When it’s time to redesign your Oyster Bay, NY, landscape, having a theme will help create a unified look and feel. A landscape theme uses consistent materials, shapes, and colors to create a cohesive design that speaks to your individual taste. Consider the following tips to help you select a landscape design theme that both you and your neighbors will love.
Work with Your Environment
One of the most important factors to consider when designing your landscape is the natural environment. The climate in your region is ultimately what controls which plants will grow in your yard. Each geographical area has a Hardiness Zone that helps determine what kind of plants will succeed based on average temperatures. Oyster Bay falls into zone 7a, so your landscape designer will choose plants that work within this climate.
Other factors that will affect your landscape design include sunlight, the amount of rainfall in the area, the drainage capability of the soil, and the level of humidity. You may live in a sunny region, but if trees or buildings cast shadows on your yard, your landscape should feature plants that grow well in shaded areas. Soil conditions can vary greatly across a single Hardiness Zone, so your landscape plan will take into account specific soil conditions. Tropical plants, for example, will not grow well in a dry environment, while succulents will struggle in damp or humid areas.
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Landscape Design Oyster Bay NY - Tips for Choosing a Theme
Complement Your Surroundings
Your landscape design theme should harmonize with your home and the surrounding landscapes. While you don’t want to duplicate the yard next door, you also don’t want to be the eyesore on the block. A good landscape designer will look at the overall setting and work with a theme that both expresses your style and complements the neighborhood.
Your landscape design should also complement your home’s architecture. When establishing a theme, consider the style of your home and look for landscape design elements that reflect the same look. If you live in a heritage home, for example, an ultra-modern landscape may look out of place.
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Know Your Audience
It’s important to consider who will be using your yard when selecting your landscape design. A pool and a play structure are often appealing to a family with small children, while an older couple that live alone may prefer a patio and an outdoor living room. If you entertain a lot, your yard might include an outdoor kitchen and fire pit for social gatherings.
Pets are another important consideration when it comes to landscape design. An active dog can wreak havoc on plants. If you are a pet owner, your landscape plan should include an area that is pet-friendly.
A design that incorporates different zones will help create a landscape that everyone can enjoy. Walkways, hardscaping elements, and strategically placed plantings can all be used to help form separate spaces and direct people to the right area.
Express Your Style
While your surroundings and environment are important factors, your yard should express your personal style and be a space you love. Themes can be simple and be displayed through consistent shapes and coordinating colors. Or they can be more detailed and create an overall effect, such as a Zen garden, a country garden, or a tropical getaway. Whatever your style, selecting a theme will help ensure that your landscape design is cohesive and unified.