There is more to landscaping than looks. A good landscape design should blend the different elements of your garden into a complete, functional area that is inviting and matches your lifestyle. You garden might include flowers, vegetables, and garden ornaments. Creating a plan so that they all work together is worth the effort.

The tips in this section will help you with the garden landscaping you've been dreaming about. You'll find tips about adding water fountains and furniture, laying a path, and installing solar lights. There is also information about basic landscaping rules such as the elements that need to be in a good design and how to create a focal point. If you have some challenging pieces in your garden, you'll find tips here that will help you build a retaining wall, build a garden on a slope, and adding security to your home.

Tips, Tricks, and Answers

The following articles are available for the 'Landscaping' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

   Accenting Your Garden
Learning how to properly accent your garden can help make all the difference during the cold winter months. By properly accenting your garden, you can transform the landscape from barren desolation to something straight out of a fairy tale. All you really need to do is follow these simple guidelines.

   Adding to Your Home's Security
Shrubs and foliage are great for decorating, but can also create a home security problem. Make sure shrubs do not create hiding places, either by themselves or by covering up light that would reveal a thief. Make sure trees and trimmed back from upper windows and balconies. Use thorny shrubs as a deterrent to sneaking around in your yard.

   Backyard Landscaping
If you have a backyard, then chances are you have at least been tempted to experiment with a little bit of landscaping. Before beginning any backyard landscaping projects though you will want to make sure that you are fully aware of what you could be getting into. That is where these guidelines can come into play.

   Beautiful Garden Ornaments
When creatively placing garden ornaments, remember to keep it simple. Overburdening your garden with beautiful garden ornaments results in mere clutter. Allow the garden ornaments to work comfortably with your plants.

   Building a Koi Pond
If you are looking to incorporate a water feature in your garden or landscape then you may want to consider building a koi pond. These kinds of ponds are relatively carefree, easy to install, and fairly relaxing. However, it can be a bit of a project, so make sure that you know what you are doing.

   Building a Retaining Wall
Slopes are good for their beauty, but flat land is much better for gardening. Make a terrace with a retaining wall. This can be done with some pre-fabricated retaining stones and some hard work. Dig a level trench and put your stones down on top of each other, making sure they are all interlocked. Fill up the area behind the wall and cover with topsoil.

   Caring For a Koi Pond
Koi ponds aren't only pretty to look at, they are also fairly expensive to install. That being said, if you have one then you really should learn the proper methods of caring for a koi pond. Not only will this help keep it looking its best, it will also ensure that your investment is protected.

   Choosing a Garden Fountain
Do you like to see and hear water in your yard? If so, a fountain might be the perfect thing for your garden.

   Choosing a Location for a Fire Pit
Fire pits are great for outdoor entertaining and cooking. Be sure that you pick the best location for the pit to avoid problems.

   Choosing a Weeping Tree
A weeping tree can be a wonderful addition to any landscape, and can often lend a grace and elegance that can enhance the look you want. That is if you go about choosing a weeping tree that will work. Make sure that you are choosing a weeping tree that will enhance, not detract from your landscape design by following these suggestions.

   Choosing Garden Furniture
Garden furniture is an important, and often overlooked, element of landscape design. While you may have the most beautiful landscape design ever, it will still seem somewhat lacking and bare if you haven't chosen the right furniture. Here are a few guidelines that you need to keep in mind during this important stage of planning.

   Colorful Fall Landscapes
The Autumn season can be one of the most beautiful seasons of all for your landscape without even trying. However, if you plan ahead you can have truly colorful fall landscapes. You will be amazed at the results you get from planting the right trees, shrubs and flowers.

   Creating a Garden Focal Point
One of the basic elements of good garden design is to have a focal point for your garden. The problem is though, what to do if you don't have a "natural" focal point to work with. In situations such as this, you will need to go about creating a garden focal point. Here's how.

   Creating a Life Sized Game Board
If you have ever seen the old Disney movie Alice in Wonderland, then chances are really good that you have seen a picture of a life sized game board. For those people who would like to add a little bit of wonder to their garden, try creating a life sized game board. Here's how you do it.

   Creating a Woodland Garden
While many people may think that living in a heavily wooded area means that there is going to be little to no gardening, this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, all you need to do is follow a few simple guidelines, and you will find that creating a woodland garden is in reality very easy to do.

   Creating Curb Appeal
Have you ever noticed how some homes seem to have "it," while others simply seem to be lacking? That elusive "it" quality is what is known as curb appeal. Creating curb appeal is a lot simpler than many people realize. All you need to do is follow a few simple guidelines.

   Creating Outdoor Sanctuaries
Gardens can be more than just a place where you grow some plants. The true potential of a garden lies in how they can actually be a sanctuary from the rest of the world. If you are interested in learning the basics of creating outdoor sanctuaries; then you are in luck, it's all right here.

   Dealing with Hills
Hills can often present unique problems when landscaping or gardening. Dealing with hills doesn't need to be a difficult task, but rather an untapped opportunity for you to incorporate new landscaping designs. Here are a few ideas, strategies, and methods that you can use to begin dealing with hills in your landscape.

   Dealing with Pampas Grass
When you want it, pampas grass can be an extremely attractive ornamental grass for your yard and landscaping. If you don't want it, this type of grass can be a major nuisance. Dealing with pampas grass doesn't need to be a really difficult task, as long as you follow these steps.

   Decks and Patios
There is more to landscaping and lawn care than simply making your grass look pretty. One of the most commonly over looked pieces of landscaping is the decks and patios that people use to have parties or to sit out on and enjoy the great outdoors. Here are a few things that can help you decide on which you would like to have in your landscaping scheme.

   Decorating a Deck
Decks can be a wonderful addition to any landscaping scheme, as long as they are decorated properly. Basically, decorating a deck is just like decorating any other room in your home. Just keep in mind these few guidelines, and you will do a great job.

   Designing an Outdoor Room
Designing an outdoor room is a remarkably easy task, and can actually be done by anyone. In order to get professional results, all you really need to know and understand is the basics. Here are a few guidelines that you can use to help guide you when you begin designing an outdoor room of your own.

   Easy to Install Solar Garden Lights
Solar garden lighting is very easy to install yourself, providing a low-cost alternative to hiring an electrician to run wiring. Not only is it low-cost, it is moveable, creating new lighting for any occasion.

   Elements of Landscaping
Landscaping can be a little overwhelming to even the most experienced of gardener, let alone anyone that is just starting out in their gardening career. If you would like to improve the look of your home landscape, but are not sure where to begin, then look no further.

   Form Versus Function in Garden Design
How can you make the most of your garden area? Make sure that you keep both form and function in mind as you plan.

   Functional Wind Chimes for your Garden
Mostly used for decorative purposes, wind chimes are also used to forecast weather. Functional wind chimes for your garden can alert you to coming storms or hot doldrums in summer.

   Garden Lighting
Garden lighting is a great way to add just the right accent to any landscape scheme. But there is more to great lighting than simply picking a few garden lights and sticking them around the lawn willy-nilly. Here are a few simple guidelines that you can use to help create best possible look for your landscape or garden design.

   Gardening Accessories
Gardening accessories can help you add to your garden's appeal. There are many different accessories with various looks that you can choose from.

   Gardening on a Slope
One of the most important factors to know when gardening on a slope is that of temperatures. Temperatures can differ greatly within the slope, since warm air rises and cold air sinks, filling depressions in the land. Both warm and cold air movements cause convection and winds. Learn the microclimates of your hillside and plan accordingly when considering the types of plants you want to grow.

   Giving Your Yard a Makeover
It is not just people who can use a makeover every once in a while. Giving your yard a makeover may seem like a huge task, but it really isn't. All you really need to do is keep in mind a few guidelines.

   How to Conserve Soil
While hills are generally pretty great, particularly during the winter time, there are a few problems associated with them. Most notably among these problems is how to conserve soil while landscaping or gardening. It doesn't need to be that way though, if you only take a few steps.

   Installing a Fence
Whether you are looking to increase the safety of your home, or simply want to add a design element, installing a fence can be a great choice. While you could always hire a professional to do the work for you, why waste the money? Simply follow these guidelines, and you can get the job done for a fraction of the cost.

   Installing an Artificial Pond
Water features can help turn a so-so garden into a true paradise, and one of the best possible water features that you can have is a pond. If you were not lucky enough to have a pond on your property already, don't worry. Installing an artificial pond is a great project that you can do over the next weekend.

   Installing an In-Ground Birdbath
Birdbaths are one of the most traditional garden accessories around. Not only do birdbaths such as these add a little extra architectural beauty to your garden or landscape theme, but they also help attract some natural beauty as well. Installing an in-ground birdbath is an great twist on the traditional birdbath.

   Landscape Design
Once you have an idea of how you want to arrange your landscape, decide on the elements you want such as lighting, plants, steps, and yard ornaments. Make sure that your plan enhances the beauty of your home, rather than simply creating clutter.

   Landscaping on a Budget
Have you ever noticed how expensive landscaping efforts tend to be? When you are running short on money, but would still like to have a nice yard you will need to learn the basics of landscaping on a budget. While not all that difficult, it does require a little bit of imagination and ingenuity.

   Landscaping on a Slope
If you happen to have a slope or hill in your yard, then you know just how difficult it can be to do any landscaping. Slopes typically require a little extra effort for landscaping, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Here are a few methods that you can use to begin landscaping on a slope.

   Landscaping With a Vegetable Garden
Wanting to do some gardening but find your self limited on space? Landscaping with vegetables can offer a great solution. Here are a few ideas that you can use to get you started.

   Landscaping with Bedding Plants
Landscaping with bedding plants is one of the most traditional methods for landscaping in the United States. The reason for this is that bedding plants are usually very easy to take care of, when the proper preparations are taken. Here are a few precautions and tricks that you can use to make your bedding plant landscaping as successful as possible.

   Landscaping With Natural Grasses
If you're sick and tired of your high maintenance lawn, consider replacing it with natural or ornamental grasses. Requiring very little water and little upkeep, natural grasses are visually interesting and a welcome change from the usual lawn turf.

   Landscaping with Roses
There are many people who will say that landscaping with roses is a vital necessity in order to create the ultimate look. Luckily, landscaping with roses is pretty easy to do. Simply follow these simple guidelines, and you will have not only the perfect roses, but the best possible landscape.

   Laying a Paver Path
One of the most beautiful types of garden paths is a paver path. But, how do you lay it or install it? Surprisingly, while there is some work to do, it is not as difficult as you may imagine.

   Lowering Landscaping Costs
Do you have a landscaping project coming up? If so you may be interested in lowering landscaping costs. Here's what you can do to go about lowering landscaping costs, without adversely impacting your project.

   Moldy Dirt and Grass
Moldy dirt and grass can be a big problem if you don't take care of it properly. Often the appearance of mold on dirt or grass can signify another, deeper problem . Dealing with moldy dirt and grass isn't that difficult of a task though. Typically, all you need to do is get a shovel, a little new dirt, and have some spare time.

   Planting and Caring for Ornamental Grasses
If you are looking to add a little depth, dimension, and texture to your landscaping, then ornamental grasses are the way to go. Planting and caring for ornamental grasses is a fairly easy thing to do, as long as you keep in mind a few simple steps. Keep reading to find out what they are.

   Proper Pruning
Proper pruning of a tree is more than just cutting off the branches. It can be just a bit intimidating. It doesn't have to be this way. Find out more about properly pruning your trees and bushes by reading this article.

   Properly Draining Your Yard
Have you ever felt that after a rain your yard is more of a swamp, than a lawn? If so you need go about properly draining your yard. While technically it's not a particularly difficult task, it can be somewhat physically exhausting. Just make sure you follow these directions.

   Removing Yucca Permanently
For some reason yucca plants are exceptionally difficult to remove. In fact, there are people that have been trying for years to remove these plants, with little or no success. However, removing yucca permanently is possible if you only take the time to do it right. Here are some guidelines that can help you out.

   Retaining Wall Renovations
When dealing with a new retaining wall, there is one thing that many people fail to consider. That problem is that retaining walls can often be as ugly as sin. If you happen to have an ugly retaining wall, then by using a few retaining wall renovations you can help create a truly beautiful addition to your landscaping design.

   Simple Sandbox Plans
If you are really thinking of adding a play area to your landscape, then you cannot forget a perennial favorite of all playgrounds: the sandbox. Sandboxes are exceptionally easy to build, and to show you how easy it can be, here are some simple sandbox plans that you can use.

   Types of Retaining Walls
Retaining walls are the perfect solution to help prevent erosion and hold soil in place. Learn about the many different types of retaining walls in this article.

   Understanding the Basics of Designing a Tree House
If you have child and a few trees, then chances are you have either thought about, or been asked to build, a tree house. Well before you can begin building one, and ensure that it will fit in with the rest of your landscape design you need to make sure that you understand the basics of designing a tree house. It's not all that hard to do, particularly if you follow these simple guidelines.

   Understanding Xeriscaping
We all understand that plants need water to grow, just as they need sun and proper nutrients. But you can conserve water by designing your landscape in a way to use less water. Understanding xeriscaping starts with the knowledge that your can use recycled water to water your plants, use plants that use less water, and choose native plants local to your zone.

   Using Hedges for Privacy
A privacy hedge provides all the benefits of a fence while keeping your yard looking natural and beautiful. It's the perfect solution to block out those unwanted views and provide a little seclusion for your yard. Best of all, using a hedge gives you a natural alternative to using a fence.

   Using Hedges in Your Garden Design
There are various ways to divide areas of your garden or add privacy. Use hedges in your garden for a beautiful, natural fence.

   Using Roses in Landscaping
Roses are perhaps one of the most beloved, and improperly used, flowers around. There are all kinds of methods for using roses in landscaping, and if not used properly can actually detract from the intended effect. If you are thinking of using some roses in your landscaping design, then be sure that you understand at least the basics.

   Using Structures to Your Advantage
Even the most lovingly designed landscape can end up looking dreary through the misuse of structures. Using structures to your advantage can be a little tricky if you don't put a little forethought into it.

   What are Architectural Plants?
If you have ever wandered through a nursery, you have probably come across something called architectural plants. But what are architectural plants? The answer to this question is surprisingly simple. Keep reading to find out.

   What is a Garden Sphere?
Have you ever wondered what a garden sphere, or gazing ball is? How about the proper way to use them in your garden design? Well, the answer to these, and other, questions can be found here.

   Whimsical Garden Decor
If you are lighthearted, you may prefer using whimsical decor in your garden, rather than staunch statuary. While there are no hard-and-fast rules when choosing whimsical garden decor, the goal is to enhance your garden, and not overpower it with accents.