Landscaping
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

Landscaping means different things to different people, but a simple definition is "planning and developing your exterior environment to make the best use of the space available in the most attractive way". Your home deserves the best setting you can give it and your family the maximum use and enjoyment of their surroundings.

Most everyone considers their family's comfort and convenience when buying a home, but it is equally important to develop the outdoor living areas with the same considerations. Proper planning is the key to landscaping. Every square foot of space and every dollar should be used to produce maximum returns. In many cases, the skilled landscape architect should be contacted. But, if an architect is out of the question or you want a do-it-yourself plan, consider the following points.

Always keep in mind the limitations you will face in developing your landscape. If time and/or money are limited, consider a minimum maintenance type of design. Remember, a simple but well maintained lot is always more useful and attractive than a complex arrangement which does not receive proper maintenance.

Secondly, inventory all the features--good and bad--of your lot. What existing trees can be used as part of the design? Are there good vistas you need to keep open and unattractive views that should be screened? Will utility areas need to be hidden? What type of soil do you have and does it need to be amended with organic matter, fertilizer, etc? You can think of many other points to keep in mind.

Next, inventory your family activities presently and in the future. List all the recreational and personal needs of the entire family, so that as many of these as possible, can be included and realized in the development of the landscape.

Another point to consider in the initial planning is the time it will take to complete your plan. You don't have to complete your design all at once. Have a plan that can be done over a several year period, then, as money and time permits fit these sections into the total picture.

The next job is to put on paper what your design will be. Draw a plan of the lot and location of house and existing walks, drives and plants as near to scale as possible. Indicate on the plan where various general activities will take place, such as work area, recreation area and public area. A good plan will guide you through an orderly arrangement of plants and proper development of the property. You'll be amazed how different ideas will develop and how mistakes can be avoided.

With these simple points in mind, you can create a real nice do-it-yourself landscape design. It will be pleasing to look at, comfortable to live in and practical to construct and maintain.