One of the most important features of a beautiful home is its landscaping. At Annadel Builders Inc., we believe in matching a beautiful interior with a beautiful exterior. Some of our favorite homes in the Napa, Sonoma, and Marin County area feature gorgeous and sustainable landscapes. Enjoy all that nature can offer your home and avoid common mistakes by minding these six tips on the top “don’ts” when it comes to Wine Country residential landscaping.

  1. Picking the wrong plants – Just because a plant looks good on a shelf doesn’t necessarily mean that it will blend well with your landscape. Make sure to choose plants that work well together and compliment the arrangement of your yard. Keep in mind color schemes, spacing, textures, and environmental conditions when you shop. Try to have a clear idea of what kind of look you want to achieve before you’ve made any purchases. Browse landscaping books, magazines, or websites until you’ve found your ideal yard, then make a list of plants that match.
  2. Not accounting for wildlife – Another common mistake is forgetting the impact that nearby wildlife can have on your landscaping. As residents of beautiful Napa and Sonoma counties, our abundant wildlife can be both a blessing and a curse to gardening! Make sure that you’re aware of any animals or garden pests that might have a destructive effect on your landscaping and take steps to minimize their impact. Many flowering plants, for example, attract deer, so consider scattering deer-resistant plants such as marigolds, rosemary, heather, fountain grass, or mint in among your other plants.
  3. Being shortsighted – All plants look manageable when sitting in their disposable pots on a store shelf, but what will that plant look like in two years? Keep your yard from turning into a jungle by researching how your plants will spread, reproduce, and what level of maintenance they will require. How large can the plant become? How often will it need to be trimmed or pruned? How much sunlight does it need? Save yourself a headache by researching these questions in advance, or by getting an expert’s opinion!
  4. Ignoring the seasons – Instead of going to a nursery and simply picking out whatever is in bloom, make sure to plant your garden with the seasons in mind. You can organize your planting so that your garden has variety and life all year round! Try to choose plants that bloom at different times, or choose plants that will still look appealing out of season.
  5. Overlooking lighting – Remember to keep in mind what your yard will like during the day and Consider adding exterior lighting that will both compliment and highlight your landscaping features. One easy and eco-friendly option is to install solar lights that suck up the sun’s rays during the day and give off a soft glow during the night!
  6. Lacking variety – Overplanting can foster disease and leach nutrients out of the soil. Get around these problems by planting a variety of plants that don’t overtax the soil and attract the right kinds of insects. In addition to promoting the health of your plants, implementing a wide range of plants can create a visually stimulating and—with a little skill—well-balanced appearance.