Basics of Home Landscaping for the Southeast Texas Area

INTRODUCTION 

This page will try to help you think through the process of planning and constructing a home landscape assuming you are willing to do the actual construction of the landscape yourself.

Three major phases include: Planning / Plant Selection / Construction

The Planning Process

The major feature to any landscape is the attraction of the eye to it.  Therefore,  in planning your landscape,  be thinking of how your landscape can "stand out" from others in your area.  Use of less common and "interesting" plants and a design that "draws the eye to it" will achieve this.  

To start, have a well thought out plan on paper before you begin any construction activity. A good plan begins before any drawings are made. It should include the following:

A paragraph describing your concepts, assumptions, description of the entire landscape as you would like to see it, choices, total budget, and time frame.

List of required equipment and materials needed

List of alternative plant selections (generally completed after design is drawn)

List of potential sources for plant and other needed materials along with estimated costs.

A phased construction schedule (work breakdown structure in priority order)

As part of the planning process, do the following:

Assess the natural resources, existing plants and trees, drainage patterns, soil conditions, natural light conditions throughout the day, and potential problems (e.g. underground utilities). Draw a scaled plot indicating these conditions and showing existing structures and significant trees. Plant selections will be very dependent on the existing or potential environmental conditions initially identified. Many micro-environmental conditions may exist within your yard that create exceptions.

Choices to make include formal vs. informal vs. naturalized landscape, degree of maintenance you are willing to undertake once constructed, landscape theme desired (predominant type of plants preferred), intended future use of all yard areas and acceptable restrictions, and what special features would you like to integrate (e.g. an aquatic pond/garden, butterfly/hummingbird attractors, fruit trees, other peripherals such as decorative containers, bed bordering materials such as rocks, etc)

Develop an aesthetically pleasing planting or bedding areas as an addition to your scaled master plot. Avoid squared-off looks, use curvature or other angles and shapes to the extent possible.  Often the creation of "Island" beds among trees adds interest and diversity. Allow for seasonal variations in planting areas - using both permanent and seasonal plant materials to add variety from year to year.  Place taller plants to the rear and add both vertical, horizontal, and a sense of depth to the planting arrangement (a 3D effect so to speak). 

The final step in developing a landscape is the selection of plant candidates - looking at all suitable alternatives and selecting those that reflect your personal preferences. This topic follows:

If you live in Central Texas which is subject to drought, high temperatures, low humidity, and stressful growing conditions, consider Xeriscaping.
 

Plant Selection - Criteria to Consider

Select several suitable alternatives for each planting area. Get the advice of a knowledgeable horticulturist or independent source that doesn't have a conflict of interest (e.g. a nursery would most likely recommend plants they stock for sale).

Personally view each plant recommended to ensure that it suits your personal tastes. Although landscaping is done for the neighborhood, you look at it every day and must be the ultimately satisfied customer.

Mix different plant textures, sizes, colors, and growth forms to add diversity and visual/artistic interest. The combinations of plants that would go well together are numerous.

Mixture of plants should promote a sense of 3-Dimensional depth in addition to diversity. Never line plants up in a row, and allow sufficient spacing for the plants ultimate size, not to achieve an instant effect.  Consider how the landscape looks from all visual angles. 

Use predominantly evergreens for frontal or public areas. When using deciduous plants, surround them with other evergreens to provide interest during dormancy periods. Deciduous plants can also be effectively used as backdrop plants. 

Be prepared to acquire your plants from multiple sources. No single commercial source will have all the plants you need at any given time. You can also compare quality and prices from various commercial sources while making the rounds.