This you tube video shows how to create a pathway

Its important to get the pathway flat and any rock edges even so that people will not trip.

If you concerned about weeds coming through later you can place plastic or cardboard under the rocks. I use cardboard and have had much luck with it controlling weed growth.

This next you tube video shows how to spruce a walkway or pathway up with moss and ground covers. This look is particularly nice near gardens.

Pathways serve a utility purpose but also add the the landscape design. With proper layout they will add value and beauty to your backyard.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard paths, create a walkway, garden pathways

photo credit: get directly down

First of all with a big backyard you have more time that is needed to work the property, so “simplify!” Use mulch, put in a pond, plant an orchard or tree stand. Create areas that use space but are manageable. And to tie the areas together make use of matching color, shrubs or trees or pathways.

Break down your large backyard into manageable areas.

One idea is to create one to several island of flowers to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and other beneficial insects. How many you create will be decided on the size of your backyard.

But remember in your backyard planning – keep it simple. Drought resistant and naturalizing flowers will be easy to care for and attract the natural insects, butterflies and birds. Ground covers will stop weeds and cut down on watering and mowing.

Your garden area will be a focal attraction and add color and interest to your yard. You may consider adding a bench or two for relaxation near the garden areas.

A large backyard can be arranged to create a campfire or camping area by surround he area by shrubs or small trees that grow 12 to 15 foot tall. This area could be used for camping, parties or as a secluded area to get a few quiet moments to yourself.

A grove of trees or a small orchard will also make use of an acre or two. Just select trees that are hardy and will not add time to your backyard work schedule.

photo credit: thisisbossi

And to tie your backyard designs together and make walking your property easier add pathways.  Pathways with a width of approx. three to five feet are better for circulation and maintenance along with children being able to use them for bicycle trails.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, large backyard

photo credit: skypilot2005

Today I have been selecting shrubs for the yard. I will probably need to remove the trees by the road. I want a tree or shrub that will provide more privacy and act as a noise and wind barrier. It also needs to be tougher than the average plant.

I think I will go with Spartan Juniper. It grows 15 foot tall and 3 foot wide. I need a shrub that will not interfere with electrical lines and this should do well. It will also provide more privacy and act as a break for noise. My first search has not found any problems with this shrub but I will look one more time. It’s best to really research a new plant, shrub or tree before you add it to your yard.

photo credit: dougww

I also want to get a few Mountain Laurel shrubs. I have always liked the colors and look and they will be good for naturalizing the backyard down by the creek.

I will place my order this weekend so that my selection will still be available. They will ship my order in April.

I also started Rose of Sharon shrub seeds a few weeks ago. They are about one inch tall and look healthy.

Tip: for Rose of Sharon seeds I place then in a wet paper towel and let set for 3 days then plant in soil. This softens the seed casing and the seedling usually emerges in a week. My success rate is very high using this method.

Around the Spartan Juniper shrubs I will be growing a few ground covers so that will be my next backyard garden project this weekend. Selecting a few groundcovers that will grow well with junipers.

photo credit: cliff1066™

And after I have groundcovers and shrubs selected, its time to get the few fruit trees I need.

Even in the winter months there are garden projects that can be planned and taken care of.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard oasis, backyard oasis planning, selecting shrubs for backyard

photo credit: eeyorerox

Winter is a perfect time to make new plans for your backyard oasis.

• Do you need a fresh look to the patio or deck?
• Have your children grown and the play areas need to be redone?
• Would new plants, shrubs and trees add more of a feeling or relaxation to your yard?

Without the added chores of mowing, picking up sticks, weeding or many of the other backyard chores, this is the perfect time to sit down with paper and pen and plan changes for the backyard.

I like to start with small changes, usually the least expensive plans and branch out after that.

January is the perfect month for selection new flowers, perennials and herb varieties. I like to order my seeds and plants as soon as I can so the selection is still available.

Next I think about my shrubs and trees. Do any need removed or replaced. Would I like to try a new flowering shrub or a smaller tree?

I know I need to remove one damaged shrub and one tree. I also want to replace a peach tree that suffered from blight and died.

So I will check out Seeds of Change, Richters and Pinetree Seed catalog. These are a few of my favorite places to order from. Tip: see if your friends also want to order and share seed packets or shipping costs.

I also want new gourd varieties and some heirloom tomato seeds.

When making changes in your backyard its best to look at what worked and any changes you want and go from there.

I like to keep a backyard garden journal of my plants, hardscape and how we use the yard. This helps me with my planning.

One area I have overlooked is the backyard in the winter. There are shrubs and trees that will add color and interesting lines and by setting up a patio area you can use it a little more, even in my cold zone 5 climate. Varieties of hardscape landscaping also add interest in the winter months.

And the addition of coldframes, a mini greenhouse or workshop will add more use and interest to your backyard in the winter months.

If you are planning on large backyard projects this is the time to start making you plans and contacting anyone you need fro contracting and prices before the busy season starts and you left behind.

I find planning and designing the backyard takes my mind off the cold and gets me ready for the upcoming gardening season and changes I would like to make in the backyard

Technorati Tags: backyard design planning, create you backyard oasis, winter backyard design planning

photo credit: SearchNetMedia

Shrubs and trees will provide shelter for birds year round. They will also provide them a place to nest. You will notice that once you have establish safe places for birds to nest, they will generally return from year to year.

Creeping vines, such as Virginia Creeper, offer an excellent mating and nesting haven for many species of bird. I myself am not fond of Virginia creeper. It tends to be invasive and hard to remove, but the birds love it. Holly bushes, privet trees, and conifers are also favorites for birds.

Berry trees and bushes will attract birds in the wintertime when other food is scarce. And in our area the shoemac tree is a popular feeding retreat for a large variety of birds.

Butterfly bush, Snapdragon, black-eyed Susan, golden rod, evening primrose, marigold, larkspur, yarrow, herbs and thistle will also attract birds.

photo credit: Lilmsmrtas

If your garden is relatively open or you don’t have room to plant shrubs or trees, you may want to consider putting up nesting boxes. These boxes will give the birds protection from weather and animals.

And while the winter season is here, it’s the perfect time to plan a bird garden. A small garden with flowers that attract bird can easily be grown in a small area, containers, or on an unused hillside.

In your bird garden you may want to add bright colored flowers, which will attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are good for pollinating plants and they are non-stop fun to watch.

Plants that will attract humming birds include azaleas, honeysuckle, morning glory, lantana, red buckeye, acanthus, and butterfly bush.

You can also place Hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water around your yard.  Feeders usually have bright red flowers attached so that the hummingbirds can readily recognize them.

photo credit: Lori Greig

And last but not least, add a water feature to your backyard or garden. This will beautify and create a relaxing feel to your yard and give the birds a resource for drinking and bathing during drier months.

A small fountain or traditional birdbath will attract a wide variety of birds to your garden area. And if a fountain does not fit into your décor a dish of water on the ground will water the birds in dry weather.

Tip: You may want to float a leaf on the surface of a small container of water so it’s easy for birds to recognize. And empty it daily to avoid attracting mosquitoes.

With a little effort you will add birds to your backyard, which will add pleasure, color and insect control to your home and garden areas.

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