[upbeat music] - Has designing the perfect yard
got you stumped? We'll show you some tips
to help you develop a landscape plan to make your property
the talk of the neighborhood. A good starting point
is to draw a plan of your yard. Keep it basic, but include things
that will remain part of your landscape, like a tall tree. Make several copies or use tracing paper
as you add elements to the design. On your plan, note key features
of your existing landscape, like hills, which areas get sun
and which get shade, any privacy issues. Next, think about your goals. Do you want a place
for dinner parties with friends? Need an area for kids and pets to play? Or maybe just a tranquil spot
to read a book on a summer day? How about a garden? Make your wish list
of current and future goals. Now start adding your goals to the plan. One way to start is to work big to small, adding the largest items
to the plan first, such as a patio, deck, or pergola, then fill in around them. Of course, keep in mind your budget
and short-term goals. Just as you have a style when decorating
your home's interior, use style outdoors to keep
the entire property cohesive. Look to your house exterior
for design inspiration. A traditional house works well
with a variety of landscape plans, while a modern dwelling does best
with clean lines and simple plantings, such as ornamental grasses. Now let's talk about some different ideas
for your plan. Plants are definitely one of the most
important parts of your landscape and one of the easiest ways
to define a new look. Beds with clean lines define areas
and points of interest, while curves tend to look more natural. Again, think of using plants
as you would decorate your house. Pick just a few colors that work together, or at least avoid lots of variation
in small areas, but feel free to mix up texture and size. Layer the heights in your beds... tallest in the back, smallest up front. Keep in mind how tall the plant will be
when it's mature so it doesn't grow to block a window. Here's a tip... When selecting plants, know that perennials grow back
every season, while annuals
will need to be planted each year. Another tip... Plantings tend to look best
when they're in odd numbers. Now, along the house,
consider using a bush or wider plant to soften the corners. However, keep large plants
a few feet from the foundation to prevent damage from roots. If privacy is a priority, consider planting hedges as a fence, or build a traditional fence. Different styles are available
to fit your preference. Just check your local codes
before you install. If your property has a hill, planting on the slope is a possibility, or you can use small retaining walls
of various levels to define different points of interest. Next, think about pathways to get to the different points of interest
in your yard. Solid concrete, or pavers, are more formal
and offer defined direction. Crushed gravel is a softer alternative. And stepping stones
give a natural feel to the land. Just be sure to space them
as someone would step and use a landing every few stones to create an opportunity
to stop and enjoy the view. A great way to add tranquility
and a touch of nature is by adding a water feature. A small pond installation
not only looks nice, it is perfect for plants and fish. To add relaxing sounds
and help mask noise, try a fountain. A statue or tabletop fountain
is a nice option for small spaces. As your landscape comes together, consider highlighting the different areas
with landscape lighting... Uplights or spotlights for trees,
floodlights for beds, and path lights illuminate a landscape
for nighttime enjoyment. Of course, these design principles
can be used in your backyard, but also your front yard
and your side yard. However, keep maintenance in mind and how much time you'll want to spend
taking care of your yard. Now that you have your plan ready,
head into your local Lowe's to find out which plants and flowers
grow best in your area. And remember, the best landscaping tip
of all is to do what makes you happy, and you'll have
the perfect outdoor space to enjoy. [music continues]
