Landscaping from the Ground Up: Ideas for Newer Homes

By Karen Alley

A young house is a blank canvas – one with limitless choices for customization. But don’t channel all that creativity only to the interior decorating. It doesn’t take much to change a cookie-cutter landscape design of grass lawn and boxwood shrubs into an inviting exterior oasis.

The lack of trees is often the bane of existence in a newer development. Landscaping might not even be included in construction where you are the first owner.

Solve that issue by planting a few trees in your front yard. Plant at least one fast-growing tree, so in just a few years your house won’t be the tallest thing on your property. Plant trees in clusters, not scattered widely. You’ll have an easier time mowing and create a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Think beyond right angles when adding new flower beds. Edge straight walkways with curved planting areas, or mimic nature with rounded corners to your beds. Make sure to improve the soil before planting, and afterwards add a thick layer of mulch to conserve water and add beauty.
Fill in your newly landscaped area with bushes that add color and interest. Ask a local landscape and garden professional what they recommend for your particular area. For many parts of the country, forsythia and flowering quince grow well and can bring some nice color in the spring, while the multi-hued leaves and red berries of nandina make a nice winter accent.
For a low-maintenance flower garden, fill in the space between your bushes and tree clusters with native perennials and spring and summer flowering bulbs.

Just a small investment of time and money will reap big rewards in the seasons to come.

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Landscaping from the Ground Up: Ideas for Newer Homes