Get matched with top landscapers in Reform, AL

Monkey grass makes a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover, particularly in shadier areas where other grasses don’t receive enough sunlight to grow. It’s also excellent for edging walkways, bordering flower beds, and accenting rock gardens. You can grow it as a container plant, as well, which is a perfect solution for those who love its foliage but want to contain the spread.

Xeriscaped lawns are far more varied than many gardeners initially assume. The often-pictured rocky and cacti-filled landscapes are just one option. Many wildflower-, herb-, and mulch-covered landscapes follow the same principles without straying too far from the lush and colorful landscapes we have come to know. In fact, there are numerous xeriscape ideas for customizing an energy-efficient lawn to your liking.

The best type of rock for landscaping depends on your specific project and needs, as different rocks are suited for different applications. For covering large areas or creating an affordable driveway, consider gravel, but note that it can wash away in flowing water. For water features, river rocks are a good option. Flagstone and cobblestone are ideal for aesthetically pleasing patios and walkways. If you are building a stone wall, fieldstone or small boulders are up to the task. Large boulders and landscape rocks work well as statement pieces, to fill empty space, or to indicate boundaries, but be mindful that they can overwhelm smaller gardens. The best approach is to first define your landscaping project and then select the rock type that best fits that purpose.

The best way to landscape your front yard on a budget is to invest in hiring a professional for hardscaping—things like upgrading walkways, redoing driveways, and installing partitions around garden beds. You can often do the softscaping yourself—think laying down mulch, caring for your lawn, removing weeds, and planting flowers and shrubs. It’s also almost always worthwhile to pay a professional for routine yard maintenance, as this dramatically improves curb appeal and delivers above 100% ROI in most cases.