You may have noticed all of the signs around the Heights area proclaiming "Landscapes by The Backyard Gardener". Well, we not only have our nursery at 5117 N. Main St., but we also have been designing house exteriors for the past four years. You may have seen some of our work on the Spring Heights home Tour. We were lucky enough to have had two homes on the tour, both very different from one another.

Many people have thought about calling a landscaper but were not sure of who to call or just how to go about the whole process. Of course the very best way is a good referral. Someone who has had a good experience and is pleased with the job will make you feel more comfortable when setting the appointment.

Most landscapers will come out and give you a free estimate and show you what they plan to do. It's important at this time to make sure you let them know what it is you want them to do. It would help if you had a budget in mind, and the area you wish to start with. You might want to pull some pictures together of things you like in a garden. Don't worry if you know very little about the actual plants. That's why you called an expert.

We are so lucky in this area to have beautiful cottage type homes. Most people tell us that they want a low maintenance yard with cottage color. I think we have managed to achieve that goal with the combination of blooming evergreens for a basic structure. The addition of perennials which will stay for most of the year blooming profusely and annuals that we change out periodically. So many of our Heights residence love to garden and want to change out some of the plants themselves. We welcome working with you and giving you all the help you need for a successful garden.

The Backyard Gardener is very interested in a natural look taking into account the style and color tones of each individual home. I think we excel in the creation of informal, natural settings that look as if Nature installed them herself. We like to add a touch of mystery with winding pathways and hidden gardens. Your landscape should he a restful haven for you to come home to so that when you drive up to your home, you can say, "I am so glad this is my house!"

If you're thinking about landscaping your house call or come by the nursery and talk to us about it. We design large or small spaces and work with all budgets. Let us give you a tour of our local landscapes so you can see for yourself what The Backyard Gardener is all about.