As we plan our summer gardens and growing spaces, it’s always great to base your plantings on a design that will serve as the bones of your beautiful backyard, front yard or small plot. Thinking of going it alone? Let a landscaping contractor help.
You may be an expert with soil and plants, but there’s a lot more to it, right? Sometimes, merely establishing the layout seems a daunting challenge, not to mention constructing a walkway or building a retaining wall. You may have a vague idea of what you want, but do you know how to plan and create it? And do you know how to build sustainable green spaces? Sometimes, there’s just nothing better than calling in an expert.
Start at the Beginning
Everyone has a different set of circumstances and needs. Depending on your location, your budget, your aesthetics – even your desire for practical growing space versus décor – it’s super important to develop a realistic, serviceable plan, either on paper or screen. Many landscape companies, like M.E. Contracting, have professional planners and designers that will sit down and map out your space to help you understand how to make the very best of the various areas you have available. There’s so much to learn.
Developing a plan involves deciding the most practical and beautiful way to set up your space. A landscape architect will look at the shape of your land, available water sources, spots where shade and sun are needed, and where you’d like a touch of aesthetic appeal. If you don’t know all these things already, an experienced landscaping contractor is amazing at helping you make these decisions.
Hardscape, Softscape and Water
Hardscape is more about the surrounding structures – walkways, garden paths, decks, driveways and patios. Landscaping companies such as M.E. Contracting will advise you on how to get the most out of your yard’s various environments, like sunny areas, wet spaces, shaded spots and designated relaxing spaces.
Softscape – what a lovely word – is all about the available yard, acreage or plot – the earth that you have available to plant growing things. You can talk with your expert about flowers, shrubs, trees and vegetables and how to use your softscape efficiently. If you have ecological concerns, these are the folks to talk to.
Your landscaping contractor may suggest irrigation systems that will help you cut down on the task of keeping each area properly watered. Irrigation systems can be a godsend in dry or hot areas, or for people who work away from home.
Watch it Evolve
Once you and your landscape expert have formulated the perfect plan for your yard, a whole team of landscaping professionals will come in and make the magic happen. You can stand back and look at the gorgeous environment you’ve co-created with your contractor, and choose whether you want ongoing service or whether you’re all set to manage your grounds yourself.
Regardless, it never hurts to get a little expert help for a beautiful and successful gardening season.
