Major Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing Into Your Design

Landscaping is not just about making your garden look good; it’s also about creating an easy-to-maintain outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional. Unfortunately, many gardeners make common landscaping mistakes that result in additional work and disappointment with the results. Here are some of the major landscaping mistakes to avoid when designing your garden.

The number one mistake that most people make when landscaping their garden is to rush into the process without considering all of the implications. Before you begin your project, take some time to really think about how you want your garden to look and what features would add the most value to it. Consider the climate conditions in your region and the amount of sunlight your property receives to ensure that your plants will survive. Finally, take the time to create a landscape plan and budget before you move forward.

High-Maintenance Plants

No matter how beautiful high-maintenance plants are, they can quickly become a burden to care for. Plants such as roses, delphiniums, begonias, and snapdragons require frequent pruning and deadheading, as well as regular fertilizing and watering. If you don’t have the time or resources to adequately care for these plants, then it would be best to consider low-maintenance varieties such as lavender, creeping thyme, daylilies, and hostas. 

Cutting Your Lawn Too Short

When cutting your lawn, it is important to resist the temptation to cut it too short. If you do, it will greatly reduce the health and vigour of your lawn and make it susceptible to weed infestation. What’s more, short grass cuts down on the amount of water the soil retains, which can cause your grass to dry out and die during hot summer days. The ideal length for lawn grass is usually between 2 and 4 inches, so don’t go any shorter than this!

Overwhelming With Too Many Garden Ornaments

Garden ornaments can be a great way to add character and charm to your yard, but you should be careful not to go overboard. Too many ornaments can make your garden look cluttered and overwhelming. Instead, opt for a few carefully chosen pieces that complement the other elements in your garden. For instance, if you have a rock garden, consider adding a few statues of animals or figures to add an interesting touch.

What is the biggest garden design mistake in a small garden?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when designing a small garden is to cram the space with too many different elements. This often leads to confusion in terms of design and leaves the garden looking cramped and uninviting. To avoid this, try to stick to just a few key pieces that can draw the eye and create a sense of flow. For example, if you have a patio, you could place a seating area, a potted plant, and a water feature in the centre to create a small but inviting space. Additionally, use smaller plants that won’t dominate the entire garden and keep the design simple but elegant.