How do you transform an ordinary yard into a neighborhood showpiece? It’s easier than you think. Even a simple design can look elegant with the right blend of design elements. Softscape elements include grass, trees, hedges and other plants. Hardscape elements include walkways, the driveway, fencing and rocks. Follow these steps to learn how to landscape your yard.

Sketch

Sketch the design elements that you want. They might include a winding path, a rock garden, tall bushes in front of bedroom windows, flowerbeds or a raised bed vegetable garden near the kitchen door. Start at the front of the house and pick a focal point. The focal point might be a flowering tree or a large, round flower bed with a statue in the middle.

After choosing the focal point, decide whether you want to line the walkway with flowers, dwarf bushes or ornamental grasses. If your walkway is plain cement, then you might want to upgrade to decorative paving stones. Continue Reading >>