Spring is on the way and many of us begin to think about vacations and travel. This year, with so much uncertainty about the economy and home values continuing to fall, why not consider putting those vacation funds into your yard by landscaping? Doing so will not only increase the value and enjoyment of your home but, if carefully planned, create the perfect ‘staycation’ paradise.
 
A study by the American Nursery and Landscape Association found that beautiful landscaping could increase property value by seven to fourteen percent. Many experts believe that homeowners can recover as much as 100 percent of the money they invested in cultivating landscapes when they sell their homes.
 
One of the best reasons to landscape is for energy savings. Studies have shown that properly placed trees can save up to 25% on a home’s heating and cooling energy consumption. It is important to note that if you want the benefits of having trees in your landscape, spring is a good time to plant them. Trees take several years to establish and grow to the point where they can provide the energy saving mentioned.
 
Landscaping can also effectively increase the amount of living space associated with your home by creating outdoor "rooms" such as cooking or dining areas, as well as, relaxation and recreational areas. According to Rick McAbee of Roebuck Wholesale Nursery & Landscaping,Roebuck, SC "Our number one most requested landscaping feature now is to provide outdoor living areas such as sitting or cooking areas.”
 
One aspect of landscaping that is often overlooked is the idea of planting herbs and vegetables. If you like to cook, what could be better than fresh herbs or vegetables from your own yard? Many herbs, especially, can do double or even triple duty providing a pleasing aroma and aesthetic in addition to their usefulness in meal preparation.
 
Vegetables not only can be planted in the typical row garden fashion but in containers as well. “We’re seeing a surge in the number of people wanting to grow their own vegetables in container gardens. They’re easier to maintain and require less space.” according to George Hyams owner of Hyams Garden and Accent Store, Charleston, SC.
 
Of course, landscaping can be helpful in other practical ways such as dealing with drainage issues. More and more often municipalities are requiring homeowners and builders to address and contain drainage in a positive way. Rainwater can be collected from gutters and used to irrigate the trees, shrubs, herbs and flowering plants in your landscape.
 
When it comes to simply beautifying your yard nothing gives the proverbial ‘bang for the buck’ better than annuals. Color is King in the landscape and it is never more so than when you’re trying to attract or impress potential buyers.
 
Given all these great reasons to invest in your yard why wait? If you’re the do-it-yourselfer, now is the time to get started. If you need some help putting all the pieces together, call a Landscape Designer or consult your local garden center staff. Regardless of which avenue you pursue, make sure to visit your local nursery and garden centers for materials and advice. Be sure to visit the South Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association website (www.scnla.com) to find nurseries and garden centers in your area, as well as for a vast collection of articles and information to help you make the most of your landscaping dollar.