landscaping2

We know how it goes. You move into your new home – and there’s a million and one things that need to be done. If you’re like most people, you’ll start with what’s right before your eyes: the inside of your home. Furniture, window coverings, paint colors and interior decor. It’s a lot to do, we know. And just when you’ve got everything the way you want it and can stop to sit back and admire it . . . you see it. Right there – outside the window. And that’s when so many homes hear that plaintive cry: “Honey, what are we going to do about the landscaping?!”

Creature comforts being what they are, you may have gone a little bit overboard with your home’s interior (at least, that’s what your budget may be telling you). But that’s okay – because adding new – or redesigning your existing – home landscaping is one of those things you can plan to do in phases. And even better, there’s plenty of budget-friendly ways to tackle making the outside of your home look as inviting as the inside. Here’s just a few tips we’ve gathered together to get your imagination stirred.

1. Plan & Prioritize Your Outdoor Space.

Before you head out there to spread a bunch of grass seed (or in the case of Las Vegas, artificial sod) – spend some time thinking about how you really plan to use your yard. Do you have pets – and will you want them in a separate area? Is there a patio cover or gazebo in your future that you want to use for entertaining? Sometimes, making the right use of your space is simply a matter of repositioning your existing outdoor furniture or accessories. Or adding a small tool shed to collect and keep all the outdoor toys out of site (but still easily accessible). However, if you are going to want to add some larger elements (such as concrete, fencing, or large living elements in certain areas) – prioritize them. That way – you’ll be able to make progress in smaller steps, as your time and finances allow.

2. Consider Alternative Resources.

For many people, “landscaping” means to either hire an expensive planner or gardener, or head down to the nearest home improvement store or nursery to load up the pallets with items at retail prices. That’s great for you – because you think outside the box! Instead of making a bee-line for those places, head to your local rock quarry to see what options are available to you for only a few dollars a ton that will take care of your hard surface groundcover needs. Or better yet, keep your eyes peeled for demolition sites – because broken concrete can also be an inexpensive alternative that serves the same purpose. Here in Las Vegas, well – it’s a rocky place. And that means lots of opportunity to seek sources for large, native rocks. (There’s no shortage of development in town any longer . . . so find those places who are trying to remove those big rocks from their construction sites and play Let’s Make A Deal!) If you want to add definition to the design, pick up some affordable bender boards and stakes from a garden supply store to create pathways and/or contained areas of rock.

3. Go Native.

There are few things worse than falling in love with the look of a tree or plant first, planting it, and trying to nurse it through an environment that it’s not prepared to survive in. Even if you know nothing about what growth zone you live in or what the local native plants are – you can learn a lot just by ‘window shopping’ at local nurseries. (Read the tags – you’d be amazed how informative they are!). One more way to find out what’s going to thrive in your area? Visit The Arbor Day Foundation online. (www.arborday.org). Not only is there a wealth of information to be had – but when you sign up for membership, you’ll also receive 10 free trees that are meant to grow in your Zone. (We’ll admit, they’re not big trees – but hey, free is free – and these are the people who know trees better than anyone!)

4. Start Your “Green” With The Trees.

Because it’s around the trees that the rest of your landscaping will take shape. And if they’re your first investment, you can opt to buy and plant smaller trees that will just keep growing and adding interest to your landscaping – all while you’re taking your time getting all the other elements in place. It’s better to spend money on a small, quality tree – because in a few short years (in Las Vegas, make that a very few short years, thanks to our long growing season) you probably won’t be able to tell the difference in size (and you won’t have to kick yourself because your neighbor spent half the money on a tree that’s now the same size as yours!).

5. Groundcover Plants. (also known as: It Doesn’t All Have To Be Rock And Lawn Mowers.)

Groundcovers. Ahhhh…..those lovely little inexpensive groupings you see in vast expanses on commercial grounds or residential common areas. They can be planted sparsely in your yard, and grow quickly into beautiful rows or sections of color. (They’re also really great at helping you deal with dead spots in your yard.) Many require little to no maintenance (yaaay!) – and the available varieties give you an amazing number of options, colors, heights and textures from which to choose.

6. Remember This Word: Perennials.

Those sweet flats of colorful annuals you see when you head to the store (pretty much any store during the season) are sure bright and enticing, aren’t they? But “annuals” mean just that. You’ll have to replace them every year – and that is definitely not kind to your budget. Perennials, on the other hand, will amaze you with their longevity – and are great reminders of the cycle of life itself. As they go through their growth, blooming and dormant seasons, not only will they continue to get larger and more beautiful each year – it’s like having an unexpected surprise greet you at the door (and you didn’t have to do much to make it happen).

7. Know Someone Who Loves To Garden?

If you have a friend with a passion for gardening, it’s like having the holy grail on speed-dial. Because they love to share both their ‘green children’ and their knowledge – which will help you not only learn what living elements you want in your yard and where to plant them, but these friends will often divide some of their most beautiful successes for you to replant in your own yard. (It’s okay – you can start mentally tabulating all the money you’re NOT spending at the nursery now!)

8. Pinterest.

Need we say more?

Most important to remember is that you’re creating an outdoor haven for you and your family. Maybe it’s time to re-think what we’ve always done before in a back yard. Switch things up, plan it for your enjoyment – both visual and physical. Only a few minutes a day of looking at something natural and green has been proven to make a huge difference in our mental well-being. At the end of the day, you want your landscaping to be refreshing to your eyes. So we recommend you read, listen, learn – and then follow your heart.

New Home Resource helps current and future homeowners with their Las Vegas real estate needs. Please contact a New Home Resource Realtor® today at 702-365-1000 or at www.newhomeresource.com. Broker Joanna Piette, and agents Denise Moreno Thrasher, Jessica O’Brien, Evelyn ‘Beng’ Kern, Lance Partin and Kathy Paterniti are all here to help!