***

For many decades landscape designers have emulated the Los Angeles landscape in their plans. It has always been a leader in innovation aesthetically and continues to be one today. There are some simple steps to take to learn what you need to copy some of the flair L. A.

Outdoor living is very popular in the Los Angeles area as well as throughout California in general. The weather lends itself well to being appreciated out of doors many days per year. This trend has opened up the need for outdoor kitchens as well as outdoor living rooms.

When you think of the L. A. Landscape think water. Water is an essential element to the lifestyle here whether you think of the beaches or the backyard livability. Swimming pools are very common in California as you can imagine however, what’s new is the addition of using salt water. Salt water is great for sustainability as well as having health benefits. Infinity pools are also growing in popularity, they are also called edgeless pools which give the illusion of the waters edge drifting into the landscape.

A popular look is using a zen like approach with the pebbles and koi ponds. Waterfalls are not only poolside, they are throughout the gardens. Fountains have been popular for many years and continue to be today.

If you find yourself in a garden in Los Angeles, it will probably be very colorful and very tropical. This style lends itself well to the people, the natural landscape and the climate. Reading areas with terraces continue to grow in popularity. Many gardens host fuchsia, dahlia, tropical plants and palm trees.

However, water conservation is something that needs careful consideration since the area is prone to droughts. Drought resistant plant and gardens are all the rage. So, you will see lots of deer grass, lilac and Russian Sage growing.

The climate and it’s tendency to inflict drought has made rock gardens very popular. They are a very drought resistant choice as well as being very easy to maintain. The sizes range with the size of the space and the budget, from pebbles to huge boulders.

Something fairly new and very exciting is the addition of retracting walls and ceilings. With the push of a button the entire glass wall or a glass ceiling in your home opens up to the great outdoors. These are used primarily in living rooms and even bedrooms for a welcome retreat.

As you can see the Los Angeles Landscape is full of innovative ideas and interesting choices that anyone can emulate at their own home. Even if the weather isn’t exactly the same you can certainly find something here to give you some new ideas.

When you have a climate that encourages outdoor living spaces, landscape design is particularly important to homeowners. Los Angeles landscape professionals have the expertise and experience to make your lawn and patio attractive and functional.

-

***

To have a garden of incredible beauty, you have to start with a good design. The choice of plants, placement and care of them depends on how well the space is planned. Plant and design a flower garden that will deliver the results you’ve always dreamed of. It will be well worth the effort.

Start with the zone you live in and the light conditions of your yard. You can plant perennials that are not hardy to your zone, but you will need to treat them as annuals as they likely won’t survive the harsh season. Note where the full sun, partly sunny and shady areas are. If you already have a garden dug, make note of the light conditions in that specific area as well as other spots that might become extensions.

It’s best to start by knowing what you are looking for from your garden. Is there a reason for planting this space, such as a desire to watch the birds fly around the blossoms or to grow fresh herbs for your recipes? Do you feel most comfortable in the jumble of an English garden or the ordered appearance of a Japanese style flower bed? Do you need space between each flower to truly appreciate them or are you happiest when nature takes its course? Know ahead of time what you want out of the space to make sure you design it well.

Plant size makes a big difference when learning how to design a flower garden. When you’re starting a bed from scratch, you may be tempted to fill every spot in an effort to have maximum impact in the first season. This will backfire and cause you much more work in the end. Space out your perennials following the instructions on the plant tags and fill in the gaps with annuals. You’ll have color and beauty for the first year and leave your perennials plenty of room to grow into their spot next season.

Normally you plant taller types of flowers in the middle of floating beds and against the back of border gardens. Shorter, smaller species fill up the area to the edge of the beds. Why not shake that rule up a little as you open the season? Try planting spring bloomers like bulbs or violets near the middle or at the back. They will be beautiful as the other plants just wake up and then the dying foliage will be covered later on. Experiment and see what works for your space.

Aim to have some flowers in bloom for color during the entire gardening season, beginning in April and stretching until October. Search for flowers that will deliver throughout the entire season. Include spring bulbs, phlox and columbine, and then daisies and bee balm and finally fall bulbs and mums. You will be thrilled to see something always in bloom with splashes of color around your bed.

Butterflies are attracted to bright, open face blooms like daisies and Echinacea. Hummingbirds go for the elongated, trumpet-shaped blossoms, especially in bright red colors. Scatter these flowers throughout your garden in the proper spots to bring these fanciful visitors to your home.

To plant the flower bed you’ve always wanted, be sure you take the time to properly design a flower garden. You won’t be disappointed with the results.

Before starting your garden building you may want to check out the gardening tips at Here you will find help on plants to use and how to on gardening.

categories: Flower Garden,Flower Design,Garden Design,Flower Garden Design,Planning a Garden design,Choosing Flowers for the Garden,Gardening,Flower Gardening,How to Start a Flower Garden,Flowers for a Shade Garden,landscaping

-