7)
Planting small trees, shrubs, perennials, and other plants (refer to Part 3)
Installing sod or spreading grass seed (see Chapter 16)
Planting a groundcover (flip to Chapter 16)
Building a raised bed (see Chapter 10)
Installing outdoor lighting (see Chapter 10)
Building a lightweight shade structure, arbor, or trellis (see Chapter 10)
Making a bench or planter (see Chapter 10)
Installing a garden pond or other water feature (see Chapter 10)
Here are some bigger jobs that require more time and heavier labor. Feel free to tackle them yourself if you’re inclined, but you may want to get professional help. For one thing, a professional can get it done a lot faster, without mistakes or undue waste.
Installing a fence and gate (refer to Chapter 6)
Building steps (see Chapter 8)
Installing an irrigation system (check out Chapter 5)
Building stone or stacked-concrete walls (see Chapter 6)
Planting large trees (refer to Chapter 11)
Pruning or removing large trees (refer to Chapter 11)
Doing electrical, plumbing, or gas-line work
Building large outdoor structures, such as a shed
Pouring concrete (see Chapter 9)
Installing a patio (flip to Chapter 9)
Building a deck (see Chapter 8)
Installing a pool
WHO YOU GONNA CALL?
Should you decide to holler for help, holler in the right direction. When you're ready to call in a pro, talk to trusted friends and neighbors first. Track down a local Master Gardener or Master Gardeners group, or ask at your favorite local garden center or nursery, and see whom they suggest. Ask for recommendations for companies that have done satisfying work; don't hire Jimmy-down-the-street's cousin just because he's the only name on your list. Ask for references, and check them. A drive-by around a former client's property may be all you need to see if the work is up to snuff. You can also check online reviews, but bear in mind that only the happiest and the most-disgruntled people tend to write online reviews.
Work quality isn't the only consideration, though. Ask whether the work was done on schedule, at a fair price, and whether clean-up afterward was satisfactory. Would the client hire the contractor again? When you've narrowed down your list, check with the Better Business Bureau, your state Attorney General’s office, and/or professional associations.
If you feel at all shaky about your skills as a designer, call in a landscape designer to give you advice or even draw up a plan for you. You can also show the pro your own plan and ask for suggestions or confirmation of your good common sense — all for a fee, of course. The help of a genuine landscape architect is warranted if you have a large property, are starting from scratch, and/or can afford their more-expensive expertise.
For more on various sorts of landscape professionals, including information on professional associations that can lead you to them, turn to Appendix A.
Part 2
Building Hardscape into Your Yard
IN THIS PART …
Get a handle on your site if you’re ready to add a hardscape element, including preparing the land, knowing what tools you’ll need, and so on.
Understand the ins and outs of water, including drainage and different watering systems.
Add some privacy to your landscape design by including a fence, wall, and gate.
Incorporate a path or walkway into your garden to highlight your plants and welcome guests.
Create an outdoor living space and place to entertain friends and family by building a deck or patio.
Consider a wide array of fun and creative ways you can bring your garden to life with lighting, fire pits, raised planters, and so much more.
Chapter 4
Taming Your Site
IN THIS CHAPTER
When you’re ready to install or redo a yard, you may feel overwhelmed, wondering where to
