Angie's List

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― It's the time of year to get out and work in the yard. But should you tackle the landscaping or hire someone else to reshape your lawn and pick out the plants? In this week's Angie's List report, Jim Donovan has some advice on how to get the yard of your dreams.

According to a recent Angie's List poll, landscaping is going to be the one of the most common projects that people are tackling this year. "Landscaping, if it's well done, can add anywhere from 7% to 14% to the value of your home," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. She added, "Keep in mind, adding shade trees in the right spots around your house can cut your air conditioning bill by as much as 25%."

Angie says the most common complaint about landscaping is that the plants or trees died despite good care by the homeowner. So whether you're hiring a landscaper or buying directly from a nursery, be sure to know their replacement policy.

When it comes to landscaping, you need to be really honest in assessing your skill level. Just because you like working in the yard on an occasional Saturday doesn't mean you'll want to put an entire flower bed into place. A couple of benefits that people don't always realize when hiring a landscaper is one, they can many times, get the plants at wholesale price versus retail which can save you a few dollars. Secondly, there is a guarantee on the plants. If you buy them at a greenhouse and install them yourself, there may not be a guarantee.


A few gardening tips:
- Spring has finally arrived and it's time to get out in the garden/yard! Your first step: pick out some plants.
- Improved garden products and easy-to-grow plant varieties have made starting out really easy.
- Annuals die at the end of the growing season and must be replaced the next year. Perennials die at the end of the season too, but re-emerge year after year.
- Planting seeds is more cost-effective than starting with plants, but not all varieties are hardy enough to survive.
- Hold off planting new perennials, warm-season annuals and anything that does not tolerated frost until the danger of frost is past.
- Before you go shopping for plants, consider what kinds of plants you would like to plant. Are you looking for flowers, vegetables, herbs or greenery?
- Be realistic about your budget. You may not be able to afford it all this month or even this season.
- Before picking out plants, decide where you want to plant them. Is the area sunny or shaded, or both?
- If you're not a big avid gardener, keep in simple with some pretty flowers. Talk to your lawn and garden company about what will grow best.
- Read plant labels. They tell you everything from how far apart to plant, water needs, and whether it's an annual or perennial.
- Many culinary herbs are easy to grow from seed or from plants. Many can be grown on your back deck or a window box.
- Prepare and test your soil.
- Mulch will keep the soil moist and cut down on weeding.

Choosing a nursery/greenhouse:
- A well run plant nursery should be clean and tidy with orderly, well-stocked displays.
- How well are the plants categorized? Plants should be categorized into plants for sun and plants for shade and separated annuals, perennials, etc.
- Plants should be well watered and cared for, pest and disease-free.
- Signs should be easy to read and clearly identify each plant. Prices should be marked.
- There should be an adequate number of sales people to consult with customers and the sales people should be well-informed about the plants they are selling.

Garden Trends:
- Concerned and heightened awareness for the environment
- Low maintenance landscapes for busy homeowners
- Using colorful foliage plants to spruce up monochromatic plantings
- Plants that attract and feed wildlife

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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