You are buying a new home and looking forward to making it yours inside and out. First, congratulations! Second, we’re sharing some tips to help you on the outside.
Are you envisioning a lush, inviting outdoor space but you also want to make the yard a bit easier on the environment? You don’t need to have the world’s best green thumb to go ‘green.’ It starts with picking the right foliage, which will not only beautify your landscaping but also save you some money and work as well. Here are three ways to do that:
Go perennial. Perennials are the steadfast friends in your garden, blooming year after year, offering a reliable backbone of greenery and color. They’re an investment in the future, growing in size with each passing season. Perennials are flowers, herbs, and other plants that generally live for more than one growing season. Many varieties of perennials come back reliably each spring, year after year. Each fall, the top part of perennial plants die off, but the roots remain, regrowing the plant in the spring. In contrast, annual plants complete their entire life cycle in one growing season and must be replaced each spring. Giving their all for a single season, they dazzle with vibrant colors and full blooms. Mixing perennials for consistency and annuals for color bursts can create a harmonious landscape that evolves beautifully.
Stay local. Rather than opting for invasive species or plants that aren’t a good fit for your local environment, choose plants that are native to the area and will support the local ecosystem. Why choose native plants? It’s simple: they’re acclimatized to our local environment! Imagine planting a garden that practically takes care of itself while benefiting local wildlife. Native plants require less watering, are more resistant to pests, and feel right at home in your garden. By choosing natives, you’re not only making a green-thumb choice but also doing your bit for the planet and local ecosystems. Local gardening organizations can make recommendations for your area.
Save yourself some time and money. Speaking of less watering, selecting drought-tolerant plants and grasses and reducing the size of your lawn can cut down on the time you spend watering and mowing. With less of a lawn, you’ll apply fewer chemicals and use less water. Consider replacing extensive grassy areas with low-maintenance ground covers, native gardens, or even a charming patio space for those relaxing weekend barbecues. Integrating mulch beds around trees or creating a visually appealing rock garden can also drastically cut down your mowing time.
Landscaping isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a smart financial move too. A well-manicured lawn, vibrant flower beds, and thoughtfully placed shrubs can significantly increase your home’s curb appeal and value. It’s like putting a bow on a present; it just makes everything more appealing. Studies show that good landscaping can even increase property value.
