To create and foster a social network of homeowners and landscape professionals who share their yards with those searching for inspiration for their own yard projects. These yards and pictures should be categorized and easily searchable so that visitors looking for landscaping ideas, garden ideas, or DIY help in their front yard or backyard can quickly find the exact inspiration they are seeking.

To further highlight the yards shared by the community, YardShare will publish Yard Ideas articles on landscaping, gardening and landscape design topics using member's yards and pictures as examples.

After a homeowner receives inspiration on YardShare for their own yard, we hope that the homeowner will "pay it forward" and share their landscaping or garden project on YardShare so that they may provide inspiration to another homeowner looking for landscaping and garden ideas. Through this evolution of the sharing process, YardShare will continue to grow and evolve as a social network dedicated to those passionate about their outdoor spaces.

I invite you to help us Knock Down Fences by joining YardShare and spreading the word about our Mission.

- Bryan Powell, Founder and CYS (Chief Yard Sharer)

Continued here:
YardShare - Landscaping Ideas > Pictures > Front Yard > Garden ...

Are you convinced your yard needs a makeover? Would a few simple landscaping ideas be enough to point you in the right direction? Sometimes, that's all the DIYer needs: specific, easy-to-implement recommendations to inspire action.

From designing front, back and side yards to how to start a garden, consult my simple landscaping ideas to learn ways to improve your yard. Each article presented below is just a starting point; follow the links within the articles to access more detailed information on each topic. If you'd like to skip right to the pictures, scroll down to section 5.

These 10 simple landscaping ideas will show homeowners how to improve the most visible section of their properties: their front yards. You'll find information on the following topics in this article:

We don't all use our backyards in the same ways. The following examples aren't mutually exclusive, but they do give some idea of how many purposes the backyard can serve:

In this article I present a variety of simple landscaping ideas for backyard makeovers. Regardless of your tastes, every homeowner will find useful information in this resource.

Most people have a pretty good idea of what they want their front yard and backyard to look like. But what about side yards? These Rodney Dangerfields of the landscape are often neglected, because homeowners simply don't know what to do with them. The simple landscaping ideas laid out in this article cut to the heart of the issue, presenting the basic choices available to you for side-yard designs.

Any portion of the yard can be home to a garden. Flower gardens are still more common in front yards than vegetable gardens, but the latter are gaining in popularity even in this, the most visible area of the yard.

Regardless of the type of garden you desire or its location, beginners will need some help learning how to open up a plot of land and establish a garden there. Consult this piece for information on everything from a simple way to remove sod to making astute plant selections for your new garden.

More here:
Simple Landscaping Ideas - Simple Ways to Landscape Your Yard

ATTENTION: Have You Always Wanted to Redesign Your Home's Landscape But Don't Know Where to Start? Then This Is The Most Important Letter You'll Ever Read...

Re: Landscaping the easy way... Dear Home Owner,

I f you are reading this letter then it is likely that you want to design your dream home landscape.

And if you're a proud homeowner, you're most likely aware of the cost and effort required to design a landscape. And just as likely, you've probably come up against the same old brick wall...

Do you know that most landscaping designers overcharge you for their services?

Have you under-estimated the time and cost required to complete your dream landscape?

Having trouble coming up with ideas for your landscape design?

Do you want a new landscape but don't know where to start?

If you've answered yes to any of the above, I understand your pain. I was once in your shoes...

Here's the BIG problem: Most landscaping designers are downright rip-offs.

Go here to see the original:
ø 7250 Landscaping Ideas & Landscape Designs - Backyard ...

The landscaping ideas on this page are free for you to look at and get examples from. These are the actual designs for front yards and backyards that have been created for our own clients. Do not publicly reprint.

Some of these designs include complete layout renderings, guidelines, and extended instructions for planting schemes, patios, courtyards, xeriscaping, entryways, and more.

These designs were created for specific shape yards and lots and may not go perfectly with your exact property. However, that's not necessarily important or should it keep you from incorporation any of the specifics of these designs into your own plans. Simply mix and match different characteristics, shapes, planting schemes, and materials from different designs into something that will work for your own yard.

This plan has a really unique shape and demonstrates continuity of a lawn area that has a natural stone path running through it. The mediterranean style of the home as well as the plants give this front yard landscape design its atmosphere and style.

A really cool backyard landscape design with play area, sand box, tricycle trail, outdoor kitchen, dog run area and more. A very universal plan whether you have children or not.

The largest residential yard we've done so far. A very clean design with a lot of ideas for landscaping different areas of the yard. This design includes a segment specifically for backyard, front yard, and swimming pool.

We used native locally grown limestone rocks to create a dry stack wall for this multi level design. This is a very natural looking free flowing backyard landscape that will go well with almost any Southwest style home.

A very large front yard design at the end of a culdesac street. A lot of good design ideas and tips for shape, plants, and planting.

This design uses a lot of different elements to give it its unique design, atmosphere, and appeal. There's also fake dry river bed to help drainage on the curb corner. Very unique design idea.

This is an example of a southwest, Santa Fe style front yard landscape. We used a lot of free curves in this design which gave the illusion of even more space.

See the article here:
Yard Plans Gallery | 17 Free Designs - DIY Landscaping Ideas

Follow our simple steps to learn how to landscape, then transform your outdoor living spaces. By Kelly Roberson

You don't need a degree in horticulture or even a green thumb to learn how to landscape your yard. What you do need is patience and a little bit of inspiration. Nationally known garden designer and author Jon Carloftis breaks it down for gardeners of every skill level.

Interested in adding a water garden to your yard? Find plants, plans, and inspiration.

BHG: Evaluating a yard -- whether it has some landscape elements or none at all -- can seem overwhelming, particularly for the beginning gardener. How do you even begin to learn how to landscape your own spaces?

Carloftis: If you are just starting out and are not feeling secure with how to landscape, drive around different neighborhoods. See what houses and yards appeal to you and take photos if you can. That really is the best way to start.

BHG: There are so many styles of landscaping -- contemporary, traditional, cottage, to name a few. If you're learning how to landscape and want to pick your style, are there any common elements?

Carloftis: Yes. If you step back and look at the yards that appeal to you, they likely have a good mix of all the various plant types: evergreen and deciduous trees, perennials, annuals, vines, and shrubs with four-season interest. You don't want your house to look bare in the winter, but you'll also notice that the old rules on how to landscape -- only green out front and no flowers -- are out. Nowadays you can do whatever you want.

BHG: That might be what is overwhelming: You can do whatever you want. How should gardeners break down their outside spaces when they are figuring out how to landscape?

Carloftis: There are a couple of things to remember when starting to landscape. First, you need to create a focal point; everything else will work around it. Trees are a good place to start. Go to a nursery and look at specimen trees. You can create a focal point with shrubbery, too. At the same time, consider your neighbors and focus your efforts on your front yard. You don't want to be the one house that brings down the look of the neighborhood.

BHG: After a homeowner has created a focal point, what comes next on the landscape list?

More:
How to Landscape Your Yard - Better Homes and Gardens

Landscape Design Landscaping Ideas How to Landscape Garden Landscape Design Backyard Features Patios Swimming Pool Design Outdoor BBQs Outdoor Fireplace Fire Pit Designs Backyard Structures Decks Pergolas & Patio Covers Retaining Walls Fencing & Gates Hardscapes & Lighting Concrete Flagstone Pavers Landscape Lighting Plants & Lawns Plants for Landscaping Sprinklers & Drip Irrigation Lawns

Get inspired with photos, seasonal tips and expert solutions for your landscape

Backyard Dimensions Infographic

Having trouble remembering how tall to make a seat wall? Not sure about the dimensions of a fire pit? Use this handy infographic to quickly look up the measurements of the most popular backyard amenities.

Backyard Landscape Dimensions (PDF)

Backyards have become a true extension of the home. When properly landscaped, a backyard will provide additional outdoor living space where you can spend time with family and friends. Backyards have become areas for recreation as well as relaxation. And many amenities that used to be just for the indoors, such as fireplaces and fully equipped kitchens, are finding their way into backyard decorating ideas.

With good planning, design and construction, your backyard living space can become a multipurpose area for relaxing, entertaining and playing. In addition, custom backyard landscaping can add to the monetary value of your home. When tackling a backyard landscaping project, it's always best to start with a plan in mind, so spend some time gathering landscaping ideas and looking at photos before jumping into your own backyard overhaul.

Get these tipsIn this section, you'll find tips from landscaping professionals on:

Do you rarely spend time in your backyard? Is your backyard lacking space for entertaining or recreation? A good backyard landscape design will create a series of outdoor rooms that serve different purposes, whether you want to entertain, play, or simply relax and enjoy Mother Nature.

Read more from the original source:
Backyard Ideas | Landscape Design Ideas - Landscaping Network

Fill It with Flowers

Planting colorful bloomers is a surefire way to make your yard feel more welcoming. Use bold, bright hues to create a big impact even if you don't have a lot of space.

Test Garden Tip: Check your municipality's rules for planting on the parking strip (that patch of ground between the street and the sidewalk). Some communities may have restrictions on how tall plants can be or how far away you should plant from a fire hydrant.

Another great way to give your yard a more welcoming feel is to add a patio. Just like the front porches of days gone by, you can sit back and wave to neighbors while enjoying a cold glass of lemonade on a summer evening.

Test Garden Tip: Decorate your front yard patio with a skirt of flowers or a small hedge to help it seem more intimate and enclosed -- without making an unfriendly barrier.

Transform your front walk into a stylish statement by edging it in easy-care plants such as variegated hosta and boxwood. Conjure even more magic by putting a gentle curve in the path; it will offer your walkway with a soft, gentle look.

Test Garden Tip: Choose an interesting material to make the trip to your front door even more memorable. Bricks, flagstone, and pavers all lend more charm than traditional cement.

Grassy slopes can be hard to maintain, so turn your front-yard hillside into a beautiful display and keep it easy to care for by covering the slope with your favorite plants. The plantings rising up to the house make a home appear grander.

Test Garden Tip: Mix groundcovers, grasses, evergreens, annuals, and perennials to create a planting that looks good all year.

Answer the call of the wild in your yard simply by following nature's lead. Select plants and other landscape materials native to your region. The birds and butterflies your front yard attracts will enchant you and your guests.

Excerpt from:
Front Yard Landscapes - Better Homes and Gardens

You will learn how to develop a logical landscape plan for your yard.

When landscaping your backyard, your options are nearly unlimited. You can dedicate some of the yard to a productive patch of edibles,...

A welcoming front yard landscape is one of the most important factors in creating your home's unique personality. This is especially important...

Landscaping your front yard can be a bit intimidating. What will the neighbors think? Will if fit with your house? How difficult...

Plan carefully to make the most of your landscape dollars. Sketch out your yard and include the contours of your home along...

Preparing to landscape your backyard takes time and thought. You have fit what you want and what you need into your plan....

A successfully landscaped yard is an extension of your indoor living space that incorporates artistic elements with principles of design such as...

Natural or artificial stone gives your yard a natural and fresh look. Also known as landscaping stones, the stones are typically sold...

Whether your re-doing your existing landscape or starting with a clean slate, making sure your landscape project ends up being everything you...

You can make some extra cash by pushing around a lawn mower just as you did when you were a teenager and...

Read the original:
How to Landscape Your Yard | eHow

Free Landscaping Ideas

In need of landscaping ideas? Are you looking to add to the beauty of your home, increase the value of your estate, or update your overgrown landscape? If you've had enough of looking outside your window day after day and seeing the same boring, tired yard, a new landscape design is the answer you've been looking for. We are your guide for turning your bland, ordinary property into a luscious landscaping dream, with all the style and features you've always admired on other properties. Our easy-to-use website, Great Landscaping Ideas, provides you with all of the yard and garden designs, inspirational photographs, and helpful, professional landscaping advice you're looking for, whether you're just starting out with your very first project or you have been a vigorous landscaping enthusiast for many years. No matter the size and scope of your next project, you'll find a comprehensive approach in developing great landscapes in the many helpful articles listed on our website.

Prepare to get your hands dirty, because we have great landscaping ideas for every section of your home. From the simplest front yard landscaping ideas meant to showcase your home to complex pool or garden landscaping, to themed landscapes like dessert or Oriental, we can help you tackle the problems you may be facing, or simply give you the inspirational push that you need. Our wide selection of free landscaping ideas has something for everyone, making it easier than ever to improve and invest in your home, no matter how much money, time, and experience you have available to put into the job. We know you'll find our free landscaping articles and resources very helpful for your next project.

View post:
Landscaping Ideas | Landscaping Tips | Landscape Design

Saturday November 2, 2013

Yeah, I know: you've just barely taken down the Halloween decorations (you procrastinators out there are just starting to think about doing so), and here I am talking about Christmas trees, right? However -- and much to the disapproval of any self-respecting procrastinator -- some things in life require thinking ahead (they just do).

Cutting Christmas trees in national forests is one of those things. The experience can be wonderful for the whole family. But don't wait for the Christmas spirit to hit you to begin thinking about the blue spruce tree that will find a home in your living room: start planning for it now. Steve Nix discusses cutting Christmas trees in national forests in this blog post.

Don't have the space for a big tree? Some folks buy those little Alberta spruces that the supermarkets sell. Decorate them for Christmas as you would a larger tree (but on a smaller scale). You can plant them outdoors after the holiday, but if you live in a cold climate, this also entails some planning. Since the ground may be too frozen in late December for digging, dig your hole now to have it all ready for the post-Christmas planting. Water your Alberta spruce after installation.

Photo 2006 David Beaulieu, Landscaping Guide (licensed to About, Inc.)

Thursday October 31, 2013

A battery-powered lawn mower that packs a punch and doesn't need constant recharging -- that's what we've all been hoping to find someday, right? Well, I won't say that Remington's cordless electric mower satisfies me completely on these points; but it does offer hope that the "lawn mower of the future" is not just a distant dream....

And for good measure, this cordless electric mower allows you to switch over to corded mode, in case you can't quite finish mowing a large lawn on battery power; instead of waiting for a recharge, you can just plug in and finish on the spot.

But once you experience the freedom of going cordless, you won't want to switch back to corded under any but the most dire of circumstances. And if you have a small or medium-sized lawn, the battery charge should hold just fine. In fact, in my test, this cordless electric mower held its charge for longer even than advertised.

The one issue with this mower is that, once the battery dies its final death with you, it may be difficult to replace it.

Read more:
About.com Landscaping - Landscaping Ideas - Landscape Pictures ...