Landscaping in front of the house

Landscaping appeared in ancient times. Of course, then this direction in art did not have such a name. The decoration of the area surrounding the building began with temple complexes. The structures erected for worship of deities were treated with special honor and tried to appease the members of the pantheon, creating a unique landscape around the holy place. The temples had not only luxurious decoration inside, but picturesque views from the outside. The grounds were decorated with flower beds, flowerbeds, statues, arches, terraces, decorative ponds and neat paths connecting the secondary buildings.

From the history of landscape design

A huge contribution to the development of landscape architecture was made by the ancient Egyptians, who devoted most of their lives to the worship and glorification of deities. For the first time, the tradition appeared in Thebes to decorate not only temple complexes, but also adjoining platforms by ponds with fish and underwater flora. The inhabitants of Babylon and Assyria adorned their yards with lush vegetation. Seeds were brought from different parts of the world. One of the seven wonders of the world - the hanging gardens of Babylon, laid the foundation for this tradition. The Babylonian king, being involved in a bloody war with the Assyrians, entered into an alliance with the Medes sovereign. They defeated Assyria in a joint campaign, and to secure the agreement, a marriage was concluded between Nebuchadnezzar and the daughter of the king of Medes - Amanis. His wife yearned for the green landscapes of her native home in the dusty capital of Babylon. Then the king ordered the creation of a magnificent garden on stone pillars, equipped with a unique irrigation system. In history, a mistake crept in and the construction was connected not with the name Amanis, but with Semiramis, the Assyrian queen who lived earlier.

In India, floating gardens were built. The magnificent palaces of the Indian nobles were traditionally decorated with spacious ponds, on which rafts with bulk soil and planted flowers were lowered. In the Middle Ages, unique garden “labyrinths” appeared that adorned summer palaces for the rest of crowned persons and their families. Many magnificent examples of decorating sites around residential buildings have survived in history. Landscaping in front of the house plays a special role in decorating the plot, as this is the “face” of the property, which will be demonstrated to each guest.

What are the features of the layout

The decor of the site in front of the house will include many elements:

• Green spaces and flower beds.
• Water facilities.
• Pergolas and terraces,
• Fences and gates, gates.
• Track systems.

All these landscape components must be linked into a common composition. When planning the placement of each element, three aspects are taken into account:

• Relief.
• Climatic features.
• Soil type.

If the hills and hollows spoil the house territory, there is no need to rush and level the site using bulk soil. The features of the relief can be transformed into advantages that will help create a unique design composition. The zonal division of the territory into small sections involves the placement of separate sites that are separated from each other, but are connected by a system of decorative paths. Near the house you can equip a gazebo, so that in the summer there was where to hide from the scorching sun. Coolness complete with aesthetic pleasure will give a decorative pond. Systems of flower beds and flower beds will be pleasing to the eye and be beneficial if some of them are planted with spices. Green fences do not always fulfill only a decorative role, because you can decorate the house territory with berry bushes.

When planning, the shape of the yard and its dimensions are also taken into account. Two or three hundred parts is enough to accommodate a gazebo, green spaces, driveway and even a small front garden. To further decorate the cottage with a lawn or a spacious lawn, a little more space is already required.

Determine the style

The style of decoration of the yard should be tied primarily to the main building - the house. If different directions are selected, then they must have common ground in order to get a dynamic mix, an organic combination. Design can be simple or pretentious, luxurious and grand. More concise options are suitable for typical summer cottages, the main purpose of which is a summer outdoor recreation and caring for the garden.Chic courtyards, as a rule, adorn townhouses and cottages. A wide range of styles are combined in two groups:

The decoration is carried out in accordance with the concept of the direction that has been selected.

It all starts with a gate, gate and fence

The outdoor fence should be high and monumental. Its main function is to protect the site from unauthorized entry by uninvited guests. The beauty of the fence goes by the wayside. According to the material of execution, fences are classified into the following types:

• Stone. Durable material used for permanent fencing. The stone is universal and fits almost any style. If only the foundation part and dividing columns between the sections are made of it, then the material can be combined with brick, metal or wood.
• Wooden. It looks organically combined with Provence, country and Russian style. In order for the wooden fence to last for a long time, the material must be protected with a special impregnation that prevents moisture from entering the micropores of the wood.
• Metal. Forged elements can create an elegant, sophisticated composition, but at the same time do an excellent job with the protective function of the fence.
• Brick. Such a fence will last a long time, but it has a slightly rustic appearance. Fits modern styles.
• Concrete. The material is poured into special forms, and as a result, the same sections for the fence are obtained. Concrete is notable for its affordable cost, but at the same time it allows you to choose the original design.
• Slate.A non-porous fence made of this material is suitable as a temporary option.
  The gate and gate are selected under the fence, as these elements are part of the same composition.

Arrangement of paths and entry

The courtyard is decorated with the main entrance road leading to the house, and decorative branches along which people walk on foot. For the central “highway” of the land plot, a solid concrete, stone, brick or asphalt surface is chosen. Options look originally when gaps filled with grass are left between smooth cobblestones.

Decorative paths are made of less reliable materials that adorn the landscape. These include:

• Gravel, crushed stone, pebbles. To prevent small pebbles from spreading over the site, the path is fenced with green spaces or flower beds.
• Sand. A budget option that turns into a mess during the rains.
• Tree. The flooring looks presentable and combined with a rustic style, but will not last long.
• Ceramic tile. From pieces of tiles laid out using the mosaic technique, you can create a colorful and creative path.
• Plastic. Special modules are sold in stores, but this option looks cheap and unpresentable.
• Wood cuts. The track will last a long time, but its installation will be accompanied by large-scale earthwork, because the decks have a decent height. This is necessary so that the track can withstand heavy loads. Flat "pancakes" of cuts will quickly crack.
• Traffic jams. The original version, which will require painstaking work from the designer.
  Decorative paths can also be made of concrete or brick, but a combination of materials will create a complex landscape picture.

Lighting

The illumination of the courtyard in the summer cottage is divided into two types:

• Functional or basic.
• Decorative.

The first is necessary for comfortable movement around the courtyard at night, and the second simply emphasizes the dignity of the decor.For street lighting, it is not recommended to use fluorescent lamps that will not work at low temperatures. The wiring is laid underground to eliminate the risk of mechanical damage. The best option when choosing bulbs are halogen and LED devices. They have a long service life and low energy consumption.

If the owners are not among the "owls" and do not spend the night on the street, then you can use lamps powered by solar panels. In terms of economy, they lead among lighting fixtures. Light bulbs only work for 4-5 hours at night, as there is not enough energy for more accumulated per day.

Gardening Methods

Green spaces are divided into three types:

• The trees. Due to their decent height, they cannot be planted close to the fence, since the shadow can interfere with the neighbors.
• Shrubs. From them create original compositions, animals and geometric shapes.
• Flowers and other low plants.

Slender lines along the paths or small front gardens with fruit varieties are created from the trees. Flowers are collected in colorful flower arrangements. Different types of stands can be combined with each other.

Plant selection and planting principle

Plants must be selected taking into account the following criteria:

• Features of the soil.
• The level of groundwater occurrence and the location of the site (lowland or elevation).
• Climatic conditions.

Moisture accumulates in the lowlands after heavy rains. For this reason, such sites swamp and become unsuitable for most plants. With the hills it is much easier, since it is easier to water once more than to artificially drain the land. The viability of certain plant species also depends on the composition of the soil. Poor rocky soil will be a test for delicate flowers. Sand in arid areas does not retain moisture, so a high-quality irrigation system will be required.Chernozem is considered the most nutritious, but with heavy rains it turns into a dirty "porridge". The solution for poor soil will be the bulk layer, which is brought specifically for planting. For plants, 0.5 m of soil will be sufficient, and for shrubs and trees that have a powerful, well-developed root system, several trucks will have to be ordered.

It is also necessary to consider the compatibility of certain plants with each other. Some “egoists” can pull all the juices out of the ground and provoke their neighbors to slowly wither. Such aggressive specimens are planted at a distance.

Creating flower beds and flower beds

Flower garden is a broad concept that combines variations of planting under itself. It is classified into types:

• Free. The flower garden has no fences, and the riot of flora is restrained by systematic processing.
• Mixborders. The flower garden on one side is limited by a fence and often planted along paths. The name of the decorative element was the result of the merger of two words: mix (mixing) and border.
• Flower beds. This type of flower garden has a railing. It is given a variety of shapes: from rectangular to round.
• A border of flowers. As a rule, it is planted from low flower bushes that limit the lawn from the entrance or garden path.
  Flower beds can also be modular, mixed and multidimensional. If you choose the right types of plants, you can get the original gradation of color on the flowerbed.

Figured design of bushes

Mowing plants is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. For curly plantations, only certain types of shrubs are suitable: boxwood, cotoneaster, privet, yew and holly. They are easy to cut. Boxwood is poisonous, so pets and children should be protected from it. Privet is ideal for "lazy" gardeners, as it requires a haircut only once a year.Until the desired result is obtained, the plant is limited to a home-made wire frame. If you can’t get your hand in this business, then they acquire special patterns, inside which the bushes develop in the right direction and fit into the shape. The simplest are geometric figures, but animals or people will have to be created for years.

Trees - how to choose and which are best planted

In landscape design, trees are classified into four types:

• Conifers. They are good in that they retain green colors even in winter. Ephedra prefer shade and are distinguished by endurance.
• Deciduous. A favorite option for designers. They are divided into two subspecies: decorative foliage and flowering.
• Fruit. These include apple trees, pears, cherries, apricots, cherries, plums.
• Evergreen leafy. In winter, they do not expose the crowns, but require special care.
  Trees are planted according to four principles:
• Groups. They combine, as a rule, fruit trees.
• Tapeworms. A single thuja or pine on a plot will definitely attract attention.
• Alleys. Trees are planted on both sides of the path.
• Hedge. Although it is usually made of shrubs, the “decoration” of trees will more reliably protect the site from the prying eyes from the street.

Do not forget that neighboring trees are also selected according to the principle of compatibility, like flowers.

Water facilities

The set of water features in landscape design includes:

• Sources. This is the beginning of an artificial reservoir or natural stream.
• Fountains. Artificial structures in which jets of water are thrown under pressure.
• Streams. They have a curved, irregular shape and narrow channel.
• Waterfalls. They represent a stream, the water of which flows down obstacles (most often stones).
• Cascades. A system of several waterfalls.
• Ponds with stagnant water.

It is not necessary to artificially erect complex structures if a natural water "artery" flows along the site, its banks are decorated with stones and complicate with obstacles for the formation of cascades.Pools also belong to this type of decor, but rarely decorate courtyards in the plots, since such an arrangement is considered impractical.

Original terraces and gazebos

A separate sitting area will become a functional addition to the patio. For these purposes, gazebos and terraces are built. The first by type of design are divided into several types:

• Open. These light gazebos are made up of pillars and a roof. Used for relaxing in the summer.
• Half open. As a rule, they have decorative walls made of forged elements or wooden battens.
• Closed. In the construction of the gazebo there is glazing and walls. Used for winter holidays. The monumental buildings are even equipped with a stove.

We should also mention pergolas. These structures are similar to arbors, but instead of the roof they have a “canopy” of weaving plants (grapes, ivy) that encircle the frame. The shapes of the structures can be round, square and polygonal. The terrace is an artificially created hill, on which tables, chairs, sofas are located. They are classified into three types:

• Closed. The building consists of walls and a roof. She can stand separately from the house or adjoin to it. Rain and wind are not terrible for vacationers on such terraces.
• Half open. They have a roof, and light curtains are used instead of walls.
• Glazed. In their design there is a roof and panoramic windows. The main advantage of the terrace is the abundance of sunlight and protection from the weather.
  Another special type of structure consists only of walls, but the building is placed on the back yards. This design element is typical for the Spanish style.

Conclusion

With the help of competent landscape design, you can transform your site beyond recognition. The fine and graceful art of decoration has been studied for years. Only from the master’s hands can a real paradise come out that you don’t want to leave.It is difficult to create an ideal design on your own, since during work it is necessary to take into account a lot of rules and small nuances, and decorative elements differ from interior decorations and are difficult to move.