Landscaping 101: A Complete Guide

A beautiful landscape doesn’t just happen—it’s designed, planned, and cared for over time. Whether you’re looking to refresh your yard, start from scratch, or simply understand the basics, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From choosing the right plants to understanding the costs of professional landscaping, we’ve got you covered.

What Is Landscaping and Why Does It Matter?

Landscaping is more than just planting flowers or laying down grass—it’s about creating an outdoor space that is both functional and beautiful. Whether for a home or business, a well-designed landscape can boost curb appeal, provide a relaxing retreat, and make outdoor spaces more enjoyable.

The 7 Principles of Landscaping

Great landscaping follows a few key principles that create a space that is balanced and visually appealing:

• Unity – Everything should work together harmoniously.
• Balance – The design can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, but it should feel stable.
• Proportion – Plants and features should be appropriately scaled to the space.
• Transition – Gradual changes in height, color, and texture create a smooth flow.
• Rhythm & Line – Curved pathways or repeating patterns guide the eye naturally.
• Focalization – A standout element, like a water feature or tree, draws attention.
• Repetition – Using similar plants or materials throughout the design creates consistency.

Understanding how to landscape a yard makes it easier to develop a property that looks intentional and well-planned.

How to Choose the Right Plants for Landscaping

Choosing the right plants can make or break a landscape. But with so many options, where do you start?

It is important to consider:

• Climate & Sunlight – Some plants thrive in full sun, while others prefer shade.
• Soil Type – Certain plants need well-drained soil, while others do well in clay or sandy conditions.
• Maintenance Level – If you want low-maintenance landscaping, drought-resistant or native plants may be the best choice.

Many homeowners struggle with how to choose plants for landscaping, which is why working with a professional landscaper is so beneficial. A specialist understands which what are some plants commonly used in landscaping and which of those plants will thrive in a given environment as well as how to arrange them for the best visual effect.

What are some plants commonly used in landscaping?

If you’re in Spokane or the surrounding areas, choosing plants that thrive in this climate will save you time and effort while keeping your landscape looking great. Here are some favorites:

• Trees: Eastern Redbud, White Dogwood, Thundercloud Plum, and Washington Hawthorn
• Flowers: Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Blanket Flower, and Daylilies 
• Shrubs: Lilac, Ninebark, Boxwood, and Hydrangea 

A landscaper knows how to pick plants for landscaping and can recommend the best options based on the specific needs of a property, making plant selection much easier.

Planning Your Landscape: What Comes First?

A well-planned landscape comes together in a logical order:

1. Assess the space. Identify sunlight patterns, soil conditions, and drainage concerns.
2. Sketch a rough design. This helps visualize plant placement and how elements will interact.
3. Choose plants and materials. Consider a mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and hardscaping (such as walkways or mulch).
4. Prepare the soil. Healthy soil provides the foundation for strong plant growth.
5. Install hardscaping first. Patios, walkways, and rock features should go in before planting.
6. Plant strategically. Taller plants go in the back, shorter plants in the front.
7. Add mulch. This helps retain moisture and reduce weeds.

Landscape fabric is sometimes used to suppress weeds, but it must be installed correctly. A common mistake is placing it too close to plant stems. How close to put landscape fabric around plants? It is best to leave a few inches of space around the base of each plant. This prevents moisture buildup that can lead to root rot.

A professional landscaper not only selects the right plants but also prepares the soil properly and arranges everything to maximize growth. This results in a healthier, more attractive landscape that requires less maintenance over time.

Maintaining Your Landscape: Rocks, Fabric & More

A stunning landscape needs regular upkeep. Here are some key maintenance tasks:

How to clean landscape rocks without killing plants

Rocks add texture and help prevent soil erosion, but they can accumulate dirt and debris. The best way to clean landscape rocks without killing plants includes:

• Using a leaf blower or garden hose to remove dust and small debris
• Applying a mixture of water and mild dish soap for tougher stains
• Scrubbing gently with a brush, avoiding bleach or harsh chemicals that could seep into the soil and harm nearby plants

Mulch vs. Landscape Fabric: Which is Better?

Landscape fabric is useful for weed suppression but is not always the best choice. Over time, soil and debris can accumulate on top, allowing weeds to grow anyway. Mulch, on the other hand, gradually improves soil quality and retains moisture.

Landscape fabric works best under rock pathways, while mulch is the better choice for garden beds where plant health is a priority.

Why Work with Professional Landscapers?

Landscaping is an investment, and mistakes can be costly. A professional landscaper brings knowledge, experience, and the right tools to create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional.

A landscaping expert can:

• Select the right plants based on climate, soil conditions, and maintenance needs
• Create a design that looks natural and complements the surrounding space
• Handle the physical labor of planting, grading, and installing hardscaping
• Provide ongoing maintenance to keep landscapes healthy and thriving

Delk Management offers full-service landscaping for both residential and commercial properties. From design to installation and ongoing maintenance, our team takes care of everything. No more worrying about weeds, dead patches, overgrown trees, or how to pick plants for landscaping—just a beautiful, well-maintained landscape that enhances your outdoor space.

A Landscape That Lasts

Landscaping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, plant selection, and maintenance routine, any property can have a beautiful and functional outdoor space.

Professional landscaping takes the guesswork out of plant selection, design, and upkeep. Delk Management is here to help, offering expert landscaping services that make the process simple and stress-free. Contact us today to learn how we can transform your landscape into a space you’ll love.