Gone are the days when garden landscaping used to be admired only from a distance. Since the style and form of landscapes were too stiff, restricting and formal, people were afraid to step on the lawn, touch the plants, play on the sand or pebbles, sit on the benches and move the pots and vases around.

Although the artistic work of the designer is “picture perfect,” it can be very intimidating once a part is changed. The entire landscape has a tendency to be destroyed or upset.

Here are several tips on how to start a lifestyle garden:

• Get to know yourself. Before starting anything, it’s important to undertake some self analysis. Visualize yourself in the garden and make a list of the different activities you and your family intend to do. This way, you’ll be able to come up with a garden design allowing such activities.

• Garden design. Houses nowadays are interconnected with the garden. Make sure the house and garden designs conform to each other. If this is your first experience with gardening, get advice on garden design from the leading landscapers.

• Consider the area. Plot the, design directly on the space allotted for the garden then measure accurately. This way, you’ll be able to buy the exact quantity of the needed materials like white pebbles, decorative stones and garden soil.

• Canvass materials. Based on the garden concept you want, make a list of the materials needed then canvass around for prices and availability of materials.

• Choose the plant you will like and enjoy to have around, but consider the cultural requirements of these plants. Ask yourself if you can take good care of them and if they will thrive well in your area or place.
• Although it is you who will primarily be pleased with your garden, you must also try to think that others should enjoy it with you. Ask for comments, suggestions and see if they blend in with your ideas.

• You may do some rearranging occasionally; you should maintain the original features of the landscape to continue enjoying its original design.

• Because you may have a very busy and stressful lifestyle, a therapeutic, low maintenance garden will suit your needs. This garden usually is composed of aromatic or scented flowering and foliage plants; lush anti-pollutant plants like ferns, palms and aroids, a relaxing mini-pond with man-made fountains or waterfalls; pebbled walkways and sand patches for barefoot “massage” walking in the early mornings.

• For the nature-loving individual, a group of bonsai, some bird in a cage, birdhouse or birdbath, butterfly attracting plants, vines or hanging planters, creepers along rocks or adobe walls, a small aquarium or fish pond filled with can take good care of them and if they will thrive well in your area or place.

• Cacti and some species of succulents like sanseveria, agave, yucca and euphorbia can beautify that garden of a busy individual who has very little time for gardening but would love to have beautiful and interesting plants around.

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