Residential Landscaping Ideas: Get the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
by
Kelly Richardson, All About Lawns Columnist
December 9, 2008
The recession is on and homeowners are looking to save money at every turn. Residential landscaping is certainly no exception. Forego the pristine English garden mentality for chic, inexpensive materials and projects that save money without sacrificing aesthetics. Sound easier said than done? It's really not.
Landscaping Goes Informal
The laws of residential landscaping have changed--particularly in the face of severe droughts, water restrictions, and increased environmental attention to irrigation runoff. Homeowners are turning toward renewable, durable flora and fauna to improve the efficiency of their landscaping. And they're seeing the results in their wallets and purses.
Recycled materials and renewable greenery typically cost less, are easier to manage, and remove a great deal of pretention that typically goes along with high-dollar environmental landscapes.
Residential Landscaping on a Budget
This may be a paradigm shift in your traditional landscaping approach--and it may take some getting used to. But it's very possible that you could become pleasantly obsessed with these cheap residential landscaping activities.
Lawns. Allow 'beneficial' weeds, such as nitrogen-rich clover, to occupy a space in your lawn. Don't go broke trying to get that pristine appearance.
Hardscapes. Reasonably-priced water features and stone accoutrements are the perfect breakups to your standard garden fare. Walkways are also a must-have.
Water Conservation. Catching the water runoff from your roof into cisterns is an environmentally-conscious way to decrease your water bill while cultivating your yield.
Containers and Fertilizer. Container gardening is making a major comeback. Save space and resources by using compost and cemetery logs.
About the Author
Kelly Richardson has obsessive compulsive lawn disorder and is
afflicted with the need to share his knowledge with the world. Kelly
writes lawn columns for a variety of home and garden magazines and
e-zines.
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