Tag Archives: landscaping

04 Jan

Backyard Landscape Design Ideas

backyard paving with kitchen garden and edible landscape by landscape architect Acorn Landscapes in St loui missour

Creating a backyard landscape design that is both functional and visually pleasing can be a challenging task. However, with a little bit of planning and creativity, it is possible to transform even the most mundane backyard into a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor space.

The first step in designing a backyard landscape is to assess the space and consider how it will be used. Do you want a space for entertaining, a place for children to play, or a tranquil retreat? Once you have a clear idea of how you want to use the space, you can begin to plan out your design.

Next, consider the layout of your backyard. Think about the location of your house, the direction the yard faces, and the existing features such as trees, shrubs, and other plants. You should also take into account the sun and shade patterns in your yard, as this will help you determine the best location for certain plants and features.

Another important aspect to consider is the overall style and theme of your backyard landscape. Do you prefer a formal look, with straight lines and symmetrical designs? Or do you prefer a more natural, relaxed style? Choose elements that reflect your personal style and will be in keeping with the style of your home.

Backyard landscape design by landscape architect Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis Missouri that includes hillside meadow garden and shade garden for wildlife habitat

Backyard landscape design by landscape architect Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis Missouri that includes hillside meadow garden and shade garden for wildlife habitat

Once you have a basic plan in place, it’s time to start adding plants and other features to your backyard landscape. Consider using a combination of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs to create a diverse and interesting landscape. It’s also a good idea to incorporate water features such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls, as these can add a calming and soothing element to your backyard.

In addition to plants and water features, there are many other elements you can include in your backyard landscape design. Outdoor furniture, such as tables, chairs, and benches, can provide a comfortable and inviting place to sit and relax. Outdoor lighting can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the evening, while a fire pit or fireplace can be a great gathering place on cooler nights.

Finally, don’t forget about the practical aspects of backyard landscaping. Make sure to incorporate pathways and walkways to help you move around the yard, and consider adding a storage shed or other functional elements to keep your yard organized and tidy.

With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can design a backyard landscape that is both functional and beautiful. Whether you want a space for entertaining, a place for children to play, or a tranquil retreat, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect backyard oasis.

 

Backyard Garden Entrance Landscape by Landscape Architect Acorn Landscapes St Louis Missouri

Backyard Garden Entrance Landscape by Landscape Architect Acorn Landscapes St Louis Missouri

23 Feb

Top 10 Deer Resistant Plants for St. Louis Missouri

Hi, I’m landscape architect Mary Deweese, principal of Acorn Landscapes in St. Louis Missouri.  I design gardens and landscapes for people who live in places where deer eat EVERYTHING!  This is a list of some of my most trusted deer resistant plants.

Click on the name of the plant to open a new window with detailed information and photos from the Missouri Botanical Garden.  If you need some new Deer Resistant Plant inspiration for your yard, read on.

10.  Contorted Filbert - really cool form and winter interest.

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9. Allium – (picture above) – great perennial that likes sun and soil on the dry side.

8.  Forsythia – Native shrub that is almost indestructible.  Yellow spring blooms. It can be a little wild looking, so not the best for a star placement, better off to the side or back of your yard.

7.  Korean Boxwood – Evergreen that gives any landscape some structure and winter interest.

Caesars Brother Siberian Iris by Landscape Architect Acorn Landscapes in St Louis Missouri

6.  Siberian Iris – (Pictured Above ) Loves sunny wet areas, but can also take part shade…if you have a wet spot you want reliable deer resistant flowers, these are great.  They slowly spread and make great cut flowers.  Actually, all Iris are very deer resistant.  You can choose bearded Iris or even from several native iris species.

5.  Pennsylvania Sedge – Great Native shade groundcover.

4.  Lady Fern – Lovely texture for shade, foliage may decline if not watered during the later part of summer.

3.  Ornamental Grass – Most grasses are very deer resistant.  This is a common one seen in St. Louis.  This is great in sunny areas and they help in areas where soil erosion is an issue.

2.  Groundcover St. Johns Wort – Nice foliage texture spreading groundcover.  Comes in green or a bright chartreuse color.  Bonus yellow flowers sporadically in summer. (Shown in picture below, the groundcover in the foundation planting bed)

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1.  Blue Spruce – Lovely in full sun areas, the small ‘globe blue spruce’ variety is great for front foundation plantings. (‘Globe’ variety shown in picture above making nice foliage color contrast with the groundcover St. John’s Wort)

 

 

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