When it comes to landscaping, there are many things to consider. The most important part is to get the right combination of plants, trees, and shrubs. You also need to have a plan for the paths and the maintenance you’ll need to keep your landscape looking its best. 
Plants are an important part of landscaping. They provide a backdrop for garden features and offer shade, shelter, or a screen from unwanted noise or insects. Choosing the right plants can make your landscape more beautiful and increase the value of your home. But choosing the wrong plants can make your garden look unattractive and even become a maintenance nightmare. Here are five factors to consider when selecting plants for your landscape.
The first factor to consider is the site. Most plants require full or partial sunlight, so you’ll want to find out what type of sun your landscape gets. You also need to consider the soil type, as some plants grow best in dry or moist soils.
Another consideration is height. You’ll want to choose plants that are tall enough to create a good vertical structure in your garden. This is especially helpful if you’re creating a garden in a shaded area.
You may want to use vines in your garden. These can help to add interest to a plain exterior wall or loosen a mortar between bricks or stones. If you plan on using a vine in your landscape, be sure to choose a plant that has sturdy branches and dense foliage. It can be difficult to remove a vine once it’s grown.
The Japanese-painted fern is a great addition to a shade garden. It’s compact, grows about two to three feet tall, and has attractive foliage with a mix of colors.
Lilacs are an excellent choice for landscaping. Their fragrant flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. They’re also a good choice for beginners. Although they love the sun, lilacs are hardy and will tolerate light shade.
The Japanese-painted fern is able to survive in zones three to nine, making it a good choice for a shade garden. It has small, colorful flowers in spring.
While not as impressive as some of the other items listed above, milkweed is another good choice for landscaping. Milkweed is a perennial that is drought resistant and attracts Monarch butterflies.
In addition to being an excellent landscaping choice, a mock orange shrub is a great background plant. It has yellow centers and clear-white flowers.
One of the most important components of a landscaped garden is the path. This can add structure and cohesion to a yard, and even beckon visitors to further explore the space. A well-designed path will make the journey from point A to point B more enjoyable.
Paths can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. If you’re planning a path for your garden, seek advice from professionals. They’ll be able to answer questions about your specific needs.
The main path should be at least four feet wide. It should also be made of sturdy material, such as concrete or brick. Wide paths are easier to navigate and safer. For added safety, stepping stones can be strategically placed along the path to help people get over the rough spots.
A secondary path should be no less than three feet wide. These paths are used for less-frequented parts of your yard. Secondary pathways can have gentle curves, or branch off from the primary path. When designing a tertiary pathway, try to use materials that are both innocuous and practical.
In the garden, a straight-forward path can be a good thing, but curved pathways can add a bit of flair. Curves can also draw attention to hidden features and make the garden appear longer.
There are many materials to choose from, from grass to concrete. Choose your path material based on the purpose of your project and your budget. Solid materials, such as concrete, are best suited for high-traffic areas.
Permeable surfaces can also be an option, especially if your garden is located in a humid climate. Such surfaces are often composed of a blend of gravel, moss, and plants that are resistant to foot traffic.
Other options include decorative borders and small trees. While you’re at it, consider adding a birdbath, bench, or fountain. Each will serve a purpose.
