Gardening and landscaping can be a rewarding endeavor—transforming outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional retreats. However, without proper planning and consideration, common mistakes can detract from the overall beauty and functionality of your landscape.
We've gathered insights from seasoned experts in landscape architecture and design to highlight key mistakes to avoid and offer valuable advice for creating stunning outdoor spaces that stand the test of time.
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Failing to be transparent about budgets, schedules, and property boundaries can lead to costly mistakes. Award-winning landscape architect Jack Kiesel emphasizes the importance of honesty and thorough planning, including obtaining a scaled topographic survey to prevent property line disputes and costly errors. He advises setting clear budget expectations and avoiding premature celebrations before the landscape is fully completed.
“I have never heard anyone regret ordering a survey,” he said. “It saves a lot of heartache, costly revisions, and potential work stoppage from inspectors or angry neighbors.”
Landscape designer Melanie Rekola warns against skimping on plant beds and outdoor furniture space, as these elements provide balance and connection to nature. She also suggests ensuring adequate space for both plants and furniture, with plant beds at least 3 feet wide and ample room around outdoor furniture to prevent crowding.
“Avoid skinny beds as these look unbalanced and aren’t suitable for the plants to thrive in as there isn’t enough growing space,” she said.
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Principal architect Ralph Choeff cautions against over-landscaping, which can detract from the overall beauty of a project. He
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