Landscaping your new home

There are many new buildings coming up in Rwanda every day. However, a number of homeowners are clueless about how they can do their landscaping. When planning your new home landscape, you should start by thinking about how available space is going to be used.

Friday, August 23, 2013
A well landscaped home. Always take the time to sketch out your plan on paper and start small if you have not done this before. Saturday Times/Internet photos

There are many new buildings coming up in Rwanda every day. However, a number of homeowners are clueless about how they can do their landscaping. When planning your new home landscape, you should start by thinking about how available space is going to be used.

The other factor that you should consider is whether you have pets that could damage your plants. Once you have decided on how you will use your landscape, you should consider the basic elements of landscape design and how they apply to your needs.Balance There are two types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical. If you choose the symmetric equilibrium, each side of its landscape will reflect the other in the shape, form, plant height, colour, etc. The asymmetric balance gives each side of the same weight visual landscape, but using contrasting elements.ColourColour combinations can be used to set the mood in your garden. Bright colours, like fiery red, yellow and orange make a garden look lively and warm, or even hot. Cool colours like green or pale blue, pink and white, are more soothing and make a garden seem quieter and cooler. Layering through your landscapeYou will want to gradually move from one element to another. Rather than planting a bed of thoughts around the base of a large tree – cut with smaller trees, then shrubs, bedding plants then those thoughts forming a border completely before planting.ProportionMake sure plants and items that you choose will fit in the available space. If you have a stamp garden, do not plant an oak tree and try to squeeze in a pond.  Take the time to sketch out your plan on paper and start small if you have not done this before. Get out that tape measure and use a garden hose to mark off boundaries or curved roadways. Get ideas from magazines and catalogs. You might find it easier to get started if you choose a theme, perhaps specific colours such as yellow, red and white or choose a shady corner and a focus on shade-loving plants.