Garden Features Design Ideas

When you create plans for the creation of a new garden, or rework the layout or scheme of one that already exists, there are numerous aspects of design that you have to address with the landscaping and decorative garden features that you integrate into your yard or lawn.

Homeowners who wish to build or redesign a garden can leave it to a professional, or do the work themselves. Typically, the professional garden designer or landscaper you choose to work with is already trained in the various facets of garden design, as well as with horticulture. Landscape architects also work in the field of garden design, and thus, know how to effectively incorporate garden decor, flora, and water into a flowing layout. Many beautiful gardens make use of water due to the instinctive and visceral reaction it evokes from people, making preformed garden ponds, small garden ponds, and small garden water features almost integral to the successful layout of a garden.

An amateur gardener can also choose to design and develop a garden solely by him or herself, or with the peripheral aid or guidance of a pro. Working long hours in one's own garden can give an individual valuable experience, including a feel for what works and what does not, in terms of garden features like plants and decor. Some of these non-professional gardening enthusiasts can also casually study assorted literature, take advantage of resources on the Internet, enlist in programs, or enter gardening clubs both local and national.

A significantly increased percentage of homeowners have emerged with interest in the garden design field near the end of the previous century, becoming gardening hobbyists or enthusiasts, or even entering the industry of professional garden design. The DIY mentality that already exists with many groups of homeowner-gardeners has been supplemented by vast resources on the subject available on the Web, thus closing the gap between "classically trained" professionals and "amateur" gardeners. Numerous homeowners are constantly jumping on the DIY bandwagon, and with encouraging results.

To make the most out of your garden features, whether you develop the layout by yourself or with a professional designer, some basic guidelines may need to be followed towards the goal of efficient and aesthetic garden design. These guidelines are recommendations that involve, aside from the flora, the aforementioned water features, decking, and sitting areas.

Some gardeners, pro or otherwise, may commit the mistake of focusing purely on the plants within a garden. However, the emphasis on fauna may take away from the practical uses and possibilities you can get from "hard landscape," or garden features such as walls, seating, or pathways. You can use materials (such as ceramics or metal) ordinarily used for kitchen backsplash ideas, incorporate home storage ideas into recessed areas of a wall or seat, or use an unusual layout for your walls and floors.