Moving into a new home is exciting, but a bare yard can be overwhelming. Whether you’re staring at an empty lot or planning to revamp existing landscaping, thoughtful landscape design transforms your property into a personalized outdoor haven. At Country Farms, we guide new homeowners through the landscape design process every day, combining our expertise with your vision to create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
Understanding Landscape Design
Definition of Landscape Design
Landscape design is the art and science of organizing outdoor spaces to create functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments. It combines elements of horticulture, architecture, engineering, and art to transform ordinary yards into personalized outdoor living spaces that complement your home and lifestyle.
Importance of Landscape Architecture
Thoughtful design with trees can improve energy efficiency. For example, the Arbor Day Foundation notes that properly placed shade trees can even cut home heating and air-conditioning costs.
Landscape architecture takes design a step further by incorporating specific technical knowledge of topography, drainage, and structural elements. Professional landscape architects consider how your outdoor space will evolve over time, ensuring that your landscape not only looks beautiful today but continues to thrive for years to come. A well-executed landscape design increases property value, improves energy efficiency, and creates usable outdoor living spaces that extend your home beyond its walls.
Choosing a Landscape Design Contractor
Designers & Architects
When selecting a landscape professional, understand the distinction between designers and architects. Landscape designers typically focus on plant selection and aesthetic layout, while landscape architects have formal education and licensing to address complex site challenges like drainage, grading, and structural elements. For most new homes, a landscape designer can provide comprehensive services, but homes with significant terrain challenges might benefit from an architect’s expertise.
Materials Suppliers
Quality materials are the foundation of durable landscaping. Partner with established suppliers like Country Farms who offer a wide selection of plants, mulch, soil, stone, and hardscaping materials specifically suited to our local climate. Working with a single supplier simplifies the logistics of your project and ensures consistent quality across all elements of your landscape.
Contractors & Builders
Skilled landscape contractors bring designs to life through proper installation techniques. When evaluating contractors, review their portfolio of completed projects, check references, and verify they’re licensed and insured. The best contractors coordinate seamlessly with designers and material suppliers, creating a streamlined process from concept to completion.
Evaluating Local Landscape Design Services
When researching “landscape designers near me,” look beyond pricing. Consider each company’s experience with properties similar to yours, their knowledge of local growing conditions, and their ability to provide ongoing maintenance. At Country Farms, we offer complete landscape services from initial design through installation and long-term maintenance, giving you a single point of contact throughout your landscaping journey.
Tip 1: Start with Your Vision
Developing a Concept
Before diving into plant selection or hardscape materials, define what you want from your outdoor space. Are you creating a play area for children, a serene retreat for relaxation, an entertainment zone for hosting, or a combination? Consider how your landscape will be used throughout different seasons and times of day. Your concept should reflect your lifestyle while complementing your home’s architectural style.
Inspiration Sources
Gather inspiration from diverse sources to refine your vision:
- Digital platforms – Pinterest and Houzz showcase countless landscape designs that can spark ideas
- Local neighborhoods – Walk or drive through established neighborhoods to see mature landscapes that thrive in our climate
- Garden centers – Visit Country Farms to see plants in person and speak with our design experts
- Magazines and books – Regional gardening publications feature landscapes adapted to our specific climate conditions
Save images that resonate with you and note specific elements you love. This visual reference library helps communicate your preferences to design professionals.
Tip 2: Know Your Space
Analyzing Your Backyard
A thorough site analysis identifies both opportunities and constraints. Observe your property throughout the day to track:
- Sunlight patterns – Note which areas receive full sun, partial sun, or full shade
- Drainage patterns – Watch where water flows during rainfall
- Existing features – Document trees, structures, or elements you want to preserve
- Views – Identify both desirable views you want to enhance and less attractive views you might want to screen
Take measurements and create a basic property map that includes your home’s footprint, existing trees, property boundaries, and utility locations. This becomes the foundation for your design process.
Backyard Landscape Design Ideas
Effective backyard designs typically incorporate distinct zones that flow together naturally:
- Living areas – Patios, decks, or seating areas function as outdoor rooms
- Transition spaces – Pathways, steps, and planting beds connect different areas
- Utility spaces – Storage areas, compost bins, or vegetable gardens serve practical needs
- Focal points – Water features, specimen plants, or art installations draw the eye and create visual interest
For smaller yards, multi-functional spaces and vertical elements maximize limited square footage. Larger properties benefit from creating “rooms” that reveal themselves as you move through the landscape.
Tip 3: Choose the Right Plants
Native vs. Non-native Plants
Native plants evolved in our local environment and typically require less maintenance once established. They support local wildlife and integrate naturally with the surrounding ecosystem. Non-native plants can add variety and specific design elements but may require more care and resources to thrive.
For Pennsylvania landscapes, consider these reliable performers:
- Trees: Red Maple, Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood
- Shrubs: Winterberry Holly, Virginia Sweetspire, Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Perennials: Black-eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, Butterfly Weed
At Country Farms, we offer an extensive selection of both native and adaptive non-native plants specifically chosen to thrive in our region.
Seasonal Considerations
Create a landscape that offers visual interest throughout the year:
- Spring: Flowering bulbs, ornamental trees, and early perennials
- Summer: Perennial flower beds, ornamental grasses, and lush foliage
- Fall: Trees and shrubs with colorful autumn foliage
- Winter: Evergreens, ornamental bark, berries, and structural elements
In our Zone 6b climate, plants must withstand both cold winters and hot, humid summers. Select varieties that demonstrate this adaptability for a more resilient landscape.
Tip 4: Incorporate Hardscaping
Benefits of Hardscaping
Hardscaping—the non-living elements of landscape design—provides structure, function, and all-season interest. Well-designed hardscaping:
- Creates usable outdoor living spaces
- Reduces maintenance requirements
- Solves practical problems like erosion or drainage
- Adds value to your property
- Provides visual interest even during winter months
Essential Hardscape Elements
Consider incorporating these key hardscape elements:
- Paths and walkways – Guide movement through your landscape and connect different areas
- Patios and decks – Provide stable surfaces for outdoor furniture and activities
- Retaining walls – Manage grade changes and create planting opportunities on sloped sites
- Water features – Add sensory dimensions with sound and movement
- Lighting – Extends the usability of outdoor spaces and highlights design features after dark
Material selection significantly impacts both aesthetics and long-term performance. At Country Farms, we offer a wide selection of pavers, natural stone, mulch, and decorative aggregates, along with expert advice on selecting the right materials for your specific project.
Tip 5: Plan for Maintenance
Long-term Care of Your Landscape
Even low-maintenance landscapes require some ongoing care. Develop a realistic maintenance plan based on your available time, physical abilities, and budget. Consider:
- Irrigation needs – Install efficient systems or plan for supplemental watering during establishment and drought
- Pruning requirements – Different plants have specific pruning needs and timing
- Seasonal tasks – Schedule regular maintenance like spring cleanup, fall leaf removal, and winter protection
- Long-term evolution – Plan for how plants will mature and potentially need division, replacement, or removal
New landscapes typically require more intensive care during the first two years as plants establish. After this establishment period, a well-designed landscape becomes progressively easier to maintain.
Hiring a Landscape Designer
A well-designed landscape also manages water. The EPA reports that urban trees and vegetation can absorb 15–27% of rainfall, significantly reducing storm-water runoff.
Professional landscape designers bring valuable expertise to your project. They:
- Translate your vision into a cohesive, implementable plan
- Select appropriate plants and materials for your specific site conditions
- Solve technical challenges like drainage or privacy concerns
- Create designs that mature beautifully over time
- Potentially save you money by avoiding costly mistakes
Country Farms offers professional landscape design services tailored to your needs, whether you’re seeking a comprehensive master plan or targeted solutions for specific areas of your property.
Conclusion
A thoughtfully designed landscape enhances your quality of life while adding significant value to your new home. By following these five tips—starting with a clear vision, understanding your space, selecting appropriate plants, incorporating hardscaping, and planning for maintenance—you’ll create an outdoor environment that brings joy for years to come.
At Country Farms, we’re uniquely positioned to support every aspect of your landscape project. As an all-in-one provider, we can take on your project entirely or supply your landscape architect and contractors with bulk materials and plant materials to get the job done. Our team understands the specific challenges and opportunities of landscaping in the Greensburg area and is committed to helping you create an outdoor space that perfectly complements your new home.
Visit our garden center to explore our extensive selection of plants and materials, or schedule a consultation with our landscape design team to begin transforming your outdoor space today.
