How to Plan the Layout of Landscape Beds Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Shovel)

Ah, the great outdoors — where grass grows, weeds plot revenge, and homeowners stare at their bland yards wondering, “How hard could it be to make this pretty?”

If you’re a DIY homeowner in the Southeast U.S. looking to upgrade your landscaping without accidentally flooding your crawlspace, planting over the gas line, or creating a mosquito habitat the size of a kiddie pool, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s break down how to plan the layout of landscape beds — step by step — with a splash of humor, a dash of wisdom, and absolutely no judgment for that patch of lawn you’ve been "getting around to" for three years.

Step 1: Walk Your Kingdom

Before you do anything drastic (like dig), walk your yard. Morning coffee in hand. Barefoot, if you're feeling brave and the fire ants are feeling merciful.

Look at the spaces you want to transform and ask yourself:

• Where does the sun hit throughout the day?
• Are there any soggy areas that never seem to dry out?
• Do I trip over the same exposed tree root every time I mow?

When it comes to landscaping, the aesthetics and durability of your outdoor space play a pivotal role in defining the curb appeal of your property. Among the many options available to homeowners, concrete curbing stands out as an excellent choice—particularly when compared to cheaper alternatives like plastic edging or steel borders. One of the best examples of such high-quality curbing is Border Magic Concrete Curbing. This professional-grade concrete curbing solution offers a host of benefits that make it a far better investment than inexpensive plastic edging and other alternatives. In this article, we will look at why choosing Border Magic concrete curbing not only enhances the visual appeal of your property but also provides long-term value, peace of mind, and low-maintenance benefits that cheap plastic edging can’t match

1. Durability: Border Magic’s Ten-Year Warranty vs. Plastic Edging’s Short-Term Lifespan

When evaluating the value of any product or service, durability is one of the most important factors to consider. Plastic edging, although initially cheaper, often does not stand up to the test of time. Over time, plastic borders can crack, warp, or fade due to exposure to sunlight, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This degradation ultimately results in you having to replace the edging every few years, which adds up to a significant expense.

Summer is a time for growth and abundance in the garden, but the intense heat can also be a major stressor for your plants and shrubs. With the sun beating down and long stretches of hot, dry weather, ensuring that your plants stay hydrated and healthy becomes crucial. This article will walk you through the best practices for watering your shrubs and plants during the summer months, how to spot signs of dehydration, and which supplements can boost your plants’ color and vibrance in the summer heat.

Understanding the Summer Heat’s Effect on Plants

During the summer, high temperatures increase the evaporation rate of moisture from both the soil and the leaves of plants. This results in water stress for many plants, especially if the temperatures rise above 90°F for an extended period. Without proper hydration and care, plants can begin to wilt, become discolored, and show signs of stunted growth.

Shrubs and plants in containers are often more vulnerable than those planted in the ground. Containers dry out faster, which means you’ll need to pay even closer attention to their hydration needs.

The Importance of Proper Watering