Easter has come and gone, and many Calgarians are itching to spend some time outdoors. One question we know many Calgarians are wondering about is how to design their landscaping to look beautiful, require minimum maintenance, and be sufficiently hearty for our tough climate. While every yard is a little different and has a unique set of conditions between brightness, water drainage, and wind, there are some guidelines that can help you plan the outdoor oasis of your dreams.

Plan First.

Between your front yard and your backyard, you’ll probably want some room for the kids and pets to play, plus a bit of space for barbecuing and entertaining outdoors. Other common considerations are composting, gardening, and rain barrels. To get started, figure out what specific areas you want in your yard. Once you have a short list, pay close attention to your particular space. Is there an area that’s always kind of wet and has poor drainage? You probably won’t want your kids playing in that spot. Would you prefer your outdoor dining area is shady or sunny? Draw a diagram of your yard and try to map out which areas get the most sun or shade and where there are wet spots and dry area. Then designate the play area, dining area, and such to the most appropriate area of the yard.

Reduce Labour.

We think we speak for nearly everyone when we say the ideal landscaping design should maximize beauty and minimize mowing, watering, weeding, and other chores. The easiest way to have less mowing to do is to reduce how much lawn you have. We recommend tiered plant gardens and rock gardens for easy maintenance. Low-water shrubs and trees will bring added privacy and shade.

Calgary has a dry, semi-arid climate. To prevent your plants from drying out, try to choose native plant varieties that have evolved to handle our climate. There are many varieties of aster, iris, lilies, poppy, lavender, and more that are native to our area, so there are many options for bright perennials that add colour and life to your garden. If you want to make watering simple, you can design your landscape so plants with similar moisture needs are neighbours. That way you can leave most of your plants to nature’s watering schedule and provide extra moisture to the few who need it.

Get Great Advice.

If you want to create a beautiful yard that thrives year round, the best place to start is with a proven Calgary landscaping team. Our friendly professionals have helped countless homeowners, businesses, and even municipalities with their landscaping needs. We can help you to improve your soil quality, choose hearty plants that you find beautiful, and create wondrous hardscape driveways, pathways, gardens, and water features. We want you to have a yard you absolutely love spending time in, so we take the time to listen to your priorities and create a landscape design that incorporates your needs and wants.

If you’re interested in coming home to your very own outdoor oasis, our professionals are here to help make your dream yard a reality. Contact us today to get started on your design!