Whether you just purchased a new home or are looking to brighten up your current yard, putting in new landscaping is guaranteed to transform the entire look of your home and lawn.
Sometimes there are beds which you can use, and sometimes it is left completely up to your imagination to create a new aesthetic.
Either way, there are literally thousands of flowers. bushes, trees and architectural elements you can choose from. So how do you even get started?
The good news is that our climate allows for a myriad of colorful and tropical options.
Here are some new home landscaping tips which will help you to envision and create the perfect look for your Sarasota area home.
New Home Landscaping – Creating Your Own Beds
There are two reasons you may wish to create your own planting areas. Perhaps your new home only has a few basic areas and you wish to expand them. Or maybe the home currently doesn’t offer landscaping. Either way, it may seem overwhelming to think about starting from scratch, but you can take on the project with just a bit of pre-planning.
- You don’t have to be an artist to plot out your landscaping plan. Start with a copy of your survey, and simply draw the areas where you would like to see trees, flowers, gardens, or pathways. Work in pencil, and don’t be afraid to try different layouts. Consider utilizing curves and working with natural slopes to create depth and interest.
- You can also use graph paper, with each square representing a linear foot. This will allow you to easily figure the size of the beds you are planning, so as to purchase the right amount of materials.
- Design your garden as to placement of flowers, trees and shrubs. (see below for tips on how to choose.) Make sure you leave enough spacing for growth.
- Once you’ve got it on paper, use stakes or spray paint to map out the areas. Another easy method is to first lay down a garden hose to achieve the shape you want. Simply spray paint inside the line of the hose when you have the layout you like.
- Use a spade or shovel to cut a trench in the sod to outline the area. Once you have the trench dug, you will dig out the sod within the bed area. Shake all the dirt from the grass onto the bed.
- Add a layer of tarp or fabric designed to restrict weeds, then add topsoil and begin planting. If your plants, trees or bushes require more depth, you can cut holes in the fabric layer.
- Add mulch or rocks, and your new bed is done!
New Home Landscaping – Choosing Your Plants and Flowers
This is where your creativity can really kick in. If you are new to Longboat Key and Sarasota, you may not be aware of the beautiful species of plants and flowers which grow here. Start by walking through neighborhoods to identify flowers and trees you love.
One amazing way to explore the wide variety of colorful and exotic options is to spend the day exploring Selby Botanical Gardens – you’ll see hundreds of tropical and sub-tropical species that are sure to inspire you.
Many people head straight to the “big box” home improvement stores to pick up their flowers and trees, but there are other options. Stop by local nurseries and speak with experts on the best choices for your style of gardening.
For instance, you may love cultivating a garden, or you may want to “plant it and forget about it.” You’ll want to take into account the space you are working within, the shade/sun in that location, and even desired color schemes.
Landscaping your new home is one of the most gratifying projects you can take on.
When you are done, your home will have gorgeous curb appeal and look like that Sarasota home you always dreamed of. If you are considering building a new home in Sarasota, Florida, Lindahl Construction would love the opportunity to discuss your plans and to ensure your home is delivered to you exactly how you dreamed!