3 Keys to a Beautiful - and Affordable - Landscape

It's not difficult to transform your yard into a harmonious collection of beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces. Just like with the inside of your dwelling, all it takes is money and desire. The easiest way to accomplish this is to hire a landscape design+build firm and let them create your paradise. It's what they do, and they do it well.

What's that? You have the desire part, but money's too tight to mention? I know how you feel. I felt the same way, and I found that don't have to transform your yard in one fell swoop (which would be cost prohibitive for many of us). You can do it in stages. You can do some of it yourself, even if you're not a landscape professional. Here are three keys to achieving a beautiful, affordable landscape.

First, plan it out. Plan it all out. Sketch out your vision of how it will look when it's all done, even if you don't know when that blessed day will come. You'll find that your ultimate landscape vision can be broken down into manageable projects. Then you can pick one and get started.

We started our landscape renovation project by building simple tiered retaining walls with garden beds along the back of our attached garage. The following year we hired contractors to remove a cracked concrete patio slab. They replaced it with an elegant Belgard paver patio and stone steps. The patio extends further into our yard and is a dream for entertaining. Plus, by having professionals fix the patio we no longer have water seeping into our basement after heavy rains. We saved money by reseeding areas ourselves where the sod had been removed and spent a couple weekends creating a raingarden beside the patio. We have since planted a couple trees, carefully leaving room for the third phase, which will involve an addition to the patio, a fire ring, and a stone retaining wall. The final phase will include a bog and pondless waterfall that cascades over the retaining wall and disappears into a basin of decorative rocks beside the patio. The water feature will include a RainXchange rainwater harvesting system.

If I didn't know where future pieces of the project would fit, we wouldn't be able to plan our small additions properly. The last thing you want to do is plant and later dig out plants or have to move landscape elements after they've been installed. Play it safe and smart and map out your grand plan from the start, even if it's just a pencil sketch on a napkin.

Second, call in the experts when it makes sense. Call Gopher State One Call at 811 to locate all underground utility lines and get them marked for free. Get material selection advice from a reputable supplier and hire a designer to help you with variables such as elevation changes and drainage issues. Attend a class to learn proper installation techniques, buy or rent the right tools and equipment. By all means, hire a contractor to do the work if you have any doubts. Don't skimp on quantity or quality of materials or labor. You'll be much happier with the outcome knowing it's done right.

Third, enjoy the experience! It's fun to see something grow from your vision. Some of us like digging, sweating and placing rocks, blocks and plants. Some people prefer watching the work from a lounge chair at a safe distance. Either way, take heart knowing you are improving your outdoor environment and adding resale value to your home. When the last piles of dirt are gone, the flowers are planted, and the furniture is on the patio, take a moment to relax and appreciate your new entertaining space or outdoor retreat. You've earned it!

If you need help with your projects this season, visit any Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies store or visit us online at http://www.hedbergrocks.com/.

Is there something you've added to your outdoor living spaces that you absolutely love? Tell me! I'd love to hear about your project! mailto:tplant@hedbergaggregates.com