Landscaping is defined as the act of adorning or improving (a section of ground) by contouring and by planting flowers, shrubs, or trees, or to arrange grounds artistically as a profession. It originates from the Dutch word landschap, belonging to painters who created artworks set on scenery of land. Now, it is more commonly used to describe creating a garden environment that is scenic, beautiful and matches the needs of the gardener. For beginners, this may seem like a daunting task, so here are fifteen ideas that you can use for your garden landscaping:

• Before you decide what style you wish to go with, you need to consider the following: the size of your garden, its location, what style the house takes, whether it’s sunny or shady, and what shape it takes. Then you are ready to select a theme
• Themes can range from traditional to contemporary, and this depends on the gardener’s personal preferences.
• The rustic theme involves a traditional approach to the garden. Oak trees and creepers can be used, as well as features such as fountains and statues or cobblestones.
• Oriental themes can be sued as well. This would involve feng shui (good for the garden and the mind), bonsai trees, Zen garden sections, white pebble rocks and so on.
• English style can be used, which would involved (not to sound too cliché) picket fences and small flowers and plants.
• Woodland style is very popular in South Africa, and involves plenty of woody plants and trees, as well as the more natural looking water features, like koi ponds or waterfalls.
• Aside from the obvious themes, there are also underlying ones: serenity gardens would be selected for the person who wishes for their garden to be a safe haven; a functional garden would be used for someone who entertains in that area a lot. One must decide on the function the garden should serve.
• Seasonal landscaping also occurs for people who spend more time in their gardens, that they are able to preen their gardens each season and start afresh with the new in-season plants.
• A remembrance garden can be a beautiful thing to create, where softer flora and fauna are used, as well as stones. For a bigger property, a garden of remembrance can be created.
• One can also play with various innovative ideas. For example, choosing only plants of a certain colour family, or playing with lighting to give a fairytale effect. A kooky idea would include something like an alphabet garden, where one plant from each letter is cultivated.
• A vegetable patch is perfect for someone who likes to garden as well as cook. Herbs, vegetables and even fruits can be beautifully cultivated in our country’s favourable climate.
• For someone who prefers the spicy side of life, a Mexican garden can be created, where chillies and cacti are grown predominantly. Reds and greens would be used here.
• Romantic themes can also be used, where a rock pool or Jacuzzi is used, or perhaps some more intimate lighting techniques and darker flowers and plants.
• Water itself is becoming a very prominent theme in landscaping – making use of multiple water features to create the serenity effect calms the mind that lives in busy times.
• A children’s garden is also becoming more and more popular. Jungle gyms and Wendy houses are used; a sandpit, slide or swing makes the kids happy and the parents even happier. Just remember to child-proof.