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Landscaping elements, concepts and designs

Aaron Jones with Schendel Lawn and Landscape shared some of his ideas for landscaping with TAWGS at the May, 2014 meeting. The business started in 2002 as Creative Landscaping and then partnered with schendelSchendel Pest Control to form Schendel Lawn and Landscaping in 2010. They are located at 4707 SW 6th Avenue in Topeka.

Aaron said there are different elements in designing a landscape. There is annual color in the plants you choose. Depth and height are another element to consider just in the setting of walls, fences and trees. Different textures will add to the landscape with rocks, evergreens, water features. Lines and shapes are also something to think about in your design. Finally elements and structures will help add interest to your landscapes in such things as fire features, pergolas, bubbling rocks or landscaping lighting.
A few things to consider when you are designing the landscape is the functionality or purpose, the aesthetics or beauty of the area and the cost.

Some helpful hints for designing were shared by Aaron. The first is to take baby steps, start small. Then walk through plant nurseries and write down what you like. Sketch out your ideas on paper-paper is cheap, plants are not. Try to keep a continuity of materials and lastly, learn from your neighbors.

If you still need further inspiration, you can get more ideas from magazines, social media such as, instragram, pinterest, facebook, etc. Or you can visit botanical gardens around the country.