One of today’s most popular outdoor living trends features a well-appointed and attractive “indoor-like” outdoor living space. Many homeowners desire to extend their living spaces to the outside, looking for ways to create an outdoor setting that has the warmth and comfort of the interior of the home, replete with a professionally designed and landscaped garden. Outdoor living areas open up and connect the interior of the home to an outdoor landscaped garden, deck or porch, creating a living experience that flows naturally from inside to out. How does one go about landscaping an outdoor living space?

First, know your space. Beautiful gardens don’t just happen; they, like works of art, are created. Become familiar with your property. What natural features or focal points might be the budding inspiration of your new space?

Next, know the feeling you want to achieve. Do you crave a private little nook to serve as a cozy hideaway for some moments of solitude with a book or a quiet chat with a friend? Or do you rather envision a place brimming with energy and color to accommodate lively parties and toast-of-the-town barbeques? Do you prefer formal or informal settings, strongly defined lines or more dreamlike effects? You must have some idea of your goal in order to accomplish it.

Thirdly, know what you need or who to consult to help you realize your dream space. The plethora of plants, hardscapes and accessory choices may be overwhelming, each possibility bringing a new dimension to the whole picture, sometimes “making” or “breaking” it. Trusted landscapers, as well as informational books and websites, can be invaluable resources.

Finally, be sure to advance plan the details of the outdoor kitchen, family dining and entertainment spaces in your Main Line outdoor living space. This would involve design, cost estimating, and the installation of all necessary plumbing and electrical work.

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed, and every morning revealed new miracles.” In keeping with the experience of The Secret Garden’s little Mary, many a homeowner agrees that there is nothing to compare with having a well-tended plot of land, tastefully designed to serve as an oasis from the fast pace of life, a retreat to soothe the soul and body in the simple grandeur of a natural setting.

Landscaping an outdoor living space does require some exertion to ensure you get what you want. However, when your “secret garden” emerges and “blooms and blooms” with daily miracles, you will know that it was an effort well spent.

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Main Line landscape design, installation and maintenance company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA was recently recognized with the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. As a full-service landscape company, Aardweg Landscaping has the design expertise, plant knowledge, and quality workmanship necessary to establish and maintain a reputation for superior customer service. To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website Contact form.