So, you just got the keys to that new home and you and your partner are eagerly planning to move in! This is a joyous time and once the interior is sorted, you have to do something with that square plot of topsoil that is your backyard. You are lucky in one way, a new house comes with a blank-slate garden, you don’t need to remove an existing garden to create yours.

Start with a plan

Create an A3 size blueprint; about one-third of the area should be reserved for the patio, which backs up to the rear of the house. Another third should be grassed (artificial is the way to go) and the final third would comprise of paths and flower beds. Draw the plan to scale and as you add an item/feature, you can cost it.

Call a local contractor

If you are in Columbus OH, Inspired Design & Contracting are the people to contact; they can take your garden concept and turn it into reality. A good landscape design contractor offers a turnkey solution and the garden will be ready for that awesome housewarming you are planning. Give them a call today and set the wheels in motion before fall arrives.

Water features

Every garden should have a water feature, which might be:

• Fishpond
• Waterfall
• Water fountain
• Water wall

The sound of running water is soothing and you can create a nature corner where you can drink your morning coffee and enjoy the birds and bees!

The terrace

The most important aspect of your outdoor living space, your patio is a place for the family to relax; you have options, you could build a timber deck or lay stone pavers; talk to the contractor and they can show you some stunning images of previous projects. Install a retractable roof for perfect shading, you can even have weather sensors to ensure the area is always shaded. Invest in good quality garden furniture and you won’t regret it.

Artificial grass

Let’s face it, absolutely no one likes mowing the lawn, not to mention watering in the summer; you can avoid all this by installing a top-rated artificial lawn. The only thing you need to do is blow off the leaves from time to time. Check out online suppliers, where you will find a range of products that include pet-friendly options; have the lawn installed by professionals and it will give you years of trouble-free use.

LED Lighting

Forget candescent bulbs, LED offers so much in terms of color and a few ground-level lights will create the right ambience. You can get creative with your outdoor lighting to give you a warm and inviting ambience when the sun goes down.

Trees

An hour surfing the web should tell you which tree species are ideal for your climate; plant a few that will grow to be mature; consider using evergreen conifers as a barrier or even as a windbreak. You might prefer some fruit trees; take a drive to your local nursery and browse their selection of trees and shrubs.

The landscape contractor can advise you on what flora and fauna to plant and they can also maintain the garden by visiting weekly, fortnightly or even monthly. Garden maintenance is time-consuming and if you are a career person, leave this to a local company and your yard will always look neat and tidy.