1. Design - It can be simple and creative. Your design does not have to be elaborate.
2. Trees, shrubs, and flowers.
3. Hard-scape features.
4. Prep work - hiring a landscaper or doing it yourself.
5. Planting materials - top soil, mushroom compost, fertilizers, pine straw, or mulch.

Sounds like a lot of work? I have been on hundreds of landscape and design consultations. Above are suggestions I have given to people. One budget solution I recommend is, Phase Planting. This is a good way to control your budget. Here are a couple of ways to start small...

• Planting a lot of different beds - plant the trees first and wait a few months before planting anything else. This will give your wallet a rest. You can look at the trees and decide if you want to modify your design.


• Install a pool or decorative pond before planting trees or shrubs. A mistake that some people make is to plant some trees and flowers to hide ugly outdoor fixtures or wanting some shade in their yard. Two years later they decide to invest in a pool and guess what? The only place for the pool is right where they planted.

It doesn't matter how large or small your landscape project is, having an overall plan will set you in motion for our second and most important step, PREPARATION!

What is preparation? Preparing your soil and area to ensure your plant material or landscape feature can be properly installed. Without proper preparation, your plant material may not grow, and your wall or walkway may not last.

There are so many different climates that have different soil ingredients. I live in the southeastern part of the United States and our soil is clay based and high in acid. A sandy base soil may require adding some good quality top soil. (Sandy soil is great for growing herbs) I recommend getting your soil tested from a local government agency or a college extension. This should be done especially when you are investing a lot of time and money. Whoever tests your soil should be able to give you advice for correcting any problems they find. A tiller is a great tool to use to turn the soil over. This should be done several times, as working the soil will help all your plant specimens develop a strong and healthy root system. My crew and I used some basic tools such as tillers, shovels, and rakes. If you are doing a big excavation may require outside equipment. Know Your Landscaper and be prepared to ask questions on methods of preparation.You may have a problem area to address. Here is a quick look at a few simple solutions...

• You have a slope, use jute - a commercial landscape fabric.
• No time to take care of plants - plant low maintenance trees and shrubs.
• Poor drainage - add corrugated piping or a drain box.
• Too many rocks in the area - use the bigger rocks in your design.
• Grass won't grow around trees - mound 4 to 6 inches of top soil and plant some flowers or small shrubs.

Does all this sound like backbreaking work? Remember, you can hire a landscaper. Some people want to do their own landscaping from start to finish. Your time, your physical health and help from this website will make your choices easier for you. We have touched on the first two phases of this method, now comes the best part, PLANTING! In the gallery of plants section, there are photos of a variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, and herbs. There is also a brief description of each and climate zones. This may give you some ideas. If you can't find the plant your looking for, feel free to search on Google right here from this site.

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Emerald Green Arborvitae

Mop Cyrpess

Mass Of Balloon

These are just three different size plants, and they also have their very own unique characteristics. You don't have to be an expert to plant. Learn how to plant trees, shrubs, or flowers in mass grouping. Garden Projects has a few suggestions on different style gardens. Another option is to plant a variety of plants with color and texture.(a variegated shrub next to a deep green shrub) I have been a landscaper-designer for over 12 years. Every one of my projects has had a P-P-P method. My goal is to provide you with the knowledge I have gained. The site map is a great page to browse through and see everything that is on the website.The different topics on this website should give you some exciting ideas using your own personality. Go ahead and start that landscape project you have been putting off. The P - P - P - Method really does work!

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