Unless you are a professional garden designer you will probably have arrived at your current garden layout by a process of trial and error. And errors, mistakes or blunders is what this post is all about. According to David Beaulieu whose article I found on the About.com website there are ten common mistakes that people make in home landscape design. See if you recognize any of these.
A successful home landscape design is certainly attainable for do-it-yourselfers, but you need to be aware of some pitfalls if you are to achieve maximum satisfaction. Thus the need for this list of 10 common mistakes that beginners should try to avoid. The mistakes covered range from miscalculations that have practical ramifications to more subtle errors that negatively impact your enjoyment of your yard.
Have rocky land? Turn a liability into an asset by growing a rock garden. David Beaulieu
Do you have a rocky yard? A yard with a lot of shade? Or perhaps your yard’s problem is a punishing summertime heat that scorches all in its path? Sometimes you can successfully fight the terrain you inherit in your yard, as in the case of building retaining walls for slopes to fight erosion. Other times, instead of fighting it, it’s better to go with the flow and work with what you have. The key is to know what you’re up against and what options you have.
Large lawns are a lot of work. Sean Hobson/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
2.? Having a Lawn Just Because “Everyone Else Does It”
Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that having a grassy area in the yard designated as “the lawn” is somehow an obligatory part of home landscape design. But historically speaking, the lawn as we know it is a relatively recent introduction to landscaping. For those not attracted to that rather monotonous “green carpet” look or who dislike having to mow grass every week, it’s important to know that other acceptable options exist, especially for small spaces. Whose yard is it, anyhow?
Do you agree? If so, you’ll want to check out my alternatives. And if one of them strikes your fancy and you start considering a transformation from lawn to perennial bed, let me help you answer the question of how to get rid of grass in a way that is economical, organic, and reasonably easy.
3.? Insufficient Fall Color in Your Yard
Spring and summer receive most of our attention when it comes to planting. Unfortunately, it’s easy to forget to plant for fall. Yet the fall season holds enormous promise for those landscaping enthusiasts willing to plan for it. Don’t allow your home landscape design to miss out on the colors offered by autumn’s bounty!
I am a keen gardener and so created Garden Pics and Tips for people who love gardens and enjoy great pictures of plants and gardens. Also covered are practical tips on all aspects of gardening.
