Never
underestimate the value of professional landscape
designers.
Trained
to know what plants work best and what designs function
best, they can save you time, money and
heartache.
"There
is much more to landscaping than popping shrubs around a
house," says Peggy Krapf, a member of the Virginia
Society of Landscape Designers — www.vsld.org.
"Good
landscaping has a real artistic component —
integrating architecture, plants and functionality —
similar to interior decorating."
Here’s
what Peggy and two other Virginia landscape designers
say about good garden design:
CONSIDER
YOUR ARCHITECTURE
"I
love to bring the architecture of the house into the
garden."
"Connecting
them with fencing is a wonderful way to enclose the
garden — making it feel like an extension of the
house. Be sure to use compatible materials and colors in
the outdoor spaces. If your home has a brick foundation,
be sure to choose a matching or blending color for walks
and pathways. Pick out paint colors for fencing,
furniture and sheds that echo the accent or trim colors
on the house. Choose a favorite flower color and repeat
it around the garden for a cohesive look." Peggy
Krapf of Heart’s Ease Landscape and Garden Design in
Williamsburg, Va.; www.HeartsEaseLandscape.com
DEVELOP
YOUR PLAN
"Develop
a plan, make your wish list, set your budget, know the
local climate and imagine how you will use the space.
"Also,
consider maintenance. Do you enjoy the garden? How much
time do you have to spend?
"Do
not restrict your landscape to only plants. Decks and
patios transition your home from the inside out. If you
have a patio, consider a pergola or arbor. If you have a
garden path, consider a gate.
"This
adds another unique piece to your garden
design." — Eric Bailey of Landscapes by
Eric Bailey in Newport News, Va.;
.
EVALUATE
YOUR CURB APPEAL
"Always
stand at the curb in front of your home and look at any
issues that steal attention from the front door.
Block unattractive neighboring views with trees and
shrubs to keep the eye on your property.
"Hide
trash and recycle cans from view.
"Always
consider the colors and architectural design style of
the house when choosing plants, flowers, paving
materials and pots for front yards. Ideally paving
materials should reflect the same color as the roof.
"Placing
a tree between the curb and the house gives a sense of
added depth to the front yard; 90 percent of front yard
shrubs should be evergreen.
"Keep
your house numbers and front porch well lit, visible and
clean because this is the first place an arriving guest
will see.
"Keep
shrubs well below windows and clear from paths to avoid
an unmaintained look.
"Brown
is the most natural looking mulch color and works well
with green plants." — Tami Eilers of McDonald
Garden Center in Hampton, Va.;
