This is an awesome way to add instant curb appeal to your yard.
Wordless Wednesday: Garden Boardwalk
Wordless Wednesday: Flagstone Steps
Friday Fun Video: How To Use River Rocks In Your Yard
Great ideas for landscaping inspiration!
Landscaping For Beginners
Sometimes, getting into landscaping can literally seem like moving mountains, especially if you have no idea where to begin. However, getting into landscaping doesn’t have to be a huge hurdle. All it takes is a little bit of planning! Check out this post by Midwest Living for some landscaping tips for people trying to design their yard: hello, curb appeal!
-Start with the big stuff- use trees, shrubs, gazebos, etc. as focal points.
-Include your house in your plan!
-Study your space, choose plants adapted to your yard’s conditions and your area’s hardiness Zone.
-Shop around and check various prices to save money
-Add lights to your yard
-Create paths through your garden.
“Natural” Pools
Before stumbling on this awesome post by John Riha at House Logic, I had never even heard of “natural” swimming pools. I always just assumed there were two types- above ground, and below ground- haha! Natural pools are completely different from what you would normally think of as a swimming pool- no chlorine, no tiled walls, no concrete floor. It’s more like a small, man-made lake that you swim in! Some even include tiny ecosystems of fishes and plants. How cool! Here are some more reasons why you should consider a natural pool:
-They cost about the same as a conventional pool
-They are less work than other pools- they take care of themselves.
-There are separate areas for plants/animals and swimming.
-The water doesn’t get stagnant when you use a pump
-You don’t have to drain them in the winter- they just naturally freeze.
DIY Paved Path
I think that a nice, paved path in a garden really pulls everything together. Not to mention, it adds a lot to potential curb appeal! The cool part is, you can install pavers yourself. If you put in some time and elbow grease, a beautiful paved path could be in your future. Check out this post by Matt at the DIY Village for an awesome, detailed tutorial:
-Excavate path, bring in gravel base.
-Add a layer of sand, using a level to keep it as even as possible
-Lay out the pavers in the pattern you want, use a dead blow hammer to set them in place
-Spread some quickrete over the path, pouring it into the side of the path as well to hold the pavers in place.
-Fill in the surrounding area with dirt. Ta da!
Plants That Grow On Fences
I’ve always loved gardens that look a bit “wilder” than the average. Ivy growing up the side of the house, bursts of wildflowers and tall grasses, and hanging vines– I want it all. I like to give Mother Nature some control (there is a fine line between natural and unkempt!), and I love the look of plants that are more untamed. That’s why I was thrilled to find this post by Heather Rhodes at Gardening Know How– it has a long list of plants that will grow on fences. They can cover up ugly chain links, or simply just add more character to your yard:
Wordless Wednesday: Gorgeous Tile Path
Cheap Landscaping Ideas
Having a well landscaped yard will do wonders for your curb appeal, but many people are often intimidated by the idea. Landscaping your yard doesn’t have to be a huge, expensive ordeal. And, while hiring a professional will certainly save you time, you can do it yourself for much less. But, if you have no idea where to start (I don’t have an eye for outdoor design)- this article by Kristia at Family Balance Sheet will be extremely helpful:
-Take ‘before’ shots
-Take measurements of your space
-Plant foliage that is native to your area
-Look for inspiration in books and magazines
-Add interest with color
-Don’t overcrowd
-Always follow planting instructions