Create your own Private Resort
Good landscaping will only add value to your home. It makes sense that people who have a nicely landscaped garden enjoy spending time at home and entertaining. They use their gardens as if it were an extension of the house (or office).The garden becomes their own private resort and that's how it should be!
When building a house the landscaping is always the last area to be done and usually by that time, unless you have stayed within your budget, there is little money left to spend on landscaping. Likewise when buying an established property, you often spend that little bit over your budget, leaving little to make changes once the property is yours.
That's OK, you don't have to create an instant garden. The garden should evolve over time. With a little planning and good selection of plants you can create your own little bit of paradise. The secret is to create a garden that suits your lifestyle. There are lots of things to consider, for example:
Once you have an idea of what inclusions are required, draw a plan. Any hard landscaping should be carried out first, for example paving, timberwork, installing a swimming pool.
If you have built a new home it is likely that there may be a lot of rubble in the soil or the topsoil has been removed. It is essential to improve the soil before any planting should take place. The more time you spend preparing the soil the better. Add lots of organic matter such as manure and compost.
It is wise to do a little bit of research before you go out to select your plants. You could waste a lot of money with incorrect plant selection. If you are not sure of the type of plants you require at least have an idea of the size of the plants you would like. Check plant labels to be sure that you are not purchasing a plant that grows to 50 metres when you only want a plant that grows to 3 metres.
Go for a walk around your neighbourhood and see which plants are doing well. Take photos of them and take the images to your nursery for confirmation. Look for plants that have colourful and contrasting foliage or texture. Don't buy plants just for their flowers. What will the plant look like without the flower? Will it fit in with everything else you have selected?
If the planning is all too difficult, call in an expert to help you with your selection or design. Be sure to engage a qualified person. Ask them if you could see some of their work before you make a decision.
Your garden should make you feel welcome, a place to relax, reflect and spend time with family and friends. Many people spend a fortune staying in a resort. Doesn't it make sense to create your own little resort so that you can feel like you are on holidays every time you walk into your garden?
Karen Smith
Horticulturist MAIH
GARDENS
ON THE GO ……..'Creating gardens for relaxation'..
Mob 0425 349 137
