A new forum thread on OldHouseWeb.com -- a how-to site offering ideas, articles and resources to old-house enthusiasts -- offers a variety of landscaping tips. From flower choices to detailed garden set-up and landscape lighting advice, the diverse thread currently contains 34 postings from 13 forum members, each offering a different landscape design vision.
A Massachusetts homeowner started the thread earlier this month, seeking landscaping suggestions: "I definitely want something on the low-maintenance side, as I basically can kill a
cactus!" he said. His inquiry includes several photographs of his home encouraging more personalized responses (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/newBB/topic-13768.shtml).
Several members described flower options, such as hydrangeas, a choice echoed by virtually all of the respondents. Other members offered complete landscape design plans, such as a central
Connecticut homeowner, who suggested filling the spacious yard with blooms for varying seasons:
- Forsythias: yellow blossoms before anything.
- Azaleas: for late spring.
- Rhododendrons: for early summer.
- Rose of Sharon or Hibiscus: for late summer.
- Chrysanthemums: for fall.
Several members posted pictures, such as one offering photographs of hydrangea varieties. Others added "inspiration" photos of various gardens throughout New England
(http://www.oldhouseweb.com/newBB/topic-13768.shtml).
The OldHouseWeb.com gardening page covers issues from backyard ponds and swimming pools to garden winterization (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/Gardening/). Although a do-it-yourself approach may save time and money, it can easily become a
costly headache if done incorrectly. Some commonly overlooked landscaping issues include:
- Sun: deciduous trees protect the house from summer sun.
- Shade: certain plants are shade-intolerant.
- Size: time and resources required for maintenance should be considered when deciding on the area's size.
- Soil: test the soil for fertile pH levels to ensure healthy plant growth.
The active forums, the variety of landscaping articles and links, and a supplier/product directory help make OldHouseWeb.com an ideal resource for finding landscaping design ideas.
OldHouseWeb.com is a complete old-house remodeling interactive Web site offering old-house enthusiasts how-to resources spanning several industries from cabinetry to architecture.
OldHouseWeb.com includes before and after renovation pictures, feature articles, a product showcase and an active forum featuring thousands of questions, solutions and successes.