Planting a garden is an integral part of landscaping. One must consider several factors before deciding which plants will be chosen for the garden. One must determine what specific purpose the garden will have before choosing what types of plants will be used. Garden plants should not be chosen based solely on how much money one is willing to spend. Some specific plants are suited for specific uses because of their maintenance requirements.
Some types of low ground cover, including moss and creeping plants and vines, can cover certain portions of an exterior yard, or over other areas, like a driveway, to provide a shady area. For convenience, brick, gravel or turf areas on the side of the driveway will help to maintain the plants in the landscaping from creeping into the driveway or the pavement. The use of mulch is especially beneficial in the winter because it helps to keep soil moist, and thus hold moisture, for a longer period of time.
The most common of all the plants used for landscaping purposes on driveways is sage. When landscaping driveways, one should use one section of sage at a time, approximately a foot apart, as the plants should be spaced evenly. Three to four feet of ground should be between each section of sage. In addition to providing color to the landscape, sage is a good deterrent against deer, squirrels, and other animals that like to accessorize a yard with shrubs and plants.
Brick and paving stones are both perfect for landscaping on driveways. Bricks and paving stones both provide interest, as well as durability, since they are weatherproof. However, their large size makes them impractical for landscaping driveways in residential areas. Bricks and paving stones do make driveways look impressive, however, when they are being used for landscaping around the perimeter of a front lawn. When these are used to line the edges of a front yard or front garden, they can be quite hard on household pets.
When landscaping driveways, it is important to pay attention to drainage. In fact, the most important element of any landscaping project, drainage! Landscaping driveways that are built without proper drainage will quickly become a nightmare. Since this project will include walking on and off of the driveway throughout the entire landscaping process, it is crucial to pay attention to drainage as this will ensure that no standing water will cause damage to your plants, lawn, and grass.
Some of the best landscaping materials for driveways are leyland cypress, sand, natural stone, as well as cedar, spruce, fir, and pine. Cypress is usually found in warmer climates, while the other materials mentioned are more suitable for cooler climates. All of these materials will be ideal for climates that receive four to six inches of annual rainfall. If you live in an area that receives less than four inches of rain annually, you may want to choose a different material for your driveway.
Another important aspect of successful driveway landscaping is regular maintenance. Many people underestimate the importance of this step, but it is essential to maintaining your driveway for the future. Since driving on a paved surface requires your vehicle to push the ground over, it requires your tires to move with them. This can cause problems with flat tires, leaking tires, and wearing out of your rims. Regular maintenance will ensure that your driveway provides years of trouble-free use.
The final landscaping tip to consider is the appearance and texture of your driveway and walkways. While stones and concrete are more common choices for exterior landscape projects, you should also consider using other types of material. There are many options available to you, including natural stone, crushed rock, asphalt, and various natural and artificial materials such as flagstone or quartz. Each one of these materials provides its own unique look and feel. Once you have decided on your driveway materials, the fun begins in landscaping design.