Landscaping in today’s economy

Homeowners today might be caught in a slight predicament when it comes to tackling new outdoor projects.  Some people have dreams of what they want their property to look like, and all sorts of projects they would like to undertake.  The problem is that many homeowners today are pinched for money and even things like landscape projects are often put on the back burner for a better day.  Many people are wondering what projects they should work on and what can wait until the money is there.

Most would agree that it is important for a house to look well-kept and cared for.  Certainly anything that is in disrepair and an eyesore should be fixed to at least make it look better.  For example, an old cracked or stained walkway can be taken out and replaced by an inexpensive pebble walkway, or even a glass mulch path.  Other things, such as the paint on the house, can be touched up if there isn’t enough money to redo the entire thing.  Flower beds should be kept up and weed-free, and the grass should be maintained at a healthy level.

While it might not be necessary at a time of restricted funds to put in a brand new travertine patio with a cap rock fireplace, those people that take the time to come up with a plan should be able to keep their house looking pleasant, while budgeting and planning for these larger projects in the future.

Landscape Styles

There are many different types of styles that designers can use when planning a landscape.  The type of style that is used may be chosen to match the house or the neighborhood, or just be a reflection of the homeowner’s own style.

Formal and Informal Styles
A formal landscape design may incorporate orderly flowerbeds, straight lines, and well-managed and pruned plants.  A classical garden, travertine patio, caprock fireplace, and hedge for a border may all be features of a formal style landscape.

An informal style, on the other hand, may have more curving edges and random plants.  Often, an informal style will seem cozy to some and cluttered to others, and an abundance of plants and colors may be used.

English Garden
Another style for landscaping a yard is the English garden.  This type of landscape will incorporate features like a picket fence, many perennials and shrubs, and maybe a loose rock or pebble walkway.

Oriental Style
Oriental style will use water, evergreens, and rocks in its design.  Bonsais and miniature, well-pruned plants are often part of oriental style.  Different types of plants in planters, such as bamboo, also create an oriental feel.

Woodland Style
Woodland style is a natural technique that is used in many areas.  It may feature a waterfall or stream, sometimes lined with pebbles or river rock.  Terraced hills, filled with rock beds and natural plants also would fit with a woodland theme.

There are many other styles that can be used today, and sometimes a combination of styles may create a beautiful yard.

Glass Mulch Adds Color to Landscape

Maybe you’ve heard about a great new trend hitting landscaping projects – glass mulch.  Glass mulch is actually recycled pieces of glass (great for those trying to “go green”) that have been tumbled in order to make them smooth.  The glass comes in many different colors and can be a beautiful addition to any yard.

Glass mulch can be used in many different ways, depending on the look the designer is going for.  The versatility of this type of cover material is a big selling point for it.  For example, blue glass mulch can be used to create a dry stream bed, or to place around stepping stones along a path.  Or, this type of mulch can cover the area around drought plants to give some color, or in with a potted plant.

One thing that most people would agree is that when used in the right way, glass mulch can create a bit of whimsy in the landscape of a yard.  Sometimes designers will use glass like this to create pieces of color among the flower beds.  They can be placed in containers and placed at different heights for an attractive design.

Whatever the glass mulch is used for, it has many benefits.  The mulch is environmentally friendly, it won’t decompose and need to be replaced every year, and it doesn’t attract bugs.  With a little bit of enthusiasm and imagination, colored glass mulch can brighten up a yard.

Installing Pebble Tile

Pebbles can give a landscape a finished look.  The laying of loose pebbles around plantings can help keep moisture in the soil underneath, and adding pebbles around pavers for walkways can make the area look clean and finished.  Pebbles are also used in xeriscaping, to nicely fill an area in order to cut down on maintenance and water use.  Another great place in landscaping for pebbles is along waterfalls or running streams. 

Pebbles also come in tile form which allows the pebbles to be installed quickly and easily by almost anyone.  These tiles are great for covering walls, floors, tub surrounds, backsplashes, countertops, fireplace hearths, and even in creating fountains.  The list goes on and on and is as limitless as one’s imagination.  

The pebbles are attached to a mesh backing, so that many pebbles can be laid all at once.  The tiles are easy to place because the pebbles interlock to form a seamless pattern.  Pebble tiles are installed just like other tiles, in that they are placed on thinset mortar and then grouted.  It is recommended that a sealer be used before the grout, in order to prevent discoloration of the pebbles from the grout. 

There are many different types and color of pebbles, each adding character and texture to the project they are used in.  Few substances are used as often and by as many people as pebbles, and there are some really nice homes and landscapes out there that use pebbles and pebble tiles in beautiful ways.