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KL Designs Residential Landscape Planning Wow you have a large project. I would start that I would recommend that you hire a designer. Consider all the functions and activities you want to have outdoors and planned into your landscape. Beyond that, although River Birch are a native, they do require high water need. They are a stream or river habitat type tree and are known to get water from your pipes if you don't irrigate them enough. Lawn, use it where you will have a function for it. (Around a patio or entertaining are for example) Mowing is not a low maintenance project. You can transition from the manicured lawn to a meadow before you get to the shrubs. Using many shrubs in layered heights can have interest. Using a mix of variegated with evergreen and a variety of textures and shapes can be very dynamic. Also successional blooming periods along with fall color will add interest. Find a list of natives for your are suitable for your specific property that you like. In winter there are plants that have interesting structure or color when their leaves fall and may be focal points amongst the evergreens. Also consider berries or fruit that stay on through winter and possibly feed the birds. You can spread wildflower seeds that are not invasive throughout the planting areas while it grows up to add color and filler temporarily.

linamae Thanks for your comments. After some research, I have concerns about the river birch...just as you said. I am really trying to avoid the mowing! I have considered wildflower and shrubs as well but am not sure where to begin . I will have to find a designer in my area of Delaware I think. I gather this could be expensive.

KL Designs Residential Landscape Planning A designer could be a bit of a cost for this project however it would be an investment to getting a project that you like and are happy with for a long time with all the right plants and amenities. The designer should be educated in the field and have a good knowledge of your area. Check references. There are contractors who have designers on staff or are designers themselves and you could consider the fact they could do the install as well. You can check Houzz for such professionals in your area. With such a large property, you may find it better to do the project in phases. Usable hardscape areas so you can spend time outside asap, irrigation started to hook up to later as plants go in. Then phase in what you can afford. Good luck and try to enjoy the journey.

linamae Our builder works with a landscape architect through the group that designed our house. We will call for a consult. We would like to do a lot of work on our own. We love to garden and build and WANT projects outside. I hope we can afford the design help so that we have a plan. Thanks so much for your help.

KL Designs Residential Landscape Planning No problem. At least having a design, you wont rip out something later because it was not the right choice. It also gives you a way to work it in stages and the end results all work together. Good luck!