Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?

by Jenn Stumer, Appalachian Creations, Inc.    

Are you getting tired of your landscape?  Does it seem like it is all one color – green in the spring and summer and brown in the fall and winter?  Are there plants out there that seem like they have been around forever?  Have you been trimming evergreen shrubs faithfully only to see them growing bigger and rounder every year?  If you say “yes” to any of these questions, then you are definitely ready to upgrade your landscape!

     There are quite a few ways you can upgrade your existing landscape.  From the less costly to a size-able investment, you can spruce up the curb appeal of your property while adding to the value of your home. 

     Evaluate your existing landscape using the following checklist:

·           Is there seasonal interest? 

·           Do you use annual or perennial plants to add splashes of color and foliage interest? 

·           Do you have a “flow” or theme to your plantings? 

·           Is there a feature plant or area that draws attention to the best face of your home? 

·           Could you use stone or pavers (hardscape) to enhance certain areas?

     Seasonal interest means that there is always something going on in your landscape.  This could mean you have bulbs for early spring, rhododendrons or azaleas blooming next and creeping phlox (Mountain Pink) or bleeding hearts filling in the blanks.  For the summer, are there flowering perennials splashing color or areas where you can plant annual flowers? Mums have always been a favorite to brighten things up in the fall but have you thought of using sedum or ornamental grasses instead?  Winter interest means having a good handful of evergreens, berry-producing shrubs or deciduous plants with interesting bark.

     Having a flow in your landscape simply means the layout of your plantings and the groupings of similar or same types of plants.  A theme could be a “woodland garden” area or “butterfly garden” area. 

     Sometimes adding a feature plant or using annuals and perennials could make a world of difference in a mature landscape.  A feature plant is usually the focal point of your landscape and is typically an ornamental tree or shrub.  Sometimes using a specific grouping of plants can draw attention or accent the best feature of your home.

     Finally, use stone, boulders, pavers, or retaining walls to focalize an area or grouping.  Add a hardscape walkway or patio for a beautiful, modern entrance-way or entertaining area for your home.

     Upgrading a landscape doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money.  Refurbishments or enhancements can be done in phases.  Or perhaps it truly is time to rip it all out and start over fresh.  In deciding about upgrading, the age of the landscape, the health of the plants, and future maturity are taken into consideration as well as the overall look and flow.  There might be one specific area that you are unhappy with or there might be a few.  Now is the time to decide if you are ready to take the next steps towards making a change.