Tips for beginners
Starting out on a landscaping job may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry – the Bulger Brothers got you. Take it one step at a time and follow some of these tips if you are just getting your feet wet in landscape design.
Plan
Landscaping is a marathon not a sprint. Take your time and have a plan. What is your vision for your yard? Do you picture a peaceful place to relax with a nice garden or are the neighbours kids and their dog coming over weekly to reek havoc on the lawn? We recommend getting a whiteboard or paper and drawing out your idea. Come back to it in a few days and you might be surprised at the changes you want to make. You can also contact us and we will bring your design to life in 3D!
Set Aside the Time
As we stated above, landscaping is a marathon, not a sprint. That being said, we all know Winnipeg weather is unpredictable so you want to plan your project around the seasons and get it done in that time frame. It can be helpful to dedicate a certain amount of hours to your project on your time off and stick with it. Quality landscaping is not a job that can be completed in a day.
Budget
Landscaping is not necessarily a tremendously expensive job, but you do want to budget accordingly. Besides the price you are paying for products up front keep in mind there is a good chance unexpected costs will come along the way no matter how careful you are. Add an extra 25% to your budget to be safe. When your project is completed you’ll have extra money for a new patio set.
Clear the Space
Out with the old to make room for the new! Time to get rid of anything you don’t want to be a part of your new design. Call the professionals for the larger objects like trees, but don’t be afraid to get started killing weeds and ripping out other plants you no longer want. Do one thing for your project daily and you’ll be done in no time.
Hardscaping and Softscaping Balance
An easy tip to remember is that softscaping is anything living (plants, shrubs, trees) and hardscaping is nonliving (rocks, driveway, fencing). Always start with hardscaping before you start to plant anything but you want to achieve a well rounded balance between the two. Again we have to keep in mind the Manitoba elements so planning is crucial when scheduling planting. And remember to leave enough space between your plants so they aren’t growing into each other.
Add the Scenery
Once you’re happy with your work you can start buying that new patio set we talked about earlier. Fire pits, lighting, statues: the possibilities are endless. Then finally, sit down and enjoy your new landscape!
