design your own backyard
If you are planning on laying a new patio or replacing an existing one, it can be an enjoyable project to design. Patios offer lots of design choices, from the size and shape of the seating area, to the pattern made by the paving slabs, to the materials used. It can be too simplistic to arrange a monotonous collection of square slabs into a precise rectangle, so why not be a little more daring with your design? Think about introducing a more dynamic shape that connects your home to the rest of the property’s exterior.
Consider using more than one type of patio paving to break up the look of your design. Or, how about adding a feature to the patio that gives it a focal point, like a pond? Once you have settled on your design you may simply want to appoint a contractor to lay it for you. However, laying your own patio can be a rewarding project to take on over the course of a few weekends. And, though it is labor intensive, it can even be fun.
Once you have completed your ground works, by removing anything that is in the way, like weeds, mark out the area you are going to pave with pegs and string. For beginners, a right angled shape is going to be easiest to deal with. Take step back and make sure the marked area looks right and that it is in proportion. Use a roller or a compactor to flatten the space and add a layer of fine sand to even out any bumps. Now start laying your slabs from one side. Use freeform slabs of differing sizes as these are just as easy to position as regularly sized ones.
Design Your Landscape
Add mortar to the back of the slab you are going to lay with a trowel. For small ones, add a dab to each edge and for large ones make a cross shape from corner to corner. Place the slab carefully and tap it flat gently with a rubber mallet. Now, progress to the next slab leaving a little gap between them. For more experienced patio layers, use odd shaped slabs, commonly called ‘crazy paving’, next to one another. The gaps between them may vary a little, which gives you a bit of room for play. Use a spirit level to ensure the slabs lie flat. After two days, the mortar will have set. Fill the space between the paving slabs with some more mortar to complete the job.
If you want to recreate the look of a Roman villa in your home, try using a combination of slabs, large and small, that will give you a mosaic-like effect. For a complex design, such as this, it can be worth laying out the slabs in advance, before you reach for any mortar. Then use a marker pen to number each slab underneath so you know where to put it, prior to fixing it permanently in position.
Leaving some gaps between the slabs of a patio will allow for water to run off. Drainage should not be overlooked, particularly if the patio is to be positioned right next to your house. By allowing water to run off adequately you can prevent problems of damp in your home. Fill in any gaps, not already filled with mortar, with pea shingle. Alternatively, allow grass to grow through the gaps which can create a striking look as well as improving drainage.
Tips To Design Your Own Front Yard Landscape
If you are felling adventurous, select triangular shaped paving slabs. This can work well if the area you are paving is not going to be a regular rectangle or a square. Another striking design idea, which is a little more difficult to pull off, is to go for a circular pattern that radiates out from a central point. Circles look wonderful in long and thin gardens, because they can make the space seem wider than it actually is.We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
If you want your landscape to look like something out of a magazine, start by mapping out ideas for your yard now so you're ready for planting when it's warm enough.
Before putting anything on paper, think about what it is you're hoping to accomplish with an overhaul to your landscaping. Knowing your goal is the key to a successful design.
How To Design And Build Your Own Patio
Do your research. Ideas can come from anywhere. Take a peek at your neighbors' yards, get pictures from books and magazines, watch television shows or browse online. Absorb this information and try to picture what would work in your yard. Remember to keep your ambition from getting the best of your common sense – you'll need to maintain your landscape and pay for it. Don't get in over your head if you don't have the time for regular upkeep or the money to fund a grandiose project.
If you want a landscape that looks professionally designed – without paying for the expensive professionals – you need to understand the design principles they use. Landscape designers combine art and science to cultivate their creations.
In addition, there are basic artistic principles that designers employ for landscaping. These can be used together to work with the above design principles to create a design that works:
Backyard Ideas That Will Keep You Outside All Summer Long
After you've decided on a plan and understand the basics of landscape design, you're ready to sketch out your design plan. Using a pencil, ruler and graph paper, sketch out a basic diagram of what you want your landscape to look like and the approximate dimensions. Try to measure by feet. If you have the exact dimensions, even better. Don't stress over this step; you don't have to be an artist. However, by doing this you'll have a better plan after you've visualized the design.
There are a number of features that are commonly used in landscape design. Plan to include any of these in your design, if desired.
Don't forget to include any landscape lighting and hardscaping features (walkways and patios) in your plan. Think about what you want your outdoor lighting to do. Common uses include emphasizing landscape formations, shedding light on walkways and adding security.
Best Free Landscape Design Software Tools In 2022
Try to plan your light installation when you're landscaping your yard or garden. When it comes to planning, it's much easier to do both tasks at the same time.
Add a lighting plan to your design sketch. Your lighting should accent the trees, shrubbery, walkways, fountains and other landscaping elements of your plan. Also, include the location of your home's exterior outlets.
Don't forget to check with your local municipality to determine if building codes will allow you to do what you want with your lighting. Depending on what you have in mind, you may need a permit.
Create A Cozy Retreat In Your Own Backyard And Enjoy
Hardscaping is basically anything that is made of inanimate elements, such as stone walls, tile paths, concrete or brick patios, wood decks or wood arbors. These should be included in your plan, even if you are going to defer to a professional to install them. Using a professional is recommended to do the actual work, unless you're positive you know what you're doing.
There is quite a bit to consider when choosing the plants and other features you will use. Several factors come into play. First, find out what works best in your climate. The plants you choose must be able to survive your seasons. Your local nursery is a good place to check. Generally, everything they stock will be something you can grow in your region. Also, take into consideration how plants might be affected by environmental conditions, such as the amount of sun and water your yard gets, and the condition of your soil. If your yard is too wet, or if the soil is too sandy, you could have problems bringing your landscape design to fruition.
Use a soil-testing kit to determine if it has enough nitrogen, phosphorous or potassium for your plants to thrive, depending on what you're growing. Nitrogen helps plants have strong stems and healthy leaves. Phosphorous helps flowers and fruit grow well. Potassium makes roots and stems healthy. When it's time to plant, plan on first using fertilizers and organic amendments such as peat moss, compost or manure to ensure a healthy landscape.
Backyard Landscaping Ideas
If you're planning a flower or vegetable garden, and have planted one before, jot down what worked well previously and what did not.
It may be time to try growing a different variety of plant this year to replace plant types that may not have fared so well the previous garden season. Taking note of which plants worked and which plants didn't is important. Rotating plants in and out every year, or at the very least, moving plants to a different part of the yard or garden will help keep soil healthy. The soil can "wear out" after repeated planting of the same plants in the same location year after year. Changing them out helps the soil replenish necessary minerals.
Many gardeners keep notes or a garden journal to track previous seed
Post a Comment for "design your own backyard"