Landscape Design Tips and Tricks
- How to Design Native Landscapes by landscape architect Carol Feldman
- How to Prepare a Design Layout by Texas Smartscapes
- Plant Grouping Alternatives
- Monoculture groupings / mass plantings of a single species of plant
- Show contrast / differences in plants' shapes, textures, sizes, color of bloom
- Polycultures - using multiple different plants' similarity of characteristics to create harmonious appearance of multiple species of plants; most commonly leaf shape and overall plant shape.
- Wildscapes Design Tips from Texas Parks & Wildlife
- How to keep your homeowners association & neighbors happy, so they don't call the code enforcement officer:
- Have your landscape visually represent elements of "order" / design discussed above
- Have well defined paths through the landscape.
- Maintain neat edges and borders around the perimeter and to define separate landscape beds / growing areas.
- Use plant signs to identify plants that might look "messy" to the casual observer.
- Get certified (e.g., Texas Parks & Wildlife "Wildscapes", National Wildlife Federation or Xerces Society). Put up the sign you get for being certified to inform others of the native habitat you have created.
- Don't confuse "native" with letting weeds come in and take over, i.e., do regular weeding of invasive plants like Bermuda grass and nut grass.
- Be respectful of lines of sight needed for vehicles, especially around corners, so don't plant things that get too tall that could block views.
- Talk to your neighbors when you are outside gardening; introduce them to a native plant that is blooming in your yard to share your knowledge about native plants and the necessary habitat they provide. As they become more knowledgeable, they become your allies!
- Brag to your neighbors about how much you've reduced your water bill by installing a native landscape.
- Share extra native plants that volunteer / re-seed in your yard with neighbors!
Hire a Pro
Check out these NICE nurseries that also offer landscape design services: Redenta's Garden, Stuart's Nursery, Marshall Grain, & Weston Gardens. See Where to Buy for location / contact info.
