Xeriscape for shady areas

Shade falls on every property at some time, whether it is from your house or a large tree, or both.

Xeriscape roughly means landscaping with plants that require very little water. It’s not a look or a landscaping style, but a principle. Xeriscaping your yard does not mean that it has to look like you live in Las Vegas, with mostly rocks and cactus. The sunny areas in your yard can look lush, colorful and still be water wise. But what about the shady areas?

Check your soil. Unless your shady area has been thoroughly worked over many years, you will need to improve your soil. Add compost to clay or sandy soil.

Choose your plants.  Shade can be difficult.

  • Sweet Woodruff (can be invasive)
  • Coral Bells – many varieties
  • Bellflower
  • Creeping Grape Holly
  • Bugle Ajuga
Bugle Ajuga

Bugle Ajuga

Coral Bells

Coral Bells

Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff

If your shady area is underneath a deciduous tree, there is some early spring sun. Plant some early spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils and tulips.

There are many options to improve a shady location in your yard. So, add some of these elements to your shade garden, then embrace and enjoy the cool shade!

Landscaping ranks top out of and home improvements

Most people landscape their homes for their own enjoyment. You probably want your home to have attractive front yard landscaping for both yourself and visitors. The backyard is the area gets used more, and so you want to design it for both beauty and function. Another reason for landscaping your home is for seasonal color and interest.
However, some are concerned as to the relationship between the amount of money they spend on landscaping and their home’s value. What if you want to sell your home? Will you actually recoup the money you have spent on landscaping your property?
In recent years, there have been quite a few studies done on just this subject.
Money Magazine determined that landscaping offers an excellent return on investment. Actually it ranks top out of any home improvements. In addition, there was a study done by the American Society of Landscape Architects in conjunction with Money Magazine. A recovery value of 100% to 200% of landscaping costs can be gained when you sell you home.
Clemson University stated that homes with excellent landscaping will sell for 6 to 7% more than comparable homes with just good landscaping. Research by Michigan State University found something similar, but gives good landscaping even more value. They state that the perceived value of a home which is landscaped nicely is improved by 12%.
The Society of Real Estate Appraisers also feels a landscaped home adds value, 99% agreeing that it actually causes these homes to sell more quickly.
And what about trees? A study done by the U.S. Forest Service found that just trees alone can add 3 to 7% to the value of a home.
If you put all of this information together, it is easy to see that adding nice landscaping can definitely provide a positive financial impact on your home’s value.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Susan_Schlenger

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