Gardens and hedges and arbors - oh my! The basics on home landscaping
BRITTANY RIGDON GateHouse Plus

It's official: It's time to think about how to improve your home's outdoor appearance this summer. But don't break out the shovel and potting soil just yet. Poorly planned gardening and landscaping efforts can result in a big drain on your time and your pocketbook, and could even hurt your property value. Before you head out to your local lawn and garden center, consider these helpful landscaping hints.

First, take a look at the spaces you have to work with. Walk around your property with a measuring tape and a sketch pad. Make note of current vegetation, building structures, and natural light patterns that occur throughout the day.

Now that you have an idea of your workspace, think about what kind of environment you want to create. Are you seeking more formality in an unstructured chaos, or do you want to evoke a more natural feel in the rigid lines of your lawn? Hedges, decorative "living" fences, or even dwarf trees can add privacy to an open yard, while curving walkways and meandering stone paths can make areas seem more spacious. Flip through gardening books and magazines, or take a walk around your neighborhood to see what elements might work in your plans.

With some solid plans on paper, start making lists of all the supplies you will need, as well as setting up short-term and long-term budgets the project. Landscaping is one area in which it doesn't pay to skimp on expenses.

Also, keep in mind long-term maintenance requirements of your planting choices.

"Do your research before you ever go to the nursery to buy plants," said Deb Summerlin, a landscaping professional. "Find out what growing zone you're in, and be aware when you put in a plant if it is going to be in sun or shade. Also, be aware of pests and diseases local to your area."

Make sure you know the full size of plants, trees and shrubs, and consider the time and money you may have to spend on their upkeep throughout the year.

Finally, remember to take your time. Landscaping is a year-round process, and each passing season brings with it new wonders and fresh challenges.

Landscaping is a fantastic way to enjoy summer and improve the value of your property.