iscape

Blog

Check back often for inspiration on how to turn your outdoor living vision into a reality. Dream it then iScape it!

How to Use iScape to Plan Your Fall Yard Makeover

Planning a fall yard makeover does not have to mean starting from scratch. This guide explains how to use iScape to visualize plant placement, test layout changes, improve privacy and hardscape, and create a practical plan before making permanent updates.

Tips & Tricks

October 2, 2026

How to Refresh Your Yard for Fall Without Starting From Scratch

Post Summary: Your yard does not need a complete redesign to look better for fall. Learn how strategic cleanup, seasonal planting, fresh mulch, improved lighting, lawn care, and a few thoughtful updates can refresh your landscape while preserving what already works.

Tips & Tricks

September 29, 2026

10 Different Types of Landscaping to Transform Your Yard

From modern and native landscapes to cottage, tropical, and water-wise designs, each landscaping style creates a different look and function. This guide explains 10 popular options and what to consider before choosing the right one for your yard.

Design Inspiration

September 25, 2026

How to Use Curves to Create Better Flow in Your Landscape

Curves can make a yard feel softer, more natural, and easier to move through when they are used intentionally. This guide explains how to design curved paths, planting beds, and lawn edges that improve flow, connect outdoor areas, and keep the landscape functional and easy to maintain.

Design Inspiration

September 22, 2026

Patio vs. Deck vs. Gravel Seating Area: Which Fits Your Yard Best?

A patio, deck, and gravel seating area can all create useful outdoor living space, but each works best under different conditions. This guide compares their practicality, maintenance, accessibility, site requirements, and everyday use to help you choose the right option for your yard.

Design Inspiration

September 18, 2026

How to Add More Plants Without Increasing Yard Maintenance

Want a fuller, greener yard without spending more time on upkeep? This guide explains how to add more plants strategically by choosing the right varieties, planning for mature size, layering plants, reducing difficult lawn areas, and using groundcovers to create a lush landscape that stays easier to maintain

Plant Spotlight

September 15, 2026

Landscaping in Phases: What Should You Build First?

Landscaping in phases can make a large yard project easier to manage, but only when the work is completed in the right order. This guide explains what to plan and build first so each phase supports the next and helps you avoid expensive changes later.

Design Inspiration

September 11, 2026

8 Landscape Design Mistakes That Make a Yard Harder to Use

A yard can look beautiful and still be difficult to use. This guide explains eight common landscape design mistakes and shows how better planning for movement, furniture, shade, plant size, and outdoor zones can create a more practical and comfortable space.

Design Inspiration

September 8, 2026

What Should a Complete Landscape Design Include?

A complete landscape design goes beyond choosing plants and placing a patio. It considers how the entire yard will function, including circulation, hardscape, planting, privacy, drainage, lighting, irrigation, maintenance, views, and future needs. This guide explains the key elements that should be included to create a cohesive, practical, and long-lasting outdoor space

Design Inspiration

September 7, 2026

Why Plant Height Matters More Than Flower Color in Landscaping

Plant height shapes the structure, depth, visibility, and overall balance of a landscape long before flower color comes into play. This guide explains how to use height, layering, mature plant size, and placement to create a yard that looks cohesive throughout the year.

Plant Spotlight

September 1, 2026

How to Plan Landscape Lighting Before Plants & Hardscape

Learn why landscape lighting should be planned before patios and planting are installed. This practical guide covers lighting zones, pathways, mature plant growth, hardscape coordination, power planning, and the right installation sequence.

Design Inspiration

August 28, 2026

How to Choose Plants for a Windy or Exposed Yard

Wind can dry soil, damage foliage, and make plant establishment harder. This guide explains how to choose wind-tolerant plants, create protective planting layers, manage moisture, and plan a more resilient exposed yard.

Plant Spotlight

August 25, 2026

How to Present 3 Landscape Options Without Overwhelming Clients

Presenting multiple landscape concepts should make decisions easier, not more complicated. This guide shows professionals how to structure three clear options, explain differences and tradeoffs, use iScape to visualize concepts, and guide clients toward one confident direction

Tips & Tricks

August 22, 2026

How to Connect a Deck, Patio, and Lawn Into One Cohesive Yard

A well-designed yard should make the deck, patio, and lawn feel like connected parts of one outdoor space. This guide explains how to improve transitions, circulation, materials, planting, and layout so the entire yard feels balanced and intentional.

Design Inspiration

August 21, 2026

Permeable Patio vs. Traditional Pavers: Which Is B

Permeable Patio vs. Traditional Pavers: Which Is Better for Your Yard?

Permeable and traditional pavers manage rainwater very differently. Learn how drainage, soil, maintenance, patio size, and surrounding landscaping can help you decide which paving system is right for your yard.

Design Inspiration

August 17, 2026

How to Mix Evergreen and Flowering Plants for a Mo

How to Mix Evergreen and Flowering Plants for a More Balanced Yard

Discover how to balance year-round evergreen structure with seasonal flowers for a yard that looks thoughtful in every season. Learn how to use plant height, repetition, foliage, spacing, and bloom timing to create a more cohesive landscape.

Plant Spotlight

August 12, 2026

Layered Planting 101: How to Arrange Trees, Shrubs

Layered Planting 101: How to Arrange Trees, Shrubs, and Flowers

Learn how professional landscapes use layers to create depth, structure, and year-round interest. This guide explains how to arrange trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and groundcovers while avoiding common spacing and planting mistakes.

Design Inspiration

August 7, 2026

How to Landscape Around Mature Trees Without Damaging Their Roots

Learn how to improve the space beneath mature trees without cutting roots, changing the soil level, or compacting the root zone. This guide covers safe planting, mulching, pathways, drainage, hardscape placement, and tree-friendly design planning.

Plant Spotlight

August 4, 2026

How to Plan Outdoor Furniture Before Finalizing Your Patio Size

Planning outdoor furniture before finalizing your patio size helps prevent cramped seating, blocked walkways, and wasted space. This guide explains how to measure furniture, plan dining and lounge zones, account for grills and shade, and visualize the complete layout with iScape before building.

Design Inspiration

July 31, 2026

10 Questions to Ask Before Designing a Client’s Yard

A successful landscape design starts with the right client questions. This guide covers goals, budget, site conditions, maintenance, priorities, and approvals to help professionals create stronger designs with fewer revisions.

Design Inspiration

July 30, 2026

Native Plants vs. Traditional Ornamentals: What Works Better in Your Yard?

Native plants and traditional ornamentals each offer different benefits. This guide explains how they compare in terms of maintenance, water needs, wildlife support, design flexibility, and long-term performance so homeowners can choose the right mix for their yard.

Plant Spotlight

July 28, 2026

Dog-Friendly Landscaping Ideas That Keep Your Yard Beautiful and Practical

Create a yard that works for both dogs and people. This guide covers pet-safe plants, durable surfaces, designated toilet areas, secure fencing, lawn protection, shade, drainage, and practical design ideas that keep outdoor spaces attractive and easy to maintain.

Tips & Tricks

July 17, 2026

Hardscape Design 101: Choosing Materials for Walkways, Retaining Walls, and Patios

Choosing the right hardscape material can improve the appearance, safety, and durability of your outdoor space. This guide compares concrete, pavers, brick, stone, gravel, timber, and other options for walkways, patios, and retaining walls while covering drainage, climate, maintenance, installation, and long-term cost.

Design Inspiration

July 14, 2026

Top 10 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas That Actually Increase Home Value

Explore practical front yard landscaping ideas that can make your home look more attractive, valuable, and easier to maintain. From lawn care and planting to walkways, lighting, and drainage, these upgrades can create stronger curb appeal.

Design Inspiration

July 10, 2026

How iScape Helps Homeowners Fix Yard Problems Before Spending Money

This blog explains how iScape helps homeowners identify and fix common yard problems before investing in plants, materials, or landscaping work. It covers visual planning, plant placement, budgeting, phased makeovers, hardscape decisions, and how homeowners can use iScape to reduce guesswork and make more confident yard design choices.

July 7, 2026

Start Your Project

Whether you’re a DIY Homeowner, or you’re a Landscape Professional, get started today with iScape.