Landscape Lines that Matter

Though the soil may be soggy, it's not too early to start the project of defining the landscape areas of the yard. How you go about it depends on how far along you are with your landscaping concept.

If you have a finished landscape, you can define your landscape following the existing shapes. With a power or hand edger, cut the lawn edge and clear away the grass on the bed side. If you want a permanent edge, there are several materials that will make the future maintenance of your landscape easier. Steel flatbar measuring 4 inches by 1/8 inch by 20 feet will define even the most sinuous curves and last for years. No weedeater will eat that edging! You can see it used at Greenlake Park. For straight lines, you can use modern, environment-friendly treated 2x4s or recycled plastic lumber. For stakes, rebar cut in 18 inch sections will last longer and be easier to install. You can even set brick or stone in a concrete base for a mower/path edge that accents features of your home's exterior.

If you are just starting a part or whole landscape, start with a drawing of the area. If you do it on graph paper with each square equaling a foot, you'll be able to figure out your material quantities later. Sketch some different ideas on a tissue paper overlay, then draw it on the graph paper. Next, get some sports/utility marking paint (the kind you spray upside-down). Spray the lines on the ground to see how they really look. Now you're ready to install your edges as above. You have just started the first step of your landscape art project!