AustinTXEstates

Better Homes and Gardens” has a helpful guide on landscaping, available online. “The ideal landscape provides your family with recreation, privacy, and pleasure — even as those needs change over time,” they write. “A pleasing mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, paving, and outdoor furniture creates an intimate landscape that invites relaxation.” Here are some of their tips on home landscaping:

-          “The landscape should — and will — add to your home’s value and its curb appeal in all seasons, especially fortunate at selling time.” So even if the leaves are brown or the trees are bare, landscaping can add a wonderful feel to your home.

-          “A good home landscape is both beautiful and functional, with plants and features working together in harmony.” Great landscaping isn’t just a cascading creek, manicured plants or pond…it’s all those things. The best landscaping brings together all the elements you love and works with the natural features of the land.

-          “Think of designing a landscape for the bare lot surrounding your new home as an adventure in creativity…allow yourself to dream.” Landscaping is a chance to create something personal and artistic!

-          “In the event the words ‘master plan’ seem set in concrete, you may find the idea of ‘long-range plan’ less fixed though no less useful in accomplishing the small and large goals that add up to a satisfying landscape.” BHG recommends creating a master plan before beginning, but they also recommend breaking it into smaller projects, since “the process can be enjoyable if taken a little at a time.”

-          “Trends such as butterfly gardening, heirloom vegetables, old roses, and ornamental grasses can be the icing on the cake in keeping the whole process fresh, appealing, and exciting.” The landscaping you decide on is by no means fixed, or stuck the way it is!

If you’re interested in owning a landscaped home, Dave Murray has a fantastic new listing in Austin. Streams spill into ponds and wind through seven acres of this incredible Hill Country estate. It is private, peaceful, and features mature oaks and gated manicured grounds. You can imagine the views from your hot tub by the stone fireplace, with waterfall cascading into your pool. See the entire listing here.