Get matched with top landscapers in Lancaster, MO

While there are over 400,000 different flowering plants worldwide, there are five main types of flowers. These flower types are based on their lifecycles, giving each type a unique personality. These types are:

• Annuals, which complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season. 

• Perennials, which the tops die off in the winter but regrow in spring. 

• Biennials, which complete their entire life cycle within two years.

• Hybrids, which exhibit either annual or perennial behaviors depending on location

• Flowering shrubs, which are small to medium-sized perennial woody plants, such as shrubs or evergreens.

It’s usually best to buy plants from a local greenhouse or nursery yourself, but landscapers are also a reliable option. First, you can choose exactly what plants you want based on their appearance rather than relying on your landscaper to choose. Additionally, while it’s more time-consuming to go buy the plants yourself, you’ll often save money because landscapers charge for delivery and may upcharge the plants. You can also speak to a professional at a nursery to ensure you understand how to care for your plants and get the most long-term value.

While you can leave roots in the ground, if you don’t want the shrub to regrow again over time, it’s best not to leave any roots behind. Ensure you remove as much of the shrub as possible, including the root ball and any main roots you can see, to prevent new growth. Some gardeners opt for using a chemical treatment to prevent the stump from growing back, but this can kill beneficial microorganisms living in your soil.

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.