The design landscaping around your home is an important element and is the first thing that people will see when they come to visit you at home. The landscape design you choose sets the tone and can make people immediately feel welcomed and embraced. It is also very important in terms of the value of your home and can increase your property value considerably when done well.

Your options are endless when it comes to changing the landscape of your yard. Contrary to what many people believe, landscape architects and contractors don't have to be expensive. A good design will avoid over planting and improper choices for conditions and redo later. Many designers will also take care of getting competitive bids from contractors to get you quality materials at the least cost.

If you want do your design landscaping yourself rather than hiring a professional, then the first step is to learn the basics of landscape design. Good design is actually quite simple if you know and follow the four following principles. Combine these landscaping principles with your own tastes and preferences, and you will quickly be able to create a plan for your home exterior and garden that will be a reflection of you.

The idea of balance is the first element of landscaping. When you put most of the new plants in just one place it makes the rest of the garden look as though it's been disregarded. Organize the different types of plants in an even and flowing motion to ensure that your garden or yard is attractive. This will make your visitors observe the entire design of the landscape closely, and it will engage them.

Proportion is the second component of good landscaping. When designing your landscape, be sure to make all design elements size appropriate to the preexisting fixtures, structures, and surrounding areas. If the back yard is very small, for example, do not force a giant gazebo into the space. It will not look very sensible and the effect will be devastating. In a same fashion, if the front lawn is very large, it is best to add larger elements of plantings or features, which will attract attention and at the same time will not be overwhelming.

Transition, the third principle key to a successful landscaping project, relates closely to the principle of proportion. Transition refers to the smooth flow and size of one plant to another. You might start with plants with delicate leaves and petals that are small in size and work through mid-sized plants and then, finally, conclude with the more massively sized ones. Another effective aspect of your landscaping design plan can be to include color transitions.

In the end, your goal is to unify the landscape. A unifying theme should govern the landscape elements; however you balance, proportion and make transition of the various colors, sizes, and textures. Unity will make all your choices look good together, and you will achieve that beautiful landscape you are striving for.

One thing that can make design landscaping easy and also cohesive is to decide on a theme and then be sure to stay true to that theme. Having an idea can help make decisions easier when it comes time to add plants, furnishings, or accent pieces to your landscape.