Landscaping Ideas: Small Yards
By Maria Bargellini
Dallas Landscape Contractor
If your planning to transform your small yard into something more beautiful, and what to do it yourself- read this article first. Before you spread your wings and fly let’s start crawling first shall we. Landscaping is so much more than just pretty flowers. You must first consider your soil, irrigation, drainage and lighting before you ever step foot in the nursery, (this will be difficult). You need to learn the basics in order to pull off a beautiful small yard that will surely surprise yourself and everyone in your family.
Tips for landscaping a small yard
Research
- On-line Research: The internet is a fantastic gardening tool. Just remember that when you are researching Landscaping solutions for Dallas do not follow sources from other locations like San Francisco or NY. Make sure that the site you are on specifically states that the plant material and suggestions are for your area.
- Nursery research: There are great nurseries all over Dallas. DO NOT go to these places to buy just yet. Leave your house without money if you think you can’t resist. Go to look and ask questions. If you have a yard that’s full sun stay out of the shade house. Go with a plan-focus and execute.
- The Dallas Arboretum and Texas Discovery Gardens and The Heard Museum: These are invaluable resources to visit and talk to people who know what they are talking about. What better place to see for yourself what plants will do well in your conditions. They hold educational classes, plant trials and plant sales throughout the year. It’s also a fantastic low cost way to spend a great day alone of with your family.
- Local Extension Office: Call or email your local Master Gardeners to ask questions and get advice on plants your interested in. The advice is free and is a great way to get current information for your area.
- The neighborhood: Whether it’s your neighborhood, garden home tour or a local park, get inspiration from your surroundings. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Look around and use what works
Your sprinklers and drainage need to be able to support your plants when they go into the ground. It’s not worth the investment if you cannot keep the plants alive. We all have the best intentions but when it’s 90 degrees at 8am and you have to go out there to hand water–well, your will might start to fade after a bit. In order to figure out your drainage and sprinklers you need a design. If you are on a budget and cannot afford a designer don’t worry. Some nurseries have free or low cost design help if you buy the plants from them. have your survey or plot plant ready to bring with you or make several copies and start designing your self. Research the mature heights and widths of the plants and scale them on to your survey.