There’s never been a better time to beautify your lawn and garden. Home values across the country have plummeted because of a sour economy and massive uncertainty in the banking sectors. A recent study by Michigan State University revealed that a well-landscaped yard can add 6 to 12 percent to the base value of a home.
One of the most effective ways to improve a yard design is to add attractive structures such as garden arbors and trellises. Experts say it’s important to create an integrated design that “flows.” It all depends on the size of your yard, your tastes and your budget, but make sure you create a design that gives a sense of beauty and balance. Give yourself a couple of weeks or more just for planning. If you live near an arboretum or botanical garden be sure to visit to get ideas. Drive through neighborhoods known for their beauty. Invest in a blank journal to use for sketching ideas, pasting pictures and taking notes. It’s also a great idea to read books about garden design and do online research. If you have the money for it, consult with a landscape architect.
Garden arbors and trellises provide the highest value when they blend in well with the exterior of a home. For example, a brick home might look best with white structures made from wood or vinyl. On the other hand, a contemporary home would likely be best matched with elegant arbors or trellises made from metal, iron or copper. There’s an amazing array of designs on the market, so it shouldn’t be hard to find the perfect stylistic match.
It’s also important to pick the right plants. They will grow and climb up a garden trellises quickly. Make sure your garden structures are sturdy enough to support typical plants such as wisteria or grapes. If you’re not careful, these kinds of plants can overtake arbors and trellises with heavy vines.
The best kinds of garden arbors are ones that serve more than one purpose. For example, some designs are built with side planter boxes for easy planting and can be placed on decks or patios without having to be permanently mounted. Look for clever designs that will add personality to your yard.
An investment of a few hundreds dollars in a few garden arbors and trellises can raise the value of your home dramatically. You might be able to get by on less, but don’t skimp too much. Remember if you do it right, you’re going to increase the value of your home. Think of your garden pieces like furniture. That means spending more money on the big, eye catching pieces. Spend less on the little flourishes such as yard art or large potted plants.
