Having a manicured lawn and a few plants is 
enough for most, and sometimes less can even be better. An example would be a fish pond that you installed. While you believe it’s a beautiful enhancement to your property, this feature might detract from the value of your home, as a perspective home buyer may not want to bother to maintain it and will be factoring in the costs involved to remove it while considering your home for purchase.
On the other hand, Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech authored an article on the subject of landscaping and the value of your home which was based on a survey of home and garden show attendees in seven states. In “The Effect of Landscape Plants on Perceived Home Value”, the results of this survey indicated that “a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape with color and large plants. Interestingly, the multi-state study found that very minimal landscapes (simple design with small plants) detracted from the value of a landscape.”
The point is to understand where to draw the line. What makes for sophisticated landscaping and what makes for a minimal landscape? In the above-mentioned article, a minimal landscape would probably be one that doesn’t have a variety of color and shapes, but maybe some low-lying simple plants. A more sophisticated garden or landscape would probably be best achieved by investing in a professional landscape designer. If the value is as much as the author of the study suggests, it would be money well spent. However if you are a “do it yourself” sort of person, there are several good websites that provide landscaping tips and ideas. Here are a few good sites.
http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/landscaping/index.html
http://www.countryliving.com/outdoor/
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/landscaping-projects/landscape-basics/landscape-design-for-beginners/
Keep in mind though that hiring a professional, even just for a consultation to get ideas, could save you money in the long run. They have the experience with the plants and shrubs that are right for your climate, soil and drainage, in addition to knowing how to lay out the landscape to your home’s advantage. If you need a landscaping referral let me know; I’m here to help.
Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
The Dinsmore Real Estate Team | www.dinsmoreteam.com
