It doesn’t matter if you have a large or small space to work with, a garden should be relaxing to you. But sometimes that same layout can get a bit old and you just want a change.
photo credit: slideshow bob

So, here are five easy garden landscaping ideas that you can try without a lot of work or money:

Idea #1: Fountains are a great way to spice it up – No matter who you are, a nice little fountain is always something relaxing in a garden. And, these great little garden landscaping ideas offer you a sweet way to get a small, cheap fountain and place it in your garden to liven up any space. It doesn’t matter what size fountain you choose, the sound of the water and the birds and butterflies it will attract will help you relax and enjoy your space.

Idea #2: Potted plants are always beautiful – While they don’t have to be in massive planters, you can easily create and move your potted plants all over your garden then the need strikes you to change garden landscaping ideas. One week it can be spread out and peaceful, the next week they can mark your paths. It’s easy to pick up some beautiful, inexpensive pots and plant some of your favorite flowers.

Idea #3: You don’t need thousands of colors at once – One of the most common mistakes that people make in their garden landscaping ideas is to just grab every color of the rainbow and go to town. Yet there are certain colors that will clash and cause a war on your eyes. You want to make sure that you choose and place like colors together, or one cool and one warm color in a specific area. This way, you have a beautiful garden without chaos.

Idea #4: Climbing plants are awesome – Climbing plants are a super way to create new garden landscaping ideas that will offer you beautiful greenery and color where you want it. You can even place these plants into pots that can be moved if you prefer, so that you can always have beautiful green leaves or flowers any time, any place.

Idea #5: Artwork is your friend – And you should be afraid to use the garden artwork that you already have in new and unique garden landscaping ideas. After all, if you don’t like where you put it, you can always move it back. But, just a few switches here and there can make a big difference if you don’t want to spend money on new stuff.

With these five easy to use garden landscaping ideas, it’s easy to change up your garden’s look and feel with just a simple move or placement of an item. Take your time and see which ideas strike you and have your garden transformed into a whole new world for you to enjoy.

April Kerr writes for Finer Living which has information on low price driveway alarm systems and cheap solar motion security lighting.

Technorati Tags: backyard design, backyard projects, diy, garden, gardening, home, landscaping, plants

With my wet cold summer and four floods on the property – everything need redone. Front, side and backyard. And the most important part of my landscaping design is to protect the yard from run-off to stop any further flood damage.

The storms we had this year destroyed the drains on the opposite side of the road and if it rains very hard or long I have mini rockslides and water running into the road and through the yard.

I also have three clogged streams that need to be cleaned out so that the streams will drain properly into the creak and not spread out over the lawn areas.

So where do I begin?

1. I called the conservation department to see how I can set up runoff ponds to catch any heavy rain. I have no idea when the road company will fix the ditches and drains but why depend on other people to fix a problem. If I fix my lower property by making it run-off safe and by putting in dry creeks and run-off ponds to catch and re-direct water I don’t have to depend on others and wait in line for assistance. This part of my project will take months
2. I also called the utility companies to check where I can dig on the property without hitting cables or pipelines. This is particularly important with the gas line. I know where the new line is but there is an old line and I need that marked before I can dig any pond or put in a streambed. The gas company will be by later this week to mark any lines.
3. I will have family do most for the backhoe work, which will save me money but the ponds and dry creeks will have to be put dug and installed in stages.
4. The most important work to be done with the backhoe is to put in a new driveway and fix the rock retaining wall in front of the property. Right now there is no driveway left and the pile of rocks look dreadful

Note: When you plan to do backhoe work you need to have any papers filed if they are required in your area, check for utility lines and pipes and know heavy equipment safety. This link to Home and Garden Online has a great article on how to use heavy equipment: How to Operate mini heavy equipment at home

So for right now my first major project is to redo the front yard, which was totally washed out. The driveway has to be put in and the rock wall smoothed and landscaped. This area will be landscaped to redirect water, just in case I have a problem again. I don’t want or need water in the house.

My side front yard was also a perennial garden and it was washed out earlier this summer. I left it a mess so that I could find the perennials that were beaten down in a runoff flood. Now it’s time to clean up the area and replant it.

My first small project: assemble my plants and ground cover and lay out my new garden design.

I will also be making as much compost as I can. I will need this for my new perennial garden area and for the rock pile. Check out my sister site, The Gardener’s Rake for an article on how to make compost in two weeks.

And tomorrows project: How to set up a moveable garden

Technorati Tags: backyard landscape ideas, backyard oasis disaster, backyard projects, the Gardeners Rake

Adding a deck to your backyard, home or pool is a major decision and plans must be carefully laid out to make the deck and flow of the yard compliment each other. Safety and cost are also concerns.
photo credit: EraPhernalia Vintage (way behind. sorry!)

I have always wanted a deck and this year I found the plans that worked well with the house. I wanted a deck that would replace the 1960’s metal rook over the patio area. The deck is on the second floor and just off the dining area of the house.

By adding a deck I increased the living area by adding a usable area that is 15 foot by 25 foot. And the sliding patio doors add more light in the dining room and help blend the indoor space with the outdoor space. It’s a perfect entertaining area that extends the use of the outdoors area by several months.

I also wrapped the deck around the back of the house as a walkway. This helps me to get to the windows and wash them more easily. Deck porch boxes have been placed along the walkway deck rails for more color and that backyard oasis feel that makes the home more relaxing and inviting.

And being garden addicted I have a small container garden, complete with two small tress and a few trellises for color and shade. I now need to add a small corner water fountain to complete a relaxing atmosphere.
photo credit: ethanmauldin

I also made sure when planning the deck that is pet safe and child safe. I do have pets and may have family that will visit so preventative measures are always best for safety. My deck sets 15 foot off the ground so the deck has rails with a brick brack filler and gates for the stairs leading the to backyard that lock.

Better homes and Gardens has a deck mini course that covers the planning process of making a deck, installation and how to ideas, and how to finish a deck.

Photos are included and there are great ideas on how to personalize the deck to fit you and your families needs.

I read all the topics and each had valuable information for my deck design and ideas.  I enjoyed these following links from the Better Homes and Gardens deck mini course

Deck Building Ideas

Planning a delightful Deck

Deck Planters with Trellis

Design the Perfect Deck or Patio

The deck has added a great place for watching the sun rise in the morning and to entertain. It’s probably one of the best investments I have added to the home in years.

Technorati Tags: backyard oasis, backyard projects, decisions before adding a deck, deck mini course, deck plans

Its summer and backyard picnics are a popular weekend event. 
photo credit: Tobyotter

Backyard furniture, comfortable furniture and a patio or water fountain and garden will add to the atmosphere.

But a backyard grill or barbeque pit will also add to your family entertaining.

This you tube will show you how to make a very nice barbeque grill.

A nice grill and picnic area will add to your backyard fun and entertaining. Add a shady area and flowers or vegetable containers and you backyard will have a new look and feel

Technorati Tags: backyard oasis, backyard projects

Has your backyard become overgrown, cluttered or just has a tired uninviting look? Or maybe redoing your backyard space has been one of those projects that you have put off.

A few simple steps will help you create a backyard getaway.

• Organize your space. Get rid of any unwanted plants, furniture or clutter.
• Tidy the lawn. Keep your lawn mowed and trim around trees, gardens and porch areas.
• Create backyard privacy. Fencing, lattice fencing or a trellis will block the view of the road or the neighbors yard. Shrubbery or trees will also add privacy. If you don’t have time for plants to grow this season add flowering vines. It doesn’t take much to make a break and add a feeling of privacy to your backyard.
• Plant flowers. Even if you’re not a gardener plants and flower add color and a lush feel to a home. A few potted trees or containers for flowers will create an oasis feel to the yard.
• Add an entertainment center. Buy a grill for your backyard and add a patio table or picnic table for casual entertaining. And if you want a larger project, add a fire pit or outdoor room.
• A simple patio can be created by adding flagstone or by simply removing the turf in an area and adding mulch or stone to the area.
• Pathways in the yard will add a feeling of adventure to your yard as they wander for one area to another. Add a mini garden, secret garden, bench or water fountain along the path and a create mini garden area for relaxation in the yard.
• Add new trees, fruit trees or potted trees for a lush feel and more privacy. Trees that have blossoms will add fragrance and color to your backyard.
  photo credit: Indiewench

Many additions to a backyard take little time and money and can be done on a weekend. Have your family suggest ideas for the backyard makeover and have them help to create the new backyard oasis.

Technorati Tags: backyard design ideas, backyard oasis, backyard projects