Florist in Port Orchard WA

Florist Port Orchard WA

Location for Williams Flower & Gift - Port Orchard Florist

The Basics of Landscaping

Tips & Tricks and Everything You Need to Know

So you've decided on starting your own garden. But do you know how to style it? Do you know what plants and items can bring life to your lawn and yard?

If you answered "no" to these questions, don't panic! Our team of experts is right here to help you make your dream garden come true.

In this blog post, we discuss the general principles of landscaping. We put together a list of things to think about when planning your landscape design. We discuss the pros and cons of popular landscaping styles. We show you criteria you need to know when selecting your theme and the best flowers for your design. Lastly, we help you execute your plans and layout. You'll find all the must-knows of landscaping and garden styling right here!

Get the best tips from [city]'s premier florists and gardeners on the best landscape design for your lifestyle! Learn how it can enhance your home, embody who you are as a person, and suit your daily activities and social hostings all at once.

Interested in a formal course? Want to get certified as a gardening expert? We recommend you look over associations offering classes in floristry, like:

First Things You Should Consider

Always remember that the conditions in your yard come first before the style. Otherwise, it will never come out right! This rule goes for every whatever style you pick for your garden.

Here is a lineup of the first things you should consider when you choose and plan a design for your landscape!

Architecture of the House

Choosing the design of the landscape needs to complement your own home design. This will give your home a good sense of balance and cohesion with your garden. It will also help tie your flowers and plants with the style and structure of your chosen landscape design.

Sunlight and where it falls longest

Some plants need a lot of sunlight. Some need a great deal of shade. So it's crucial to evaluate the direction of sunlight and where it falls the longest. It will help you plot out your plants with care and precision.

Position of potential or existing trees

Like the above factor, the position of existing trees or trees you intend to grow matters. Take note of this to be sure ample light and shade reach your precious flowers and greens.

Depth and texture of soil

Look into which areas of your lot have shallow and rocky dirt. Check which spots have more depth and texture. This will help give room for your plants' roots and growth.

Air quality, wind direction and strength

If you live in or near the city, you have to consider the quality of the air in your yard. This is to make sure your plants don't get stifled from too much smoke and fog from cars. Restaurant exhausts and the cramped city space can also be sources of this. So it's good to keep this in mind.

The strength and direction of the wind change at different times of the day and all through the year. These can influence plant growth and texture. So take note of this to keep your plants nurtured and healthy.

Family pet and neighbor's pets

Do you have dogs, cats, or any other cute critters that frequently go out to your yard? If so, make sure you get pet-friendly flowers, shrubs and trees. You might also need to set up a low-rise fence or something similar. This will keep them from harming seedlings or, god forbid, doing their business in the garden bed.

Basic Steps to Designing Your Landscape

Whatever you settle on for your landscape design, there are basic steps you need to follow. Here are a few guidelines for styling your backyard!

Sketch the Plan Out

If you can, it's better to get the specific dimensions of your yard from your house's layout. This way, you get an overview of your design. It will even help you try out different styles while you're still in the preparation phase.

Pick out Flowers as Focal Points

Follow the classic rules of creating bouquets! Choose the star (or stars) of your garden and base your accents and foliage off of the main flower.

Choosing Your Garden Style

It's necessary to note here what you plan to do in your garden, as it affects how you do the landscaping in your yard. Is it for recreation? For gatherings and playtime? For rest and relaxation? Strike a balance among lawn and planting areas. With this, you have enough room to move around while appreciating the beauty of nature in your garden.

Borders and Edging

It's also important to know the most ideal kind of materials for the borders and edges of your garden. Whether it's wood, brick, stone, or anything else, think about your theme and style. Make sure to complement your main flowers and accents with the material you'll use.

Selecting Your Plants

Now you're at the stage of picking out your flowers, shrubs, and trees for your garden. In line with that, it's important to know the full size of a plant before putting them in the soil. This is to be sure they don't get overcrowded once they reach maturity.

Putting it All Together

You've chosen of landscape design, borders and edging, focal flowers, accents, foliage, and plants. Now you need to put them all together!

A basic knowledge of the color wheel comes in handy here. Also, look at the textures, shapes, and sizes of different types of flowers and shrubs. Make sure to check how well they go with each other.

Pros & Cons of Different Landscape Designs

Which landscape best matches your home design and architectural structure? Which landscape design best displays your lifestyle and everyday life? Whatever your answer is, you can find ideas here! Below is a quick list of standard landscape styles you can pick from.

Want to create a personalized design and get creative? Go ahead! You can pick some aspects from these styles and incorporate them into your own. Let your inspiration flow and make your dream garden come true!

English Garden.

Features: Rich shrubs and perennials to complement your home's architectural style. Generally includes birdbaths and arbor.

Oriental/ Japanese Zen

Features: Water, rocks, and evergreens similar to how Asian style gardens look. Comes with a wide range of plants in complementing shades and hues of green.

Woodland

Features: Patterned after its name. Mimics the natural way that flora and fauna grow as seen in forests and wooded areas. Demands less regular upkeep.

Formal

Features: Symmetrical arrangements, straight lines, and clear-cut geometric shapes with manicured, well-trimmed appearance. Needs a good deal of maintenance.

Informal

Features: Curved edges and asymmetrical arrangements, set in plant beds

Tropical

Features: Extravagant ferns and shrubs with brightly-colored blossoms and tall trees. Similar to a tropical rainforest.

Mediterranean

Features: Secure plant containers on lines of brick or stone, intermixed with flowering plants and blossoms.