landscape ideas anyone?
Answers:
Zero-scaping on a limited budget is a challenge because the cost of getting the concrete, stones or gravel is initially quite expensive.
Some of the things you can do cheaply are:
* Build earth bag walls and coat them with plaster - these are cheaper than other forms of walling. Put in a pond or a barbecue pit where you have dug out the soil. There are some good sites and books on earth bag building.
* Make your own cement paving stones - it is cheaper to make than to buy. Most gardening books have instructions on making them.
* Recycle - look for houses that are being demolished in your area and buy long pieces of wood, bricks and stones that you can put down as pathways and flower bed edgings
* Learn what wood preservatives are available in your area - build trellises and arches for creepers out of long poles and demolished old packing cases. Creasote poles should match your house color.
* start a rockpile - everytime you dig in the garden and find rocks and boulders collect them for building rockeries.
To cover the earth I would suggest that plant goundcovers that are endemic(native) to your area. They have the advantage that they don't need to be mowed like lawns. Separate the no mow groundcovers from your lawns with pathways. Edge the flowerbeds bordering the lawns with bricks or rocks to make mowing easier.
Get lists of plants that are endemic to your area and find out what they look like. Then plan plantings using the natural plants. These will be easier to maintain and use less water. Look for native, feature or sculptural trees, that you can plant.
Learn how to propogate plants through cuttings and start your own small plant nursery. If you go to friends and family ask if you can take cuttings and collect seeds from their plants.
Other answers:
Why don't you try some decorative grasses and some raised flower beds this can be done on your own to save money
Why don't you try some decorative grasses and some raised flower beds this can be done on your own to save money
shucks that is easy. if you're female go stand nude in your yard. if you're male go get some pretty women to stand NUDE in your yard.
Try layering your landscaping. Start with one area at a time and don't get overwhelmed. I love using ledge stone to make a border with out any harsh lines then I think that crepe mertles (sp?) would look fabulous with the brown and creme. also hostas and vinca make a great ground cover and should work well in your climate.