"Ever since I founded Steven Vandora and Associates to help clients create wonderful green spaces in their own backyards, I have found that a few landscaping tips go a long way in every climate and for just about every landscaping job. Here’s what I like to call Steven Vandora’s tips for landscaping success:

1) Play to all your senses. Many people assume that landscaping is mostly about the visuals, but this is not true. You can appeal to all your senses – smell, touch, sight, sound, and smell – in order to enjoy your garden even more. A velvety soft grass right next to your favorite reading spot lets you read barefoot. The delicious smell of lilies of the valley or lilacs can be wonderful. Add a bird bath or a fountain to add the sound of birdsong or running water to your garden. Don’t limit yourself to just choosing shapes and colors.

2) Think up – and across. When interior designers design a room, they don’t just consider the floor space. They balance the flooring with the ceiling so that there are no “bare” spaces. You can balance your garden as well by building up with climbing vines, trellises and other tall flowers and structures to draw the eye up. Create long horizontal lines as well with borders or flower beds. Think balance.

3) Get to know your space and your tastes. Don’t be in a rush to transform your garden overnight. This seems to be a plague currently, probably due to the craze for “instant makeovers.” Dramatic changes are fine, but make sure that you know the land before you make huge changes. Sitting in your garden you may realize that a spot is too sunny or too windy. These are important details to know if you want to correct these problems. In a similar vein, I recommend that clients visit plenty of gardens and browse books and magazines for gardens they love. These are often big clues as to the type of landscaping are most appealing. Your tastes may surprise you, too. You may think you want a dramatic zen garden only to realize that you are most drawn to English rose gardens. I’ve seen in happen when working with the Steven Vandora and Associates team.

4) Stay practical, too. Your kitchen may be gorgeous, but it is also a functional space for cooking. Adopt the same approach for your garden – create a space that you enjoy but can also use. If you love to read, create a reading spot. If you love to nap, create a space for a hammock for sunny days.

5) Stay safe. Don’t put in any tiny, rickety stones that will cause you to trip or any plants that may be poisonous or dangerous for your young children.