Here are a few tips that will help you cut back on gardening and landscape work:

1.  Choose the right plants

Native plants (plants that are native to your growing area) have less insect problems; they adapt to surroundings more easily than exotic species and need less water than plants that have been brought into your growing zone.

Group plants that have the same cultural needs will save time when watering and fertilizing. For example a rock garden is am area that requires less work and will do well will low plants. While a perennial shade garden will add color to a quiet area of the yard where grass may not grow well.

A shrub that grows to six feet tall will require regular pruning if planted under a window that is three feet above the ground. Read the planting instructions on a shrub before you buy it and match it for the area you plan to use it in. There are many dwarf varieties of trees and shrubs that are ideal for small areas and may never need pruning. I just bought several shrubs that only grow two to three feet tall.

It helps to keep the planting beds narrow for easy access to interior plants. Design the garden or flowerbeds with long, sweeping curves so that the mower can reach the edge, eliminating hand trimming. Border edging will also cut down on weeds entering g the garden bed areas.

2.  Mulch, mulch, mulch

Mulch is my best friend. A thick layer of organic mulch around plants help to control weeds, conserves soil moisture, adds nutrients to the soil and can give the yard a flowing balanced look. Popular organic mulches are tree bark, shredded leaves, pine needles, compost and plant wastes such as cocoa shells. (If you have any pets, please note that cocoa mulch contains theobromine, which is lethal for dogs and cats.) If weeds are a serious problem, lay down several layers of newspaper or a layer of cardboard before mulching.

3.  Keep the lawn as small as possible

This is my problem in my backyard. Due to the creek I need to mow to keep control of snakes and river rats. I really have too large of a yard, so to help cut down the mowing time I use ground covers, have a wildflower area, terraced garden areas, and mulched beds. Walkways, decks and patios will also cut down on the size of the yard that needs tending to.

4.  A healthy lawn

A healthy lawn is less likely to be bothered by weeds, insects, and diseases. It will not need to be repaired as much for bare spots.

Keep the grass a little taller; let it grows to three or four inches and then mow off one-third. High grass shades out weeds and won’t dry out as quickly as closely cropped turf. This is very important if you are suffering from a drought. Watering the yard takes time, money and is not as eco friendly as a low maintenance lawn.

Learn to water less frequently but deeply. This will encourage your plants to develop deep roots.

The most important rule you can remember when planning your garden is to remember “the yard is for enjoyment.” Do you really want a landscape design that takes 20 hours a week to maintain?

The front yard had become difficult to mow with the slope it has and tree roots popping up, so I decided to move the rock around and create a terraced garden to hopefully prevent more flooding and make the yard easier to work with.

Tomorrow I am going to get perennials for the garden area. It’s not ready to plant yet but I will get the plants now at a reduced price and pot some up and put the rest in a holding garden until I am ready to plant.

If your thinking of creating a terraced garden first you need to identify the slope of you yard and plan accordingly.

There are four basic yard slopes.

Easy slopes are slopes less than 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25 degree slope or angle). Such a slope will not require special landscape treatment. You can terrace the area without steps or walls, unless you feel its necessary for safety. Riding mowers may be used safely and efficiently.

A moderate slope ranges from 1-foot vertical to 4 feet horizontal (25%) to 1 foot vertical on 3 feet horizontal (33%). A slope with this range creates a bank where only hand movers are manageable. Its best to plant grass where accessible and use mulch and ground covers for difficult areas.

Avoid single specimens of trees and shrubs on these grades in the grass due to the problems of mowing around them. They can be use only in groups or in mulched bed areas.

Steep slopes will take the most planning but make stunning terraced gardens. A steep slope has a range from 1 foot vertical to 3 feet horizontal (33%) to 1 foot vertical on 2 feet horizontal (50%). Gradients of that kind create banks where only hand movers are not easily manageable. These areas are usually weed wacked, covered with ground cover or have built in terraces.

When dealing with a severely sloped site you have to remember to consider where you want excess water to flow. Make sure it does not flow towards your home, garage or into the neighbor’s property.

If the area you are landscaping has a steep slope, you may want to build terraces or steps made of logs or old railroad ties across the slope to divert water and prevent soil erosion. Between the steps spread a thick layer of wood chips to protect the soil. If the slope is gentle, seeding grass may, using ground cover or using rock may be the answer.

Severe Slopes are slopes 1 foot vertical to 2 feet horizontal (50%) and steeper. Vegetation and plants, including grass and groundcovers, are difficult to establish and demand frequent and skilled maintenance to prevent erosion and unsightliness.

Its best to build terraces if possible and you may want to consider a landscape of hardscape.

My yard is a cross between a sleep slope and a moderate slope. I have had challenges working the design between the two slopes but soon I will have a finished terrace and photographs to show you.

photo credit: RKHawaii

In the recent years solar lighting is becoming very popular. One reason for its popularity is that after the initial costs for the lighting there are no additional costs.

Solar lighting works by using the sun’s energy and even on overcast days the lights will pick up enough energy to add a beautiful glow to your backyard oasis.

And the popularity of the solar lights has encouraged companies to create lighting for every type of garden and landscape décor.

If you are shopping for solar lighting for around swimming pools, ponds or any other water source, individual solar lights work the best to emphasis the landscape area.

Lighting gardens, decks, walkways, patios or decks are also possible with solar lighting. Depending on the landscape style and design you may want to go with table lamps, hanging lamps, ground lighting or a soft spotlight for a focal emphasis.

The new solar lighting possibilities are limitless. And by working with your backyard landscape design you can create a unique and inviting look.

Many homeowners are lighting their driveways, which makes certain driveways, like mine, easier to navigate in the evenings and adds a welcoming look to your home. Fences also look wonderful with solar lighting.

And one of the biggest advantages to solar lighting is that there are less or no wiring that has to be hidden or buried around your yard. The homeowner has to remember with electrical lighting to use extra care while mowing and to check the wire often to look for wear and tear or if its properly buried so that no one will trip on the cords.

Solar lighting will light up that dark corner in your yard and will illuminate a tree or fountain, adding atmosphere to your backyard oasis.

When you are choosing solar lighting for your backyard, shop around and look at all the solar lighting available. You will also want to keep in mind the color of light that the solar light emits. Lighting is available with a white glow, amber glow, or low soft lighting.  A few lights even flash or are motion activated and work well for security purposes.

And last but not least, your backyard areas are different and may require several different styles of lighting to accent the yard to its best potential. But your lighting still needs to relate from one area to the other. This is often achieved with matching solar designs or color on the lights.

How to Solar Guide has great information on solar lighting and other solar backyard needs. I am particularly impressed with the solar fountains they have reviewed on their site.

Its often surprising to poolscape design professionals how little thought would-be owners of inground luxury pools spare for the details that could make their home and recreational area a coherent, architecturally attractive whole.
photo credit: leozaza

A large number of considerations will determine whether your swimming pool landscape design promotes privacy, convenience and safety. An intelligently conceived swimming pool landscape design will mean the difference between an area for fun and healthy exercise and one that is beautiful enough to add serious value to your home.

There is only one good option for busy individuals to ensure that attention is paid to the small details of their pools construction and design.

You’ll need to hire a seasoned construction company, preferably one that your friends or family have recommended to you. Irresponsible or unscrupulously managed construction companies are notorious for dragging out work for far longer than it needs to take, making them a serious financial risk.

If youre very lucky, you may be able to find a poolscape design company that will quote you a flat rate, rather than by day or by the hour, a system which only encourages slow work.

Pretty much one of the best landscaping ideas for privacy, and a poolscape design that will look great and guard your pool area from inquiring eyes, is to surround it with foliage, creating a thick screen of protective greenery.

The trees you pick do need to be chosen wisely, though. Any tree with an extensive root system will, given a few years, cause damage to the foundation of your home or of your swimming pool. Also trees that drop their leaves in autumn are going to be more trouble than theyre worth – youd prefer your pools good hygiene to be as low-maintenance as possible.

Rather go for evergreen trees – the minimal amount of mess they will create and their consistently beautiful, lush appearance means you wont suddenly find your private space laid bare in winter.

One way to get the lush look you want without cluttering up your swimming pool landscape is to grow vines up trellises. Espalier trees ( trees the branches of which have been pruned and groomed to grow horizontally to either side rather than every which way) are another attractive option, as they create a flat barrier of branches.

These are the best landscaping ideas for privacy, the alternative being a fence or wall, which will lack the gentle arboreal and natural feel of vegetation, but provide the safety and security you might prize over those traits if you have small children.

Another serious consideration if that is the case is getting hold of a strong pool cover that will support the weight of your child should they happen to fall on it.

Its also a good idea to surround your pool with patio tiling, ensuring you of a safe, non-slip surface when you get out of the pool. Lazing outside is one of the most luxurious parts of having a pool, so think about the social space you are constructing and how many people you would  like to be able to entertain.

Lastly, think about style. You would ideally like your swimming pool landscape design to echo the architectural features of your home. Often people renovate their houses without giving any thought to the outmoded style of the pool in the backyard.

Look at a variety of custom designs, remembering always that your dream swimming pool will be the one that fits seamlessly into your dream home.

photo credit: aJ Dy

It could be a more relaxed working area or and area that helps with creativity.

The idea of a garden office or garden studio is perfect for people who enjoy the outdoors or gardening. It is also convenient for people who are self-employed and work at home. Your work area becomes a very relaxing haven.

If you have a small backyard or no backyard you will need to plan carefully to make the best use out of every available inch of space. You may even want to consider hiring a professional designer to help out.

The first and most important step is analyzing your available space. Will your area be indoors or out? Natural lighting and a flow with the outdoors are necessary. You will also need to check on any building permits and security issues for your new design.

The Outdoor Garden Studio or Garden Office

Heating, cooling and security for a separate building are main concerns with an outdoor garden studio or office. Also selecting the building location and size in relation to backyard space and landscape design are keys to success.

If your building needs to be small to fit into available space you can actually add to the feel of the room by adding a mini patio, flagstone or creating a garden around the building.  This extends the indoor space outside in a flowing feel. Add a small tabletop fountain for relaxation and you have created a feeling out an outdoor room or secret garden.

You can create the building yourself, hire a builder or buy a small building at most garden centers.

Indoor Garden Studio or Garden Office

Porches, sunrooms, balconies and a room with many windows will make a wonderful garden office. You may also decide to add a small extension onto your home. Some of the most inviting garden rooms I have seen are balconies that have been enclosed but the design from the balcony moves into the attached room creating a larger feeling to the entire space.

Sunrooms and porches are also very successful when re-created into garden studios. By adding plants, container gardens, mini ponds or fountains you bring the feel of the outdoors indoors. The use of vertical garden design and garden trellises will make better use of limited space and create a lush garden feeling.
photo credit: Tammy Manet

And depending on your climate you may need to add insulation to create a more climate friendly atmosphere during the hot summer months or cooler winter season.

By creating a Garden studio or Garden office you can make an environment to work in that offers the comfort and relaxation of being outdoors.