Landscapers use their skills to transform outdoor spaces. They may also work on the installation of irrigation systems and clean landscaping using rakes and blowers.

Generally speaking, gardeners follow planned designs to lay grass, sow flowers, and plant vegetables. They may trim trees, hedges and bushes and weed and water their plants to keep them healthy and looking good. For more information, check out landscape gardeners ipswich.

Design

Landscape gardening involves the construction and maintenance of gardens, typically in larger outdoor areas. It also consists of the arrangement of non-plant elements like water features and outdoor structures like gazebos and pergolas, taking into account texture, color and flow.

The art of the landscape gardener lies in combining a number of traditional design concepts, such as space, line and mass; shape or form; color, light and shade; and scent, in order to create balanced, natural-looking and functional gardens. It is important that the landscape gardener understands the technical, practical and horticultural requirements of each site and is able to incorporate these into the final landscape plan.

A well-designed garden can improve the state of mind by promoting relaxation and contentment. It can help reduce stress levels and even act as a source of exercise by encouraging physical activity, such as pruning, weeding and watering the lawn. This is especially true when the landscaping is done by a professional.

Planting

It is not uncommon for landscape gardeners to have horticultural qualifications and this means that they can offer you expert advice on your plant choices. You should always ask for this as it can make a huge difference to your gardening experience.

The planting of your garden is an important part of the process as it is where you start to see the result of your work. The key to success is understanding the soil and making sure that your plants are planted correctly. This includes planting them in the right place, ensuring that they have enough space to grow and providing them with the correct amount of water.

Try to plant in drifts and swaths of like plants rather than a scattering of different species. This creates a more cohesive look and allows the plants to show off their individual characteristics. It is also a good idea to keep the mature size of each plant in mind so that you do not overcrowd them or allow them to crowd out adjacent plants.

Maintenance

Landscape gardeners keep gardens healthy by weeding, watering and fertilizing them. They may also prune or shape shrubs and trees, mulch and spray for pest control. In addition, they may build structures such as fences, trellises and pergolas, install lighting and water features, and create garden paths, driveways, steps and walls.

Both landscaping and gardening require a good understanding of horticulture. Landscapers must be able to assess a garden’s soil and climate to choose plants that will thrive there. They also must be able to design and build outdoor spaces that meet a client’s needs, including adding elements such as ponds, fountains or sculptures.

Gardeners use the same skills in maintaining a landscape, but they focus on garden-related tasks such as planting and caring for grass, flower beds, vegetables and container gardens. They may also plant and trim hedges, apply herbicide and pesticides, clean up debris, pressure wash paved surfaces and maintain the irrigation system.

Cleaning

Whether you’re cleaning up river rocks, or any other landscape rocks for that matter, it’s always best to start by removing the loose dirt. Next, you should sweep away any debris or rotten leaves that may have collected during winter’s dormancy.

Once you have a clear yard, check the plant beds and gardens for signs of disease or insect infestation. Fungus spores and bacteria, as well as pests and insect eggs, can overwinter in leaves, twigs, and dead plant material.

It’s important to delay cleanup until temperatures are consistenty above 50 degrees, as some insects hibernate in the cold or may be harmed by your efforts. You should also avoid forming large piles of plant material. It’s better to keep them separate from the garden so that overwintering insects can continue to emerge safely. When the time is right, you can compost them or dispose of them properly. It’s also a good idea to clear out any debris that has been left in plant beds, garden areas, and shrub beds.