Creating A Gorgeous Garden

4 Steps to Creating a Beautiful Formal Landscape

7 February 2017 by Tiffany Gonzales

Formal landscaping can give your yard a sense of connection not only with your house but with the past. Historically manicured gardens were a display that monarchs and nobles used to display their wealth. While this isn't really the purpose of formal landscaping today, it does provide a method for showcasing your home. Formal landscaping can be modern or more traditional. Create a manicured look in your yard that complements your house.

Start with a Lawn

The centerpiece of a formal landscape is the lawn. Naturally it should be lush and healthy. If you're starting from scratch, consider hydroseeding. With this process, contractors mix a slurry of grass seed, fertilizer, mulch and a bonding agent. They then spray this over the ground. A hydroseeded lawn germinates relatively quickly and offers good moisture retention. Hydroseeding can also be used for tight or oddly shaped areas, which gives it an advantage over sod. Devise a lawn that affords you outdoor living space as well as beauty.

Install a Straight Pathway

Traditional French landscaping is one of the most formal styles. As the Landscaping Network points out, it's characterized by sticking to a geometric plan. Even if you're not going for a French garden, adhering to geometrical symmetry gives your yard the formal air. A relatively easy way to achieve this is with a straight pathway. The walkway should be wide enough for two people to stroll side by side. There can be an obvious destination, such as from the house to the garage. Alternatively, consider having the path lead to a fountain or other lawn accent piece.

Include Lawn Décor

In that vein, French and other traditional styles usually include lawn décor. Typically, these pieces are made of stone. A beautiful stone fountain is common, though a birdbath, statue or even garden antique works well. The key is to make it worthy of a destination. Place it in the center of a little clearing, even elevating the piece as appropriate. Likewise, surround the décor item with beautiful landscaping as if it were the crown jewel of your yard.

Add Border Plants

Along those lines, you should border your walkway with landscaping as well. Boxwood hedges are traditional for bordering. As their name suggests, you can have them manicured into rectangles. However, you can achieve an attractive bordering effect with flowers, too. Choose colorful flowers that grow well in your region. Plant them along the edge of your walkway to create that sense of geometry and to keep guests on the path itself.

Draw the eye directly to your house with formal landscaping in your yard. For more tips or assistance, contact companies like Hydrograss Technologies.

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