• Landscaping ideasgarden image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Selling a home is not just about what the interior has to offer. A potential buyer looks at the whole property including the backyard and any improvements done to the landscape. A plain dirt lot gives off a feeling of neglect, sure to turn off potential buyers. A savvy realtor will encourage homeowners to invest time and money into their backyard increasing the chance of selling it for a higher amount then expected, with multiple offers possible.
  
  

Planting Suggestions

• Adding landscaping is the quickest way to create impact and style. Choose plants that are appropriate for the climate and don't require too much maintenance. If you live in a dryer climate drought tolerant plants like sage and lavender are excellent choices and require little water and upkeep. Tropical or humid climates do well with hostas, ferns and climbing flowers like wisteria that require a damper environment. For a quick change and instant color pick up six-packs of annuals and use them to edge walkways, fill terra cotta pots and add to planting beds. Decide on a theme and be consistent. A design style with native grasses is calming and stylish and can be finished with benches placed throughout the landscape and paths for an intimate experience.
  
  

Rocks and Stones

• Add rocks to the landscape for visual interest and a change in color and design. The heavy texture of rocks balances out the softness of the foliage creating a blend of contrasts. Place moss rocks in planting beds as you may see the rocks placed in nature. Avoid putting the rocks into any sort of pattern as they will take away from the natural state you are searching for. Create highs and lows and place small plants around the base of the rocks, encouraging them to grow around them. River rock for dry creek beds creates the illusion of water and requires little maintenance. Position a mix of smaller stones in the bed and then arrange a few large rocks mixed throughout to give a natural flow to the design.
  
  

A Walking Path

• A path in a garden no matter the size draws the viewer in and welcomes visitors, creating a space that offers serenity and energizes the imagination. There are a variety of substrates that can be used and the choice should be based on budget and landscape style. A garden that has a loosely designed style would be best suited for a natural looking path using decomposed granite, which gives the visitor the feeling of walking in a park. For a formal style choose terra cotta tile, brick or flat stone, placed to fit against each other in a pattern. Complete the project with lighting along the path inviting evening guests.