Articles & Books From Landscaping

Article / Updated 08-03-2023
Simply put, low-water landscaping is all about landscaping with less water. And no matter whether you’re trying to sustain an established yard in a desert-like climate or you’re wishing to make changes while adjusting to a limited or unpredictable water supply, the message is the same: You can do it! ©Katy / Adobe StockHaving a beautiful landscape isn’t just nice, it’s also important.
Article / Updated 04-26-2023
A popular alternative to a traditional, water-sucking lawn is a meadow or, more properly, a meadow bed. These plantings use native grasses and prairie-type plants or native flowers, both annual and perennial. ©M.dörr & M.Frommherz / Adobe StockCertain wildflower (pre-made) mixes composed of low-growing plants can also be used for meadowlike lawns.
Low-Water Landscaping For Dummies
Say goodbye to water-guzzling lawns and create beautiful, landscape designs Low-Water Landscaping For Dummies will teach you to preserve one of our most critical natural resources while simultaneously maximizing your curb appeal. Ditch wasteful, inefficient irrigation methods like sprinkler systems and learn how to embrace designs that save water.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 01-06-2023
This isn’t a dry topic! As long spells without rain and ongoing droughts begin to impact more areas, having practical, useful information for managing is important.Maintaining an attractive garden in climates that are arid or wherever the water supply is low or uncertain, many people believe, is difficult and challenging.
Landscaping For Dummies
Create an eye-catching outdoor oasis with this no-nonsense guide to landscaping As families spend more time at home, they're expanding their living space to their yards, decks, and patios. When you're ready to upgrade the look of your landscape, Landscaping For Dummies offers advice on installing fences and walkways, choosing hardy plants and trees, and enhancing natural habitats for the critters and creatures lurking in your neighborhood.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-08-2022
Putting together your perfect landscape starts with making a wish list customized to your needs, planning out your landscaping, and purchasing plants best suited for your landscape plan and hardiness zone. This Cheat Sheet can help you keep track of these details.Creating a landscaping wish listMake a wish list when you begin landscape planning and use your imagination to customize it around your needs.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 03-27-2016
If you want to create a sustainable landscape, examine your yard to determine what eco-friendly improvements can be made right away. Start conserving water and select plans that have similar temperature, sun, and water needs — and use environmentally-friendly landscaping methods — and you will be on your way
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Instead of viewing a slope in your yard as a landscape liability, consider it a great opportunity — a place to display a rock garden. Rock garden plants are quite beautiful, and growing them on a slope near a walkway gives you the opportunity to view them up close. Your rock garden plan could combine plants, steps, and boulders — and can work in the backyard at the edge of a lawn or in front, right off of a sidewalk.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Vines are useful in the landscape as groundcovers, as a covering for a fence or blank wall, or as shading on an arbor or trellis to cool a patio or deck. Just remember that they can be very vigorous and sprawl over, twine around, climb up, or attach to whatever gets in their way. As long as you keep them within bounds and under control, they can be effective.
Article / Updated 03-26-2016
Landscape plants can be expensive — they're an investment for your home. So, when you buy plants for your yard, seek healthy plants that fit your landscaping needs, beautify your property, and grow well in your area’s climate. These tips will help you get the right landscaping trees, flowers, and shrubs: Plan your landscape on paper before you set out to purchase plants — you’ll know exactly how much to buy.