Flowers are the perfect addition to the front of any home because they provide a welcoming feeling for yourself and your guests. And with the right assortment of annuals and perennials, you can have that feeling all year long. If you don't want the hassle of keeping up with flowers, try flowering shrubs to add color and vibrancy.

To keep your flower garden under control, try limiting the types of flowers to under 10. This will keep your yard from having a chaotic or uncontrolled look, and it will also cut down on maintenance.

Water features are a great addition to any yard because they add so much personality. You get sound, movement, and the feeling of being in nature. Whether you've had a hard day at work, the kids are driving you crazy, or you're just feeling stressed, being outside and listening to the sounds of nature will help to alleviate those feelings. And with a water feature in your yard, you don't have to go far.

One great aspect of water features is that they don't require a lot of maintenance, so you can set it up and immediately start enjoying the benefits without a lot of hassle.

The size of your yard doesn’t matter because a water feature can be as large as a cascading waterfall or as small as a pond with a little water spout. Either way, you're still getting the same benefits.

Rocks are as varied as yards are, so before you jump into a decision, make sure you research the different types of rocks that are available in your area. Rocks are versatile, easy to maintain, and go well with any yard or current landscape design, no matter the size.

In addition, rocks are great at hiding problem areas like uneven ground or ugly equipment. Rocks can also double as a retaining wall. Mixing larger rocks with smaller rocks will add texture and help retain moisture for the surrounding plants.

If you have a larger yard with room for walking, consider adding a pathway. Different pathways give different vibes to your yard, whether you're considering a dirt pathway with rocks lining the sides or a grassy pathway lined with luscious plants.

You can also choose between a natural winding path with a free-flowing design or a more modern look with straighter lines using right angles. The possibilities are endless.

If bold colors and blooming flowers aren't your thing, consider using greenery alone. Luscious bushes and vines can be just as inviting as flowers. Consider creating an archway with winding vines, or try framing your sidewalk with low-lying shrubs. Add texture by using different shades of green and varying sizes of plants.

Choosing a landscape design doesn't have to be hard. Yes, you have a lot of options, and the decision will take some careful consideration, but with the right landscape artist you can have your dream yard sooner than you think. Give us a call over at Smith Irrigation & Landscaping and we'll have you enjoying your beautiful outdoor space in no time at all.