When you are planning your landscaping designs there are a few things you need to think about before you go to the local nursery.

If you live in a development with a home owners association you will have to find out if there are any rules governing landscaping.

You need to decide how much time you are willing to give to the upkeep of your landscaping designs.

Are you in an area that has drought restrictions? If so, you will have to decide on the right plants.

Finally, do you have children or pets? Some plants and flowers are poisonous it touched or eaten by them.

Most of these issues can be talked over with your favorite local nursery expert.

Proper planning will make your landscaping designs fun to create.

Now that you know what you can do with your landscaping designs, you can begin planning.

Here are some basic ideas you might like to use in your landscaping designs.

Do you have trees already in your yard?

You might like to consider planting some flowers or plants around the bases of the trees. This is usually done in a circle design.

If you have several trees together in the same area good landscaping designs will surround all the trees with plantings. This is done by using a free form pattern around the trees.

A good idea is to border your plantings with edging material and mulch.

Edging material comes in many forms. You may choose to use wood, plastic or cement. Each one works well in landscaping designs.

Wood can be railroad ties or low fencing. Plastic comes in many forms and can be shaped into different patterns. Cement shapes will not rot.

Mulch is an important aid in helping to keep the weeds out. Mulch can be natural wood or from recycled tires.

Rocks are another choice. They come in many shapes and sizes. They create a nice natural look to your landscaping designs.

Do you want some privacy?

Landscaping designs for privacy involve planting bushes or putting up a fence. Bushes are less expensive.

But you will have to spend time keeping the bushes trimmed. Some bushes, such as evergreens, require less time.

Are you concerned about home security?

I have several ideas for your landscaping designs to create a feeling of security.

By your windows, do not plant bushes that someone could hide behind.

Do use plants that have prickly parts, i.e. cactus or roses.

You should use lighting in your landscaping designs. Lighting shows off your landscaping and also creates a feeling of security.

With so many lighting choices, see your local lighting experts for help.

Whatever your landscaping designs are, you will find it a relaxing and healthy way to spend your time. Getting out and playing in your yard is fun.