i BOUGHT THIS HOUSE IN FUQUAY-VARINA, NC IN OCTOBER AND WANT TO SPRUCE UP THE YARD A BIT. I AM ON A TIGHT BUDGET AND AM DOING THE NWORK MYSELF. BUT I NEED SOME IDEA'S AND FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN YOU GUYS ARE GREAT. SO I APPRECIATE ANY INPUT YOU HAVE.
http://yard1.shutterfly.com/
I am not an expert, but if it were me I would first make sure the drainage was the way you want it. Watch it after a heavy rain to see where water naturally flows. You don't want standing water around your foundation. You may choose to make a few changes if you see water pooling anywhere.
Then I would do any trees, because you need to get them in the ground now. If you are not sure about your soil, you can do a soil sample. Choose your trees wisely because they will eventually be the biggest part of your yard.
Then, I would decide how much lawn vs. garden I wanted and start marking that off, so I could start killing weeds appropriately.
This is the perfect time of year for you to start on this!
What a great yard! You have a lot to work with how exciting. There is a lot to take into consideration, like what kind of yard do you want. Kid friendly, play structures, grass, trees, pond, patio, bbq center and so on. I would draw out the area on paper and play with some different ideas.
There are some great landscapers on DG who can help you. I am just a backyard gardener who loves plants.
Linda
You could plant several types of annual flowers until you decide what you really want to do with your yard. Annuals are fairly inexpensive and many bloom all summer. When I started landscaping our current yard, I researched every flower (I use mostly perennials) carefully to make sure it would grow well in my zone and soil type and that it was not invasive. I planned things out on paper first to make sure I had all the flowers arranged according to their respective height so I have taller ones in the back and graduate to the shortest in the front. In the front of our house, I planted shrubs in the back and then arranged flowers in front of them. I have several clematis vines on trellises to add height and color in the backs of flowerbeds. It's really a matter of what will please you and your family. Another tip is, as you purchase permanent plants, set them around while still in the pots so you can arrange them in a manner that looks good to you.
all good advice. I'd go to a local nursery (not a big box store), and talk to them about recomendations once you have an idea... just remember the old proverb:
"its better to put a $0.50 plant in a $5.00 hole than a $5.00 plant in a $0.50 hole." Plant natives and spend money on amending your soil/building your beds up properly for your area, and things will likely take care of themselves.
I am also a newbie, but I have learned that if you admire a neighbor's garden and ask a couple questions, they will tell you a lot of great info that will work in your area, tell you where they bought things, and maybe even offer plants if they have to thin out or subdivide some plants.
Good luck, and enjoy.
I
WOW! A clean canvas. First things first. Work on your grass.
There are a lot of annual flower seeds that grow and flower quickly. They are inexpensive (you can buy a lot of varieties for about 20 cents a pack) It takes longer than store-bought flowers, but it will give you something to start with. As the season moves on, you can add plants/work on your ideas. Some easy, quick starters: Alyssum, Zinnia, Sunflower, Celosia, Marigold
Grass seed is a little expensive, but it's cheaper than sod. Find a variety for your area, this will make a big difference in your yard. If you're not able to do a lot of beds this year, a few potted flowers will help make a difference.
