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If you want to create a garden, get rid of a tree or even build a structure on your land, you need to learn a little about landscaping first. If you do not understand the process, you are likely to cause yourself a big headache; this article is full of advice to help you get your landscaping project off on the right foot.

When landscaping, it is best to use plants which are native to the area. Make sure the flowers, shrubs or trees you use are indigenous to the area. These plants will be ready to grow in your particular climate, whether you have hard soil, less rain or extreme weather fluctuations.

A drip-style irrigation system is a great investment. These irrigation systems are easy to install, and they allow you to give your plants a continuous stream of water. Watering your plants this way is more efficient than providing them with a stream of water from your hose or sprinkler.

Gain the best results from your efforts in landscaping by designing yourself a multi-seasonal garden. Choose an array of plants that burst with blooms at different times of the year, making sure they are appropriate for your zone. Trees that bear interesting or colorful foliage, as well as evergreens, are another great way to keep your lawn looking lovely throughout the year.

Despite what you might have heard, you don't need to spend money on hiring a professional landscaper to achieve the landscaping effects you want. Professional landscaping can cost a ton of money. However, it could be wise to consult a landscaper that can give you advice on the things that you need to do.

You may want to consult with a landscape designer to get their advice before starting a big landscape project on your own. An experienced landscape professional can give advice to help you save time and money over the long run. The consult will cost around $75 but the return will be several times this.

Use peat moss to help your plants survive. This allows you to give nutrients to your plants that they potentially lack. Additionally, peat moss is a very beautiful contrast to the rest of your landscape.

It may be difficult to determine what sort of flowers will do well under an established shade tree. Consider planting ground cover rather than flowers. This can make your yard look beautiful, and it's also easily maintainable. Sweet woodruff and hosta are ideal ground covers.

You can increase continuity in your landscape by using evergreens and foliage plants. Since most plants are only in bloom during certain seasons, your yard may seem dull or dead in the off-season if you don't use foliage plants. This is where foliage plants and evergreen comes in, they keep your garden thriving.

Think about your location prior to beginning a landscaping project. You want to make sure you put all your plants and beds in the right areas to help them thrive to their potential. When making these decisions, keep in mind the different things your plants will be exposed to throughout your yard. Things to consider include: soil moisture, light, shade, wind, as well as other various weather conditions.

Add water features to your landscaping design. For example, it is simple to put in a small pool of fountain. If you are able to afford one, a pond or waterfall is a great back or front yard addition. A well-executed water feature makes a terrific focal point for your overall landscaping design.

To ensure you don't waste any money, plan everything out before making your purchases. Design a rough sketch of your landscape, this way you can figure out exactly what materials you need in certain areas. It may be fun to buy things on a whim, but that can really make you run out of money quick.

When choosing plants and shrubs for your landscape project, the climate should be taken into account. Some plants require a frost to get them started, and if your weather does not cooperate, they may not sprout. There are several things to consider when choosing plants including water, temperature and lighting requirements.

Research everything that you are able to about landscaping techniques. For instance, make use of anchor plants or a plant that is used often throughout your design, to build a sense of continuity in your landscaping. The textures of different plant leaves and branches also add important variation and contrast to your landscape design. There are plenty of landscaping-themed books and websites that describe these techniques.

It is never wise to proceed too hastily into a landscaping plan. Most people 'inherit' an established garden when they buy a house, and it's very tempting to rip everything out in order to begin with a clean slate. Yet be patient, you want to wait for a full season to determine what you find that is worth keeping and what you want to get rid of. Through the growing cycle, your landscaping will change. Some plants that may be unattractive in winter months, might be beautiful in the summer or springtime.

Landscaping is much like home renovation--knowledge is the major factor. Continue to learn as you work on your yard, and you'll find that it looks amazing in the end.