Home landscaping is focus of seminar

Landscaping for a home's exterior can be as personal as decor for the interior.

"Everybody's wants and needs are different," said landscape designer Becky Nicholas. Creating landscaping for one's home is "like putting rooms in your house," she said.

Nicholas, of Wickman Gardens in Springfield, will present the seminar "Designing Your Personal Garden" at 5 p.m. Feb. 3 during the Home Builders Association Home Show at the University Plaza Trade Center.

"When you set out to landscape your property, get your plan first," Nicholas said. "Start by thinking in terms of what you want from a practical point of view, not what you may have seen in books. You may want your landscaping to serve several functions, such as providing relaxation or blocking the neighbors' view, providing color, or attracting wildlife."

Nicholas emphasizes efficient and cost-effective landscaping. "To save money and effort, start with trees and shrubs, things you don't want to move again," she said.

"These are the backbone plants. That will give you a solid footing to proceed. And remember, in walking from one room to another in your landscape, you want it all combined so that your eyes move easily from one location to another," Nicholas added.

The Wickman's seminar will cover a variety of topics, including how to start with a bare yard and choose a design that makes the best use of both plants and garden art, such as statues, birdbaths, topiary and ponds.

Nicholas also will answer questions.

Wickman, one of Springfield's oldest nurseries, offers full landscape design and installation services.