Planning & designing a landscape: For beginners

by THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo 01/22/2024

There are many factors that go into designing a landscape - for beginners, the number of options can be overwhelming. How do you choose the best plants and where to plant them? How do you arrange your yard in an aesthetically pleasing but functional way?

Luckily, there are some basics you can follow to get started in beginner landscaping. Regardless of your landscape goals, knowing the best practices will help you. Here is a quick guide to landscaping for beginners:

Plan your planting

The more you know about the plants you intend to grow in your outdoor space, the more healthy and rewarding your garden will be. Consider environmental factors of your yard like the amount of direct sun, shade, wind exposure and rainfall.

It’s also helpful to think about what you want from your landscape: do you want a place to gather with loved ones, or a personal getaway?

Regardless, choose plants that work for the space you’re in. Research specific care needs before buying and planting anything to make sure your landscape gets the right amount of sun, shade and exposure it needs to thrive.

Find a focal point

Selecting a focal point is an excellent way to get started on landscaping design. Focal points can be almost anything, but some popular options include an outdoor dining table, a fire pit or a water feature. It could also be a natural element, like a particular tree or garden bed.

If you’re not sure where to begin, try taking inspiration from other yards or outdoor spaces you enjoy. What catches your attention? What will you enjoy in your own backyard? Questions like these can help you in all aspects of your landscaping project.

Start small

It’s common for new gardeners and beginner landscaping enthusiasts to get overwhelmed. To help avoid this, start small by making simple changes to your outdoor space, like planting a starter vegetable garden or designing flower beds. Begin with the basic elements of your intended design, rather than trying to act on every one of your landscaping ideas at once.

Some small projects to start with include:

  • Adding a series of stepping stones to create a safe pathway through the garden.
  • Building a raised garden bed for favorite vegetables, herbs or flowers.
  • Choosing a handful of young plants to care for and grow into more prominent design elements.

Regardless of your landscaping goals, keeping these basics in mind can help you get started. If you ever need additional guidance, you can always consult the professionals at your local garden center or landscaping company for advice and inspiration.

About the Author
Author

THE CUOMO TEAM Kimberly Cuomo

The Cuomo Team - 25 years experience serving South Florida's Real Estate needs!

Specializing in Residential and Commercial Real Estate Services - 

 Kim Cuomo brings a 25 year wealth of experience and passion to the world of real estate, having dedicated over two decades to serving clients across the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. With a background as a paralegal, Kim's transition into real estate was not just a career change, but a discovery of her true calling. Her deep-rooted love for the industry is evident in the personalized, hands-on approach she adopts with each client, ensuring they feel valued and supported through every step of their journey.

Whether navigating the complexities of a first-time home purchase or orchestrating the sale of a luxurious $30 million estate, Kim's expertise spans the full spectrum of residential and commercial real estate. Her reach extends across Palm Beach County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, offering a comprehensive understanding of the unique markets within each area.

Kim Cuomo's dedication to excellence and her ability to forge meaningful connections with clients make her not just an agent, but a trusted advisor and friend in one of the most significant transactions of their lives. Her commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering, making her a standout professional in the South Florida real estate scene. 

The Cuomo Team has several agents, so that someone is always available to assist you with any of your real estate needs any time 7 days a week! Kim's husband, John, a retired firefighter from the Town of Palm Beach, works in the Commercial Division. Kim's son Matthew Cuomo works on the team, along with her daughter in law, Tasianna Cuomo. and Christine Cuomo Georgeou, her sister in law. 

You can contact Kim directly anytime at 561-339-3002, and she will be happy to assist you with any of your real estate needs! She looks forward to hearing from you!