a landscaping company to help you achieve a luscious, beautiful and healthy garden for you and your family to enjoy.