Creating Elegant Outdoor Living Space with Unique Landscape Design Ideas
Before we continue we would like to share a great resource that will provide you with an abundance of landscaping ideas and designs for your upcoming project...'Ideas 4 Landscaping' by Helen Whitfield. Helen has done a excellent job of creating the largest most affordable resource package available, although contrary to our beliefs ...  ... she discredits landscape designers, but nothing compares to the training and experience of a qualified landscape design professional. If you can overlook this key point, then you'll be wise to invest in her material as it's an invaluable resource for those looking to do-it-themselves or those gathering ideas prior to meeting with a landscape professional. We've reviewed many packages similar to Helen's but nothing comes close to what's offered here. 
Combining just the right landscape ideas for the ideal outdoor design requires knowledge and extensive, careful planning. Yards with slopes or steep grades demand a much different landscape design plan than small, flat yards with limited space. Understanding some of the tricks and techniques used by our landscape architects and contractors can guide you in creating an outdoor living area that is perfect for your home and your yard.
The Four-Part Master PlanThe design techniques used to create a functional outdoor area are a critical part of landscape planning , regardless of the size, shape, or natural features of your land. One of the most renowned names in landscape design, Dargan Landscape Architects, is an elite garden design team founded by Hugh and Mary Palmer Dargan in 1973.
After studying several of their award winning landscape design ideas, the Dargans recognized four central elements in each and every garden plan no matter how different they may be. In their book Timeless Landscape Design: The Four-Part Master Plan they share the ideas behind this time tested process and explain how it naturally adapts itself to the largest estate gardens right down to the smallest of townhouse plots to ensure an attractive, intriguing, and useful outdoor space. Here is an outline of this classic landscape design process: 1. Approach and arrival - This refers to the importance of guiding visitors from the road directly to your front door in an inviting and pleasant manner. The style and design of your front yard will influence the first impressions of your home and property. 2. The Hub - Your entire outdoor design should center around the style and appearance of your home. Choose a theme, a color scheme, and outdoor accessories that complement the structure your property showcases. 3. The Perimeter - Functional outdoor living rooms are extensions of your home so it is important to integrate your functional outdoor space with similar rooms inside your home. Connect the outdoor and indoor living areas with doors and blend the natural and modern styles by accessorizing your landscape design with similar furnishings, colors, and decor. 4. Passages and destinations - Paths and walkways are just as essential to your landscape design ideas as plant life and outdoor furniture. The materials used, the look and style of the walkways, and where the garden paths lead help to define the overall atmosphere of your outdoor space. These four components of landscape design planning can be found in every luxurious and appealing garden design, but there are many different landscape design ideas that are specifically for certain types of yards. The Landscape Design Advisor has adopted many of the ideas listed above and it's one of the driving philosophies that we write about in our guide.
Ideas for Small YardsThe lavish size and square footage of most modern homes, coupled with the lack of undeveloped land for residences in most metropolitan areas, has resulted in a tremendous downsizing of outdoor space.
Small yards are becoming more and more common, especially in affluent communities. At the same time, outdoor living is becoming increasingly popular. There are a variety of landscape design ideas that can make the most of your small yard and can even create a larger appearance. • Slim fences and vertically growing plants can add elegance without requiring too much space. • Use specific colors and textures to give your landscape design a more open appearance. • Integrate outdoor accessories proportionately sized to your yard space. Small water fountains, miniature bird baths, and ornamental trees are ideal choices that add charm to your small yard.
Garden Wall IdeasWalls are common features in landscape design planning and have a number of uses in your garden. Tall walls make excellent privacy barriers for more intimate areas of your outdoor design, while walls built about3 feet high can double as seating and benches. Short garden walls are a charming way to enclose flower beds and can protect portions of your yard from wind and other elements. There is also a growing trend for green walls which feature hardy climbers, cascading ground covers and beautiful vines. Retaining Wall IdeasThere are several different types of garden walls, in many shapes and sizes. Retaining walls are popular landscape design ideas that add both beauty and value to your property. This type of garden wall is often used to alter the appearance of hills and grades or may be built near the edge of the yard for extreme curb appeal.
Building these kinds of walls should left to the experts. We would be happy to provide you with recommendations of landscape architects, contractors and garden designers who can assist you in garden wall design and construction, as well as guidelines for planning a solid and beautiful retaining wall. Designing and building a proper retaining wall is no easy task and requires the help of an experienced local landscape architect and contractor. Use our
Member Directory
to locate a professional member in your area to setup a consultation. Landscaping Ideas for SlopesLiving on a hillside can create an intense challenge when it comes to landscape design planning. A number of different landscape design ideas can help blend the natural slopes of your yard into a beautiful extension of your outdoor living area. Retaining walls, rock gardens, decks, and colorful displays of wildflowers are all common ideas that make grades and slopes intriguing parts of your outdoor living space.Planning a hillside garden design, or even accounting for small slopes in your yard, demands attention to a few important factors. Proper drainage and the prevention of erosion are the biggest concerns but you should also consider irrigation to maintain healthy water levels for plants, as well as the ease of lawn maintenance on the slope.
Garden Terrace IdeasGarden terraces are a beautiful and functional way to blend your home’s interior with your outdoor space. A garden terrace typically connects to a common room of your home, like the kitchen or living room.
They can be designed to sprawl across your yard encompassing a large area or to provide a simple, small and intimate seating area. The flooring materials used, the shapes and patterns integrated into the design, and the height of the patio are only a few things to consider when planning a terrace. Implementing the best landscape design ideas for your home and garden can be a difficult task, but a beautifully landscaped yard can add a great deal of value, enjoyment, and overall appeal to your property. Our member network of landscape professionals can help you create a garden plan that incorporates the right kind of landscape design ideas for your home or business. You can locate one of our member's in your area by finding them in our
Member Directory.
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Before adding any type of garden wall to your landscape design, there are a number of things to consider including the building materials, drainage, and the size and purpose of the wall. 