how does landscaping work? what would you suggest I start with in a completely new garden?
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KMS Woodworks on May 21, 2012with a fresh clean palette like this I would get the input from a few landscape "designers" ...nothing beats a fresh new project. When new home a re built it is not uncommon for 20% of the budget to go toward landscaping. People are often surprised by this number.Helpful Reply
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Barb C on May 21, 2012At least start with an overall design! Nothing worse than putting in the $ and work then saying "Oh, I should have done or added something and it's too late!"Helpful Reply
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Stephenie Klingler - Professional Master Gardener on May 22, 2012Are you wanting to do the work yourselves or hire a professional landscaper. First decide for sure how you'll want to use the new space. I also suggest that you get at least two estimates (if you are going to use a professional). If you are going to do the work yourselves, I suggest gathering a few magazines and books that relate to this subject. There are some very good ones out there to guide the novice. Barb C is correct: you must have a design BEFORE you begin, otherwise you could end up with something that does not suit your needs and may not look "together". Best wishes.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on May 22, 2012An urban backyard may not get enough light to support grass. That's one of many things you will want to check out. If you're starting from a completely blank canvas, I think it's a good idea to bring in a pro. You can end up spending more on mistakes than the garden designer costs you.Helpful Reply
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Laura K on May 22, 2012Unless you're going to cover the whole yard with a patio the BIGGEST thing to remember is that the stuff on top, (grass, shrubs, flowers, veggies) will only do as well as the dirt it's planted in. If you're starting from scratch don't skimp on your soil and you won't regret it.Helpful Reply
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Ed Z on May 22, 2012where do you get good soil from in the ny state area?Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on May 23, 2012Before you think about buying topsoil, you should have your soil tested. In New York this is done by Cornell University. You'll find all the particulars here: http://soilhealth.cals.cornell.edu/extension/test.htm Note that they stop taking samples after July 15, so the time to do it is now.Helpful Reply
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