While the official first day of summer a few weeks ago, summer landscaping season is in full swing. With Prince William County schools out, maybe you can even get some help from the kids with landscaping projects :-)?
Here are a few projects that are quick and easy, that will have a nice impact on your lawn and surrounding areas.
Easy to Install Landscape Edging
Separating your beds from your lawn is not hard. You can buy a roll of landscape edging material that goes in easily and will really make the beds pop. Plus it adds a nice texture and finishing touch to your yard.
A word of caution, however. Houselogic says:
“But don’t make the mistake that many homeowners make of buying the flexible plastic stuff, thinking it will be easier to install. It’ll look cheap and amateurish from day one.
Worse, it won’t last. And before you know it, you won’t be able to tell where your garden bed ends and your “lawn” begins.
Instead buy the more rigid, tough stuff in either fiberglass, aluminum, or steel.”
We agree. The plastic stuff can work in some applications, but if it’s going to be in a high visibility area, like out in front of your house, use the higher quality products.
Make a Small Flagstone Wall
Hardscape materials always sound intimidating. But here, we’re talking about a very low wall, so only about 12″ high. By stacking flagstones along the perimeter of your bed, you can have a really stunning looking landscape focal point.
Note that it doesn’t have to be flagstone, but that often the easiest. Since they’re flat, they stack easily.
Here are a couple of images that show how to do this with minimal effort. You really don’t need to use masonry or dig out pads in which to set these stones. These types of projects are really just making a place to set the stones and stacking them safely.
The best part is that it is so easy to do. The hardest part is getting the stones from the Gateway Home and Garden Center to your house! Don’t worry, any regular pickup truck or mid sized SUV can handle these materials.
Still, this is a very fast and simple way to make a really great addition to your landscaping.
Landscaping Materials that are Low Maintenance
The entire point of this post is to explain some easy landscaping projects that can have a nice visual impact. in that same spirit, there are many people who don’t want to spend the time (and money!) to make an award winning front yard. With that in mind, we found a great article over at DIY Network that lays out the entire process of creating a low maintenance landscape. You’ll probably want to check that out .
Here are additional great ideas:
1. Plant a Flower Bed
Select Location : Choose a sunny spot for your flower bed.Choose Plants : Opt for low-maintenance, seasonal flowers that thrive in your climate.Prepare the Soil : Clear the area of weeds and rocks, and enrich the soil with compost.Plant and Mulch : Arrange the flowers, plant them, and add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
2. Create a Pathway
Plan the Path : Decide on the path’s route and width.Materials : Use materials like gravel, stepping stones, or bricks.Installation : Lay down a weed barrier, spread the gravel or place the stepping stones/bricks, and secure them with sand or soil.
3. Add a Water Feature
Choose a Feature : Select a simple water feature like a small fountain, birdbath, or pond.Installation : Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation, ensuring a level surface and a nearby power source if needed.
4. Install Outdoor Lighting
Plan Lighting : Identify areas that need illumination, such as pathways, garden beds, and seating areas.Choose Fixtures : Select solar-powered or low-voltage LED lights for energy efficiency.Placement and Installation : Position the lights strategically and follow installation instructions.
5. Build a Raised Garden Bed
Choose a Location : Find a sunny spot for your garden bed.Materials : Use untreated wood, bricks, or concrete blocks to build the bed.Assembly : Assemble the frame, fill it with quality soil, and plant vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
6. Install a Trellis or Arbor
Select Location : Choose a spot where climbing plants can thrive.Installation : Install a trellis or arbor and plant climbing plants like roses, clematis, or ivy at the base.
7. Add Mulch to Garden Beds
Choose Mulch : Select organic mulch like wood chips, bark, or straw.Application : Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
8. Create a Seating Area
Select a Spot : Find a cozy corner in your yard.Furniture : Add outdoor furniture like a bench, chairs, or a small table.Enhance the Area : Add potted plants, cushions, and an outdoor rug for comfort and style.
9. Build a Fire Pit
Choose Location : Select a safe, open area away from overhanging trees and structures.Materials : Use bricks, stones, or a fire pit kit.Construction : Follow instructions to build a simple, contained fire pit, ensuring proper ventilation and safety.
10. Plant Shrubs or Trees
Choose Varieties : Select low-maintenance, native shrubs or trees.Planting : Dig appropriate-sized holes, plant the shrubs or trees, and water them thoroughly.
11. Install a Drip Irrigation System
Plan Layout : Determine the areas to be watered.Materials : Purchase a drip irrigation kit.Installation : Follow the kit instructions to set up the system, ensuring it covers all necessary areas.
12. Create a Rock Garden
Select Area : Choose a dry, sunny spot.Materials : Use a variety of rocks, gravel, and drought-tolerant plants.Design : Arrange rocks and plants to create a natural-looking rock garden.
Lastly, you’ll need a great supplier for the landscaping materials needed for your projects, whether they’re super simple or very complex. Stop by the Gateway Home and Garden Center, we can not only get you the products and materials you need, but also help you plan your landscape, and we’ll do it with a neighborly smile. See you soon!
