Aug 02 2011
Landscape Design – Should you tackle it yourself?
So you are planning your new backyard and trying to decide if you need a landscape design or not.
What qualifies me to give you information?
I am from Calgary Alberta, Canada. I have been involved with Calgary Landscape Design for quite a few years. Landscape Design, done right is art, plain and simple.
If you do a little research you will realize that there is a wide variety of options available that allows you to completely redo your backyard.
Now the next big question: Should I do the redesigning myself or should I find a Landscape designer
This is an interesting concept because art is abstract, not everyone thinks this way.
For some reason, some things just look good, while not the same can be said for others. It is hard to put into words really, but it is very true.
One line drawn the wrong way can take an entire landscape design and make it look not quite right.
Making mistakes on paper and then rectifying it is extremely easy however when it comes to installing your yard, as my experience with Landscaping in Calgary has shown, you need to be very careful about what you are doing
Therefore, my suggestion is not to limit your options for the scope of the project rather the important issue here is whether you are capable to handle the project your self or do you need the services of a professional in the field.
Some question to see if you are designed to be a Landscape Designer….
Are you good at drawing?
Drawing is one of the most important part of any landscape professional designer’s life as they need to be involved in scale drawing.
It is important to see the shape of your yard BEFORE you start to build. Think of the drawing in stone analogy.
Not only do you want to see the shape of your newly designed landscape, you need it scaled so that you make sure your proportions are correct. Nothing is worse than building a patio two feet short of which a table could fit.
There are many software programs to help out with landscape design of your yard. Some are getting really technologically advance and can be learned fairly quickly. Something to think about.
Do you know anything about plants?
Plants take a long time to grow and mature. Especially trees. In so many mature neighborhoods in so many cities you see amazing trees have to be cut down because of spacing considerations.
A landscape design with a professional landscape expert would solve this problem that usually takes about 25 years to take effect. That is a big time investment to lose.
Plants need to harmonize with the natural surrounding landscape.
This will not only allow the plants to grow but also give give a fresher look to your landscape.
In the area in which I live, there are many beautiful Calgary Garden Gardens in Calgary. The best Gardens all had a sound plan!
Planning your home out carefully with a landscape design will not only save you money in the end, but will allow for a more thought out transition from house to backyard, making the perfect space for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.
Happy Landscaping!!!
Written by:Custom Stone and Waterscapes 3829 Parkhill Place SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2W6(403) 870-1142