Ignite FB Tracking PixelPlanning & designing a landscape: For beginners - Ryan Arnt
Keller Williams Realty Swm
Ryan Arnt, Keller Williams Realty SwmPhone: (269) 470-6666
Email: [email protected]

Planning & designing a landscape: For beginners

by Ryan Arnt 01/22/2023

There are many factors that go into designing a landscape - for beginners, the number of options can be overwhelming. How do you choose the best plants and where to plant them? How do you arrange your yard in an aesthetically pleasing but functional way?

Luckily, there are some basics you can follow to get started in beginner landscaping. Regardless of your landscape goals, knowing the best practices will help you. Here is a quick guide to landscaping for beginners:

Plan your planting

The more you know about the plants you intend to grow in your outdoor space, the more healthy and rewarding your garden will be. Consider environmental factors of your yard like the amount of direct sun, shade, wind exposure and rainfall.

It’s also helpful to think about what you want from your landscape: do you want a place to gather with loved ones, or a personal getaway?

Regardless, choose plants that work for the space you’re in. Research specific care needs before buying and planting anything to make sure your landscape gets the right amount of sun, shade and exposure it needs to thrive.

Find a focal point

Selecting a focal point is an excellent way to get started on landscaping design. Focal points can be almost anything, but some popular options include an outdoor dining table, a fire pit or a water feature. It could also be a natural element, like a particular tree or garden bed.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try taking inspiration from other yards or outdoor spaces you enjoy. What catches your attention? What will you enjoy in your own backyard? Questions like these can help you in all aspects of your landscaping project.

Start small

It’s common for new gardeners and beginner landscaping enthusiasts to get overwhelmed. To help avoid this, start small by making simple changes to your outdoor space, like planting a starter vegetable garden or designing flower beds. Begin with the basic elements of your intended design, rather than trying to act on every one of your landscaping ideas at once.

Some small projects to start with include:

  • Adding a series of stepping stones to create a safe pathway through the garden.
  • Building a raised garden bed for favorite vegetables, herbs or flowers.
  • Choosing a handful of young plants to care for and grow into more prominent design elements.

Regardless of your landscaping goals, keeping these basics in mind can help you get started. If you ever need additional guidance, you can always consult the professionals at your local garden center or landscaping company for advice and inspiration.

About the Author
Author

Ryan Arnt

I have provided award-winning service to many clients over the past 25 years. Few other REALTORS are as trusted as I am. My clients trust my advice, and they know that I always look out for their best long-term interests. You can expect, and you will receive personal service that is second to none. When you hire me as your Agent you work with me and only me. I will answer your calls and respond to your text messages. I promise not to hand you off to another member of "My team" like others do. When you hire Ryan, you get Ryan.

I have called Southwest Michigan home for 40 years. My mother's family ran a local locksmith service, and my father served as the Chief Investigator for the County's Prosecutor's office for many years. I love all that this area offers, and I enjoy serving the buyers and sellers who are moving in or out of Southwest Michigan.

My wife and I have two children, and we would not want to raise them anywhere else. Between the award-winning schools and the plethora of youth activities offered in Southwest Michigan, it's a great place to call home. We enjoy spending time with friends at the beach, boating, golfing, hunting, skiing "Up North," and fishing.

We give back generously to the community that has been so good to us. Currently, I serve on the Lakeshore Public Schools Foundation Board (LEF), as Past President of the St. Joe Kickers Sports Club, and as a Rotarian in the Stevensville-Lakeshore Rotary Club. We donate throughout the year to various local organizations, schools, and youth sports groups.

I want to put my experience and knowledge to work for you. Having sold more than 500 properties while earning the trust and respect of my fellow REALTORS, who voted me the "REALTOR of the Year," I am confident I can earn your trust as well.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Please allow me the opportunity to serve you. I promise you will not be disappointed.

Ryan Arnt

Real Estate Broker/Company Owner

Keller Williams of Southwest Michigan

You can reach me anytime, call or text 269.470.6666, or email me at [email protected].

When you need a REALTOR, Rely on Ryan!