Affordable Landscaping Ideas

A little research can yield several affordable backyard landscaping ideas. Save money doing the work yourself instead of hiring a professional landscaper. There is also a point of pride when the work and ideas are a true reflection of you. Minor changes can make a dramatic difference.

The first step should be planning the budget. Know up front exactly how much can be spent. Each item that needs to be purchased has to be written down. No issue is too small to note. It is the lesser priced items that can add up quickly. It may help to go to a home store or nursery and become familiar with the pricing of the items you are interested in.

In the store, a nursery can answer any questions regarding what to plant where. It is the same place to find out about the care and feeding of the plants and flowers chosen. Ask for ones that naturally grow in your area. Find out about what pests to protect them from and what is attracted to them. If you have pets, mention them, so nothing that they may ingest will harm them. Of course, a trip to the library can help but speak to an expert may be the best way to get started.

Graph paper may be used to plot out the backyard as it currently is. On this make a note of significant areas. Consistently wet areas, dry or dead areas, hills, trees, shaded or pine needle covered areas all need to be shown on the drawing. Do a new one with all the changes or improvements you would like to make. It helps to visualize the end product. If measurements are taken, it can help the person at the nursery give numbers of plants or flowers necessary to fill an area.

A healthy lawn is a beautiful thing. It also takes the time to maintain. If you do not wish to do it yourself, then it will cost money. It will need aerating, weeding, fertilizing, and mowing. If possible, you may want to consider a smaller lawn or just a small grass area for play.

Consider repurposing household items for planters on or around the patio or deck. Almost anything can be used, consider old vases, buckets, bowls, watering cans, or even an old boot. Use rocks or stones from a nearby river. An old table can stand in the middle of a garden or an old chair.

Outdoor lighting can be something simple like solar lights. These are not very bright, but they save money by not requiring electricity. They can be put anywhere regardless of where an electric source exists. If a pathway is made to various areas in the yard, these lights can be used to show the way at night.

A statue can create a focal point in the yard, a place where the attention is drawn. It can be something peaceful like a fountain or a meditation ball. Several backyard landscaping ideas can create a quiet oasis or a colorful, fun place. It can be whatever suits your personality and whim.