If you missed spring planting, don't worry. There's still plenty of time to get the tools out and to make something spectacular out of your back yard. Whether you're starting from scratch or whether you are working on a previously established yard, here are some ideas that might help you to succeed in your goal.
Make A Plan - Get out magazines, gardening books, paper and pencils and let your mind go to its most creative place.
Cut out pictures of features you see in the gardening magazines. Of course, you probably won't want to cut up a book, but you can still write down ideas and make simple sketches of what you like.
Think of places you've fallen in love with as you've traveled. For example, if you've been in places like Arizona or New Mexico, you might have appreciated the desert landscaping there. Write down the features you like.
Put all of your ideas on a large poster board and hang it on a wall. Now choose the favorite ones and incorporate them into a literal plan, using colored pencils to get a visual of what your back yard will look like.
Add Focal Points - Once you've chosen the essential plants you want, go to the next step, establishing a central place where the eyes will go.
Consider adding something dramatic like a wishing well or a Mexican fountain.
If you're lucky enough to have trees in your back yard, have them professionally trimmed. You'll love the interest that adds to the area.
For a whimsical touch, add bird houses of different designs. Don't forget hummingbird feeders.
Add sound to your back yard. Wind chimes placed in strategic places would be a perfect way to create pretty sounds.
Consider Hiring A Professional - If you aren't completely satisfied with what you've done on paper or with your finished yard, consider hiring a landscape designer. He or she will be trained and will have the experience to help you with your plan or to polish up what you've already done.
For example, the landscaper's trained eye will detect if you've planted too many things together. Plants often grow so fast that you don't realize that they'll crowd each other.
An expert landscaper will be able to help you select hardy plants that will be easy for you to care for.
The landscaper will know which vegetables will thrive along with your flowering plants.
A professional can also bring your vision to life, knowing what ideas are realistic and which ones may not work well.
Keep careful notes of which plants worked well in your back yard. You'll be happy to have those notes next year when you get ready for a new planting season. Contact a company like W.H. Boyer, Inc. to learn more.