How can we landscape our yard inexpensively yet look like a pro?
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
Best way to kill bush/tree after being cut down?
Just moved into a new home. There was a huge thorny bush dragon devouring the mailbox. I slayed the dragon but it is trying to rise up again. How can I make sure it's... See more
Nightmare neighbors
We have the worst neighbors ever! They complain about everything! They hate dogs so they complain every time our dogs bark one time (not exaggerating) they have fabri... See more
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/shrubs-for-zone-4-gardens.htm
Install trees first - deciduous will shade the house in the summer and let in the winter warmth. Figure out how the sun traverses your house, then plant them. Use flowering shrubs. You need to know how much sun and shade your house will get in order to plant the correct type of flowering shrub. Your house is very linear, so I would make the gardens have a curve to them.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-4/gardening-in-zone-4.htm
my go to for color/ease: caladiums! (plant bulbs for extra savings!)
Put pen to paper and plan out a loose design, go slow, do a little each month, plants grow fast.
Also buy a good gardening book for your area to help you figure out what to put where -- don't put a 6' hedge under windows that are 3' off the ground; use a short hedge or shrub. The book will give you info on sun/shade requirements, water, height and width, etc. You obviously wouldn't want to plant anything requiring a daily watering in with low-water plants. I have one for Texas and I find it not only informative, but just plain interesting to read. Good luck and enjoy your new house; it's really pretty.
I recently retired from the University of Georgia Extension Service. I recommend you contact them for ideas for your lawn. Almost every county in the nation has an office for its citizens. Some county agents are experienced with actual helping you plan. If not, they will have a specialist come down from the main office to help you. Also, get the free materials on shrubs, flowers and lawns for reference. Then ask when there will be area live programs put on for those interested in landscaping.
Your local Extension Service is really the first contact when thinking landscaping. Second choice would be a home decorating/landscape sevice who can help lay out your yard. Of course, they wish to sell so you will need control of the expenses and not overspend your budget.
I really like the idea of contacting your County Extension service, they have the master gardeners and can come up with some pretty impressive plans on what will do well on your property. Also taking a look around your neighborhood may also inspire you.