The Outback Blog

A nice little low-maintenance backyard pond sounds lovely.

So you head out back with a shovel and a garden hose and wonder out loud where you can get a few pretty fish to toss in.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Building a backyard pond is a bit more complicated than that.


Does landscaping increase your home value? It absolutely does. 

But some improvements are worth more to home buyers than others. 

Add a deck or patio? People love that. 

Tear up the lawn and install a skateboard park? Only your 14-year-old loves that. 

You want to be smart with your landscaping so you get a good return on investment (ROI.)


Landscape planning? No problem. It’s well underway, right? You’ve been pondering this for years.

Let’s see, your dream landscaping includes a multi-level patio; fully equipped outdoor kitchen with pergola; a stunning grove of river birch; luxury lighting; an expansive fire pit; a babbling brook with a splashy waterfall; and a mini golf course. The heliport might have to wait till Phase 2.



Right plant, right place. 

Sounds easy enough. 

Choose plants that are well suited and happy where you plop them, and they’ll flourish, with healthy root systems and just the right amount of light and water. 

Miss the mark, and you’re setting your green friends up for overcrowding, disease, insect damage or just plain dying of thirst. 

Need some tips on proper plant placement and selection?

Here you go: