How will you design your landscaping?

You have your property and you know you need a new landscape design planned, installed, and ultimately maintained.  There are options available to you when beginning this project - a project that can be so significant that it basically creates the very first impression everyone who visits your home will experience.  Consider these starting points:

1) Design it yourself.  This is an acceptable idea if you are by trade a professional landscape designer.  If not, you will need more understanding of your property's soil, climate, and weather patterns than you probably realize.  You will also need to know the growth schedule and needs of the plants you use for your landscaping so that you can create a year round design.  Watering and pest control are important components of successful landscape design in Florida, so you should be well versed in these factors as well.

2) Utilize feng shui concepts.  Perhaps this Chinese method of decorating will be a good guide to how your landscape should be set up and designed.  Feng shui takes into consideration directional placement, color meanings, use of water features and lighting, the flow of "energy" through the garden, and the elements of wood, fire, water, earth, and metal.  Feng shui is not for everyone, but it may be the way you want to design your landscape, although it leaves out important maintenance considerations.    

3) Duplicate other landscape designs.  There is such an abundance of material to peruse when designing your landscaping.  Magazines, web sites, books, and other sources will give you a wealth of ideas when you are collecting your personal landscape inspiration.  Perhaps you will decide to copy some plant and design choices found in your own geographic area, taking into consideration how well this works for the local climate.  Keep in mind: soil, sun, and watering can be very different for each particular property and you may have very little idea of how much regular maintenance is required.  

4) Hire a professional landscaper.  Most successful landscape designs either begin with a professional designer or continue indefinitely with one.  This is because with an established, licensed company, you know that you are hiring someone who knows the conditions and climate of your property better than most and will create beautiful gardens that reflect this knowledge.  Landscapers have not just the initial design to think about, but the long term performance of the plants and trees that are selected for each unique project.  Another benefit of utilizing the services of a professional landscaper is that you can also incorporate your own design ideas, whether they come from feng shui or other sources, and work together in harmony to create something amazing and personal!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚