Landscaping Guide For HomeownersLandscaping Guide For Homeowners

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Landscaping Guide For Homeowners

Hello, my name is Justin Malone and on this blog you'll find a lot of useful information about landscaping. When I moved into my newly built home, I didn't even have any grass in my yard, so I had to start from scratch. Before I tackled the project of landscaping my property, I did a large amount of research first. I learned how to plant grass seed, and when the grass started to grow, I researched planting trees. As my yard started taking shape, I planted shrubs and made flower beds. My next landscape project was building a fish pond and I completed it with ease after doing the research. I'm writing this blog as a guide for others who want to do their own landscaping and I hope that it helps you learn how to create a beautiful yard.

Accessorizing A Painted Lady: 5 Tips For Landscaping A Victorian Home

29 December 2016
 Categories: , Blog

Whether you have purchased a historic Victorian home or built a new classic house yourself, the Victorian design is sure to wow your guests and make you feel like you're living in a beautiful part of history. Before you sit back and relax, though, give some thought to how you can create the best landscape to complement your home. Here are 5 tips for any homeowner.

Be Precise. Victorian homes generally look best with a sculpted look to the landscaping. This often means formal things like well-trimmed hedges, but it doesn't have to. You can also make your yard look professional and neat with well-kept flower beds and defined borders or walkways.

Use Gravel. Gravel (or similar crushed stone) is a classic part of Victorian landscaping because it provides a nice contrast with the darker greenery surrounding it. It's inexpensive, easy to maintain, and helps walkways or other hardscaping give dimension to the yard. 

Divide and Conquer. Consider dividing your yard into separate "rooms" with their own identity. This layout will help encourage use of the garden and yard as well as giving everything a sense of purpose. You may choose to include small sitting areas, entertainment spaces, herb gardens, or mediation zones. Separate these spaces with borders like manicured hedges, a flower bed, dwarf trees, or low retaining walls.

Be Opulent. Victorian yards were not known for their simplicity, and neither should yours. Use ornate decorations like yard sculptures, large urns and vases, and hanging planters. You may want to include a beautiful focal point -- fountain, for example -- to draw attention to the yard as well.  Choose furnishings that feature rich colors and deep, finished woods.

Use Interesting Greens. Victorians loved exotic plants and were intrigued by faraway places, so feel free to expand your yard's palette with exciting and visually interesting greenery. A monkey puzzle tree, fernleaf fiddleneck, or purple triple datura are sure to liven up any space and open up fun conversations with guests. If you have entertainment spaces, you can use container gardens to make it easier to plant and maintain more sensitive exotic plants. Work with your local nursery to find fun and interesting plants, trees, and shrubs that will liven up your yard. 

If you're not sure how to properly reflect the Victorian sentiment in your yard, talk with landscape and plant professionals in your area, starting with a nearby nursery. And while it may take some time and energy now, the result will be an even more spectacular home and yard that everyone will love.