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Starting a Landscaping Project
Brick Path and Side Garden
A long brick path takes visitors and homeowners past fountains and other lovely garden discoveries.
Photo by: Chris & Cami Photography
Chris & Cami Photography
Good landscaping increases your property's value as it boosts curb appeal and solves problems ranging from ugly views and lack of privacy to poor drainage and nondescript plantings. By developing a smart, long-term landscape plan, you can transform a drab, dysfunctional yard into a space that enhances and complements your home's architecture and becomes a place where you love to hang out.
Even if gardening is your secret passion, a professional landscape designer may see solutions you never dreamed of and help you avoid costly mistakes. To smooth the way for such a major undertaking, it helps to assess your property's strengths and weaknesses, think about the ways you envision using your yard, and understand the steps involved in the landscape design process.
Desert Landscaping Ideas & Tips to Transform Your Home 20 Photos
Want to transform your corner of the desert into a private oasis? Find the inspiration you need to create your own desert escape.
The Best Tools for Picking Up Leaves in Your Yard Sep 19, 2023
Spend more time with family and less time raking leaves with these efficient tools that make leaf cleanup a breeze.
26 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping Ideas 26 Photos
A gorgeous yard doesn’t have to guzzle water to look good. Whether you're in full sun or dappled shade, learn easy tricks to creat …
Hillside Landscaping Ideas 16 Photos
Just because your yard is uneven doesn't mean it can't be beautiful. Landscaping on a slope is simply an opportunity for creativit …
How to Design a Great Yard With Landscape Plants Sep 28, 2022
Take the guesswork out of choosing landscaping plants by following "right plant, right place" garden design.
How to Protect Plants From Frost Sep 9, 2022
Protect shrubs, flower and vegetable beds from frosts and freezes with these pro tips and garden hacks.
4 Ways to Convert Lawn to a Flower Bed Oct 18, 2022
There are multiple methods for removing grass to create garden beds. Some are labor intensive while others just take time and pati …
Drought Resistant Landscaping Ideas Mar 1, 2023
Learn what to consider in designing and planting a water-wise garden that fits your yard's environment.
Charming California Cottage With Cedar Shake Roof 23 Photos
This white California cottage exudes charm with its cedar shake roof, columns and expertly landscaped front yard.
Iconic Montecito Villa With Hollywood Movie Ties 19 Photos
This Montecito, California mansion was the set of Al Pacino's home in "Scarface". Built in 1906, the sprawling estate includes Per …
Outdoor Upcycles: 60 Ways to Reimagine, Repurpose + Recycle for a Beautiful Yard on a Budget 60 Photos
(Almost!) free is fantastic when you freshen up your great outdoors with our ideas for landscape, hardscape, gardening, entertaini …
13 Captivating Conifers 12 Photos
Explore different varieties of firs, spruce trees, junipers, pines, cypresses and cedars through the lens of Jan LeCocq.
How to Create a Rock Garden Feb 10, 2023
Learn about the different types of rock gardens and how to design a rock garden for drought-tolerant beauty in your yard.
How to Use Rocks in Your Landscape 25 Photos
Natural stone is one of the most versatile elements available for a landscape makeover. Landscaping with rocks adds texture and co …
10 Ways You Can Help the Planet on Earth Day — And Everyday 11 Photos
Love the Earth and make your home and neighborhood a better, healthier place with these landscaping, lawn care and gardening tips. …
Captivating Curb Appeal Designs 40 Photos
Check out these homes with extraordinary curb appeal that will have you falling in love at first sight.
Gasp-Worthy Gardens and Outdoor Spaces 100 Photos
Nature can be an amazing backdrop for great landscape design. Check out these outdoor designs that will take your breath away.
The Best Lawn and Garden Edging Products Jan 6, 2023
Discover a range of lawn edging products and tips for creating crisp borders across your landscape.
How to Grow Grass in the Shade Nov 1, 2021
Find expert tips for grooming a gorgeous lawn under a canopy of trees.
25 Ways to Get Instant Curb Appeal for Less Than $100 26 Photos
First impressions matter. Enhance your front yard so people will stop and stare at the first glance. The good thing is, it doesn't …
HGTV Obsessed Episode 37: John Gidding Sep 23, 2021
John Gidding, host of HGTV’s new/reboot show Curb Appeal Xtreme talks about ways to update exterior spaces. Then his co-host, Rach …
No Mums? No Problem! Pot Up This Fall Planter, Instead Sep 15, 2021
Have your summer planters sizzled out but it's too early for mums — or you want to try a different look this year? We've got you! …
17+ Hostas You Can Plant in the Sun 23 Photos
Not all hostas are made for the shade. Learn how to grow sun-tolerant hostas successfully, and find out which varieties do best wi …
50 Beautiful Backyard Landscaping Ideas 50 Photos
Need backyard design inspiration? Try these backyard landscaping ideas for a sloped, shady or boring backyard.
How to Prune a Tree Mar 20, 2024
Pruning trees doesn't have to be a daunting process. Learn how to safely, quickly and easily prune the trees in your yard.
50 Can't-Miss Container Gardening Ideas 50 Photos
From flowers to fruit, veggies to vines and shrubs to succulents, container gardening is the way to grow them all in a portable po …
40 Gorgeous Landscaping Ideas for Small Front Yards 40 Photos
Check out these smart small front yard ideas for creating magical landscapes and inviting entries.
55 Ideas for Landscaping Around a Deck or Patio 56 Photos
Looking to update your outdoor space? Give the most-used area of the yard a purposeful makeover with problem-solving plantings, sm …
How to Choose, Plant and Grow Junipers Aug 5, 2022
Learn all about the various types of junipers available for landscaping, plus how to plant, prune and troubleshoot, and what varie …
How to Plant and Grow a Mulberry Tree Jun 4, 2021
Learn all about sometimes-controversial mulberry trees, plus get expert tips and information for choosing, planting, growing and c …
Setting Goals
The reasons for updating your yard range from the practical to the indulgent. Improving curb appeal, privacy and functionality are usually high on the list. You might also have safety issues to address such as a pool fence, firescaping or erosion.
"A detailed understanding of your goals and likes and dislikes are needed from the onset of the design process," says Risa Edelstein, president of the Ecological Landscaping Association, based in Arlington, Mass.
She emphasizes that developing a master plan is essential. That doesn't mean planning every detail to the nth degree. A master plan is more about broad strokes, a theme, a look, a feeling you want to evoke. Thinking through the entire landscape design, from hardscapes (man-made solid surfaces) to plants, helps you focus your goals in the beginning and provides a touchstone for decisions down the line so you don't end up with a mishmash of hardscapes, colors and awkward proportions.
Our Landscaping Planning Guide will show you what to consider when planning a landscaping project, give you tips for adding curb appeal, offer solutions to your outdoor issues and give you the information you need to choose the right products.
Start by figuring out what you like or dislike, what you need versus what you want, by downloading and filling out our Landscaping Priorities Questionnaire. To figure out what you need, fill out our Landscape Site Analysis Worksheet.
