Easy & Yet Beautiful Landscaping

Pathways

• Pathways add interesting lines to your landscape and define space. You can line a path with recycled bricks, slate or commercial cement stepping stones. Gravel or bark are low maintenance and also work well. Design your pathway using curves rather than straight lines for a more pleasing layout. Choose lush and colorful flowers to grace the sides and soften the edges. Your pathway will invite your guests to stroll through your garden.

Water Features

• The sight and sound of water is soothing and will add a relaxing element to your garden. You can choose a water feature as simple as a birdbath and highlight it with tall flowers. Another option is a small fountain as a focal point. Kits are available to make very small ponds just large enough to display a water lily or a couple of koi.

Decorative Accents

• There are many inexpensive decorative accents that add interest to a garden. Use a vintage wheelbarrow with trailing flowers for a focal point. Display a ceramic planter filled with old-fashioned flowers on a weathered wooden chair. A piece of white picket fencing with clematis or roses climbing over it would make a charming accent. Hang hand-crafted birdhouses from the trees or nailed to a wooden pole covered with vines. Limit the number of accents you use so that your landscaping does not become cluttered.

Mulch

• An easy way to create drama in your garden and lawn is with the generous use of bark mulch. You can choose shredded or chipped bark, which is available in varying earth tones. Bark is both functional and decorative. It inhibits the growth of weeds while adding rich color and texture. Bark is typically spread around the base of trees and in flower beds providing contrast to the green in your grass and plantings.