By ddmg Design • Do It Yourself • Landscape • News • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

The Basics of Proper Landscape Design

Proper landscape design is art form. People go to college to learn how to design amazing landscapes for homes and commercial buildings alike. While things can get incredibly complex, they don’t have to – especially when taking Olathe landscape design into account. 

Instead of having you read books, take classes, and go overboard – at Huston Contracting, we wanted to break down the basics of proper landscape design. We’re going for simplicity here, so experts may roll your eyes. But if you’re new to landscaping, let’s dig in.

Proper Landscape Design 101

Now, landscaping can be different in every single climate. As such, we’ll be focusing on the great state of Kansas – specifically landscaping in Olathe. Here we go:

  • Plan for the Future

The first and most important aspect of proper landscape design – plan for the future. Plants grow, and not always where we want them to. As such, you need to plan growth into your design. Make sure no matter how a plant grows you’ll still have access to anywhere and everywhere you need to.

  • Focus on Focal Points

Now, when talking about Olathe landscape design, you must decide what the focal point of your yard will be. Is it the outdoor kitchen? The immaculate yard work? The huge tree with a swing attached to it?

Once you have the focal point (or two) of your Olathe landscaping, coming up with the rest of the design will be so much easier.

  • Accent Your Home

It’s much easier to change how your landscaping looks than to change how your home looks. As such, you should focus on cultivating a landscape that accents your home. Not vice versa. Our favorite way to do just that is by softening the edges of a home with pots and plants.

  • Start Small

If you’re new to landscaping projects and design, it’s absolutely important to start small and work your way into things. Make a small garden. Add some plants to the front patio. Trim the trees and bushes. Once the basics are handled and you feel comfortable, you can move onto other projects.

  • Mulch Matters

While this is a fairly basic tip, it’s also advanced. Mulch is a simple, yet effective way to add colors and layers to your landscaping. By keeping the mulch fresh each season, you’re sure to add visual appeal to your yard.

  • Change the Focal Point

When you’re ready to make a huge landscaping change, think about your focal point. You can change the whole landscape with a major project. Maybe you want to add a retaining wall, a small pond, or an outdoor kitchen. This could have a dramatic effect on the landscaping around your house.

The Olathe Landscapers You Need

As professional landscape designers, the staff at Huston Contracting is here to help you. If you have any Olathe landscaping needs, just give us a call today. We look forward to helping you design the yard of your dreams!

By ddmg Do It Yourself • General Information • Landscape • News • Tips and Tricks • • • 0 Comments

7 Fantastic Olathe Landscaping Ideas For Everybody

Landscaping ideas matter. It doesn’t matter what season it is. You want your Olathe landscape to look great whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter. Maybe we want to keep up with the neighbors. Or maybe you take pride in showcasing your stunning home in the best way you can.

No matter why your Olathe landscaping matters to you, we all know it’s important. As such, we wanted to throw together a quick list of simple ways to improve your landscape all year long. Sure, some ideas work better during different times of the year, but we’re going to keep things basic.

  • Front-Facing Flowers

One of the best ways to ensure your home is inviting and welcoming is to greet guests with flowers. A number of annuals and perennials look good nearly all year long. You can also add some flower pots inside your entryway when things get too cold.

  • Utilize Planters and Baskets

One unique way to make your landscape “pop” is to add planters and baskets. These tools ensure your garden grows in height. You bring the plants up to eye-level and create a stunning visual appeal.

  • Outdoor Kitchens Galore

You can grill a thick, juicy steak in your outdoor kitchen in the heart of winter. You just need an amazing outdoor kitchen to cook it in. Luckily, once you have the kitchen created, your landscape will look amazing all year.

  • Retaining Wall WOW

While certain plants and wildlife won’t grow during the winter months, your retaining wall can look ideal all year around. A well-made retaining wall adds a unique layering element to your yard that stands out year around.

  • Create a Surprise Area

One of the coolest ways to create a unique landscape is to add a surprise. This means you build a fun walkway to a “hidden” area, an oasis in your backyard. For some this is a hidden patio or gazebo, but others use the walkway idea to end up at a small pond. Where your path goes is up to you.

  • Timely Trimming

Make no mistake about it – a little timely trimming here and there can ensure your landscaping looks amazing all the time. Keep your trees and bushes in order, especially in the warmer months when evergreens grow like wildfire.

  • Mix and Match

One popular landscaping tip that’s become popular lately is mixing stone with wood. The combination adds an alluring rustic appeal while still staying modern. Try creating a stone path walkway with wood structures along the side for an impressive landscape.

Olathe Landscaping For YOU

If you have any landscaping you need done before the freezing winter months, get in touch. The pros at Huston Contracting are here to help prepare your home for the winter. We look forward to working with you.