Whether you're doing the job yourself or searching for landscape designers in your area, you may need to develop some inspiration before tackling your project. Here are 5 ways you can get inspired before you discuss your plans with a landscaping service provider.

Assess the Property

It's not unusual for a location to only be able to support certain types of plants, and landscape designers often make their choices accordingly. For example, a property that's on the shady side of a hill most of the day isn't a great place to grow plants that require loads of sun. You might elect to work with shade-happy ground cover plants like hostas, for example, to make the most of the environment.

Think About Problem Areas

Another source of inspiration is to consider how landscaping can correct or mitigate problems on the property. For example, you might want to put in a line of bushes to break the wind. If there are nosy neighbors, you may wish to put up a wall and cover it with climbing vines so you can have a privacy fence and a vertical garden all in one. Rather than seeing a problem as a problem, think of it as a chance to come up with a cool-looking solution.

Look Through a Landscaper's Portfolio

You're probably going to be talking with providers of landscaping service in your town anyhow so you might as well steal a few ideas from their work. If nothing else, it's a good way to get the "know it when you see it" feeling out of your system without being the customer who says as much.

Think About the Local Wildlife

Landscaping shouldn't just be for the benefit of your and your visitors. You can put out plants that will benefit nearby wildlife. For example, a row of short trees may attract more skittish birds that prefer cover when they come into feed. Certain flowers also can attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Picture your landscape as an ecosystem rather than a collection of plants and hardscaping features.

Consider How the Landscape Will Change

Seasonal cycles should be considered when creating a landscape. For example, apple trees look amazing in the spring, but they could be downright dreary by late summer. An Amur maple, on the other hand, will explode with red in the fall. Try to have a sequence of landscaping features that will thrive in each season.

For more information, contact a company like Estate Landscape.