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Country Living Yards & Gardens - Country LandscapingCountry landscaping isn't much different than landscaping and gardening in suburbia. The one big difference is that you have more room for your landscaping ideas in the country. Naturally, you can landscape your suburban yard with a country flavor as long as you follow local zoning laws and CC&R's. You’re trying to achieve a certain theme with your landscaping so it does not necessarily depend on location.
Your landscaping scheme can be simple and small or complex covering acres of land as shown in the accompanying photos. Just remember to keep the theme going and have as much openness as you can. The country theme is enhanced by using country-oriented yard art such as wagon wheels, windmills, whimsical signs or even antique farm implements.
Next gather your tools, sketch or drawing and desired landscape materials and start your project. How you approach the project depends a lot on the scope of your project. If your country landscaping project covers a large area or requires a lot of earthwork, which is pretty typical in the country, I recommend using a tractor. Most folks in this area have a tractor and a few implements and I've found they really come in handy. In choosing a tractor, you have to decide whether you need a full size tractor or a garden tractor, and whether to buy or rent. I have both, and find I use my newer garden tractor a lot more. Of course if you're faced with big jobs or jobs you can't do yourself, consider contracting to a professional. No matter what, always keep local zoning regulations in mind, and get permits if required.
When contemplating how to attack any project including landscaping, I'm reminded of the old saw How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! You can accomplish small tasks all at one time, but large-scale tasks are probably best accomplished a little bit at a time over a long period, possibly even years.
Professional Landscaping - Walt Smith Landscape Contracting In deciding what to plant and where, You should always select plants and trees that are compatible with the USDA plant hardiness climate zone for your area.
Here is a list of plants that I have found that are at least partially safe from deer and rabbits:
Of course you can always use fencing, netting and organic or chemical repellants. A quick tip on fences: I've seen deer jump a 4'-6' fence from standing next to it! A lot of other critters can go through or dig under fences. Personally, I use a product called LiquidFence. It is environmentally safe and was developed by a retired chemical engineer to protect his own rural Pennsylvania garden and orchard! I've actually seen this product work! The local deer were very fond of nibbling on an expensive Norway red maple sappling I planted. After spraying with LiquidFence I watched as a herd of around six does walked up to the tree, sniffed and moved on! Organic gardening is also a natural for landscaping in a country environment. In the country you have more room and a little more access to organic components. Follow this link for more information on using organic methods for your country landscaping. Keep in mind that country landscaping is more of a theme and does not necessarily depend on property location. Remember to strive for open space or at least the look of it. Spread things out as much as you can, and don't crowd shrubs, bushes or flowerbeds. Use as much country-themed yard art such as wagon wheels or windmills as you can. Always keep the climate and weather and your local hungry critters in mind when planting. Enjoy your country landscaping experience! More Modoc Country Living...
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First, plan your country landscaping project. In planning your project, don't try to fight the terrain - make your project as easy as possible. Try to imagine what your finished project will look like in your mind's eye. Then, make a sketch of what you want your finished project to look like to include lawns, walks, plants and gardens. Also include any obstacles that you have to work around. There are also many reasonably priced computer programs available for landscape planning.
