Smart Landscaping Tips: Transforming Your Outdoor Space with Style

A beautiful home extends beyond its walls. Your outdoor space plays a significant role in creating an inviting atmosphere where you will love to be. In this blog post, we will share some Smart DIY landscaping tips and ideas to help you enhance your outdoor space and create a visually appealing and functional landscape for your new Smart Dwellings Home.

first off, start with a plan!

Although it's tempting to just pick up some flowers and trees, a well-designed landscape starts with a smart plan. Take the time to sketch a layout that considers the grading of your homesite, available space, natural light exposure, Wyoming weather conditions, and existing features. By carefully planning your landscape, you can optimize the use of space and create a harmonious design that complements your home's architecture and surroundings. Start with any potential wiring or water needs, hardscaping such as patios or built-ins, and then last but not least, the pretty stuff! If you just can't help yourself, stick to purchasing potted plants that can be moved around when you have your plan in place. 

accentuate your new home's focal points

Focal points are the centerpiece of your landscape, capturing attention and adding visual interest. Keep in mind the overall shape and style of your home's exterior and incorporate elements that support the feel you are going for. Depending on what you like, a tranquil water feature, a unique sculpture, or a beautifully landscaped flower bed might be just what you're looking for. Aim for 1-3 focal points, where additional colors, foliage, or features can support rather than distract. Remember to step back and look at your yard from the curb to get the big picture. In fact, in that planning stage, you might want to start with a photo or drawing of your home - both from the front and bird's eye view. 

a little color goes a long way

Utilize your inner artist and try your hand at applying the principles and elements of design. They may sound complicated, but you can have great results by paying attention to just a few. What are they? There's a lot to read on the subject, but simply put, the elements of design are shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture. These words just give you some vocabulary to describe what you're looking at.

Within each element, you can apply the principles of design, which are: contrast, balance, emphasis, proportion, hierarchy, repetition, rhythm, pattern, white space, movement, variety, and unity.  

Let's do one small example: if considering the element of color and the principle of contrast you would could colors that are opposite of one another on the color wheel. Think red and green, blue and yellow, or orange and purple. Last year I planted purple and orange flowers - contrasting colors. And I put them in a pattern - orange, purple, orange, purple. Then, I used those same colors in different areas around my yard for repetition. This helped to create movement in the sense that your eye would follow along and find all the matching colors.  The whole effect would have been different if I chose all different shapes, colors, and sizes of plants. 

entryway enhancements

This is where people first feel welcomed to your home. Make that a warm first impression with an enhanced entryway. You might set up a welcoming pathway lined with vibrant flowers or neatly trimmed shrubs leading to your front door. Consider adding stylish lighting fixtures that illuminate your pathway and create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Remember those principles and elements of design? They totally apply here as well. 

utilize smart vertical space

Maximize your available space by utilizing smart vertical elements. Install trellises, arbors, or hanging baskets to add height and visual intrigue. Climbing plants such as ivy or roses can be trained to grow on these structures, creating a captivating display of greenery. As a bonus, these can also add shade and wind protection!

incorporate smart plants

Diversify your plant selection by incorporating a range of native flora and fauna that do well here in Wyoming. Choose plants with varying heights, textures, and colors to create a visually stunning landscape. Remember those design principles! Select a combination of flowers, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and trees that thrive in your specific climate. Here's one fun article from UW's Extension Office: Native Plants for Wyoming Gardens. And there are so many other resources including a master gardener class you can take. 

smart seasonal color 

Introduce bursts of color throughout [some of] the year with smart seasonal colors. Plant a mix of flowers that bloom at different times, ensuring your landscape remains vibrant and visually appealing throughout the growing season. Additionally, some bushes and trees that do well here have color-changing leaves and allow your outdoor space to evolve with nature's beauty. Don't forget you can bring some things indoors during the winter, extending their bloom time.

light it up!

Illuminate your landscape with smart outdoor lighting solutions. Well-placed lighting fixtures can significantly enhance the ambiance of your outdoor space while providing safety and security. Consider installing low-voltage lighting along pathways, highlighting key features, and incorporating soft lighting around seating areas for a cozy and inviting atmosphere during evening gatherings. It's like turning your backyard into a fancy restaurant you can visit every night! 

create smart, functional spaces

Designate specific areas within your landscape for different activities. A patio for grilling and entertaining, a comfortable seating area for relaxation, or a designated play area for children. By incorporating outdoor furniture and accessories, you can transform these spaces into functional and inviting areas for all to enjoy.

embrace smart water-efficient landscaping

Conserve water and reduce your environmental impact by embracing smart water-efficient landscaping practices. Native plants that are well-adapted to our region's climate will naturally require less water. Additionally, you can install a smart drip irrigation system to ensure efficient watering, providing your landscape with the necessary moisture while minimizing water waste. Not only does it save on your water bill, but this also helps prevent too much water from pooling around your home's perimeter. 

smart maintenance

Oh, how I wish a finished yard would just stay nice on its own! However, much like laundry, a yard is never "done." Maintaining your landscape is key to preserving its beauty and health. It's easiest if you just schedule and regularly attend to tasks such as watering, weeding, pruning, and fertilizing to ensure your landscape remains in top shape. By staying proactive with maintenance, you can enjoy your outdoor space year-round and solve many problems before they ever arise!

Conclusion: With these smart landscaping tips and ideas you can transform your outdoor space into a captivating oasis, but have patience with yourself! A finished yard takes time. By incorporating smart planning, diverse plant selection, efficient watering methods, and regular maintenance, your home will radiate style and functionality. Remember, the key to successful landscaping lies in adapting these tips to your specific needs, budget, and the unique charm of your property. Happy landscaping!