Over the years that my husband, Leo Kingston, and I have been buying homes in Oklahoma City, we have owned many yards that needed
improvements to the landscaping. A yard that is overgrown or simply rather barren detracts from the looks and even the value of a home, and establishing the appropriate landscaping can serve as a “frame” that enhances the appearance of the home and actually improves the whole neighborhood.
Most people don’t have the time to do much regular landscaping work around their home, so they either hire a landscaper or they select hedges, trees and perennial plants that have the ability to tend to themselves somewhat. Any reputable plant nursery or landscaping site online can provide guidance to plant selection if you are replacing yours, or just getting started around a new home.
Because our company, 18002SellHomes purchases existing homes that may be in need of improvement, we have accumulated considerable experience with landscaping around a variety of home styles, and we have learned how to achieve a unique, pleasing result without spending a lot of money.
One of our favorite sources of landscaping information is the Oklahoma City Zoo. That’s right, the landscaping research done for specific animal habitats that are designed for the local weather and climate conditions is perfect for homeowners as well. All the plants selected for planting at the zoo are listed online, so we have all the information to go shopping when we need to replace plantings around homes we are remodeling.
Another little trick we’ve used in the past involves uprooting a wisteria vine or several domestic bamboo plants and transplanting them from the yard of one home to a different yard. It’s been a great way to improve the looks of two homes at the same time! So, we’re always on the lookout for landscaping materials that seem out of place in one location and may be just what’s needed in another yard a few blocks away.
Perhaps more important than what to plant is what NOT to plant. There are plants that have proven to be a nuisance no matter where they are growing, and we have learned to dig them up and eliminate them rather than try to manage them in any
home landscaping. A quick search for invasive or noxious plants will provide you with a list of local species, but that information is not as valuable as simply taking a good look at any yard and seeing what plants seems to be taking over, detracting from how the yard looks instead of enhancing its overall appearance. Those climbing vines or woody perennials need to be dug up and discarded. That is how we have improved many homes over the years, by removing old landscaping plants and giving very careful selection to their replacements, if any.