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| Landscaping Basics |
| This DIY Basic will show you the basics of landscaping. |
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Healthy plants -- and a striking landscape or garden -- start with healthy soil. To support vigorous plant life your soil must contain the proper balance of nutrients and minerals -- and provide adequate drainage. If it needs it add compost or other organic mixtures to make your soil rich, balanced and ready for planting. - To get started on your landscaping, the first and most important step is to decide what kind of plants you want and then to put together a master plan of how everything lays out.
- Put your plan on paper so you have a unified vision (figure A). Without one your landscape may look piecemeal. Focus on the most important project first -- maybe a highly visible part of your property such as a driveway or doorway.
- Another way to go is to is to design your landscaping around something you're going to build or is already in place -- such as an arbor, wall, fence or patio.
- However you proceed, here are some important things to keep in mind --
- Select plants (figure B) that naturally do well with your climate and rainfall.
- Make sure the location fits the plant you choose when it comes to sun.
- If a plant needs full sun don't put it in partial shade -- and vice versa.
- Don't over-plant or plant too closely together. Plants grow -- some quickly -- and the space will come in handy and look better as well (figure C).
- Lastly, take note of views you may want to obscure or focal points you may want to create or accentuate.
With a little thought and time, the right plant in the right place can work wonders. Follow these basics and you're well on the way to beautifying your landscape.
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