A person embarking on a landscaping project probably has a number of different goals in mind. Practical goals might include improving the strength and durability of such things as walls and paths. Artistic goals might include simply making everything look nicer so that the owners or tenants enjoy their home a bit more. And \”hybrid\” goals might include improving the value of the building by making the grounds more attractive. Bringing the practical and artistic into their proper alignment will help that person realize all of their goals at once. This alignment process is the true work of landscaping.
The value of landscaping is usually readily apparent. Whether it is curb appeal for a personal home or the extensive public grounds for a building or complex, landscaping should render a space both beautiful and functional. This includes aspects of safety as well features that will cause passersby to stop and admire.
It should be noted that if you intend to improve the landscape you do not have to do everything at once (unless you are starting from scratch, of course). You can concentrate on a few key areas to make noticeable improvements. You might, for example, start with the greenery. Ornamental trees or shrubs can be tremendously appealing. You might also simply delineate the grounds more starkly, adding different edges to the garden areas or lawns.
On the other hand, some features play a larger role than others. Notably, features that serve a concrete purpose such as Retaining Walls are something you want to plan well and execute properly. There will be an artistic element to them (as this is to any wall), but they must also serve their major function: keeping large amounts of earth in one place and resisting the pressure that earth can mount. This being the case, whichever design you end up choosing (some are made of lots of smaller interlocking stones, while others are made from big chunks of precast concrete that have the outward appearance of more finicky stonework), get a professional crew to put them in place.
Another example of a landscaping feature that can marry form and function is Patio Steps. While they may not seem as important as retaining walls, they nevertheless provide a necessary service. And there are such a wide range of options, many in precast concrete, that stylistic choice is available for every taste.
Do not neglect landscaping touches you can add to your home or building. The common areas where people wander (or at least wander by) can make a larger difference than you might think. An inviting edifice is a worthy goal.
John G. Stone is a freelance writer who concentrates on landscaping improvements and related situations. He especially recommends Retaining Walls and Patio Steps as important aspects of any project.