The bedroom community of Westlake Village is noted for its outdoor life, being located around Westlake and within just a few miles of the Malibu Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Hiking, biking, sailing, and golfing are just some of the outdoor activities that can be enjoyed here, and the locals make the most of it. One way in which residents of Westlake Village appreciate the environment they live in is evident in the beauty of the exterior designs of homes and commercial properties in the area. Landscaping Westlake Village is an endeavor that people take seriously, and the results can be seen in the variety of approaches that are undertaken to this end. Those who are lucky enough to live around the lake take great pride in their homes, and well they should. The ability to walk out one’s back door and sit on the patio furniture while gazing across the water and basking in that famous California sun is a pleasure that can only be understood by experiencing it. The many ways that these people show their appreciation for having the opportunity to live in such an inspiring atmosphere is by finding unique ways in landscaping Westlake Village. This will most often include an overall patio design scheme that takes advantage of the view of the lake. Since so much time is spent on the back patio taking in the sights, the patio cover is perhaps one of the most important features of the backyard area. There will be simple vine-covered lattice work over the patio, with some modest but tasteful furniture to relax in. Other homes will have more elaborate patio covers made of cedar or redwood, complete with stone barbecue pit installed for those outdoor gatherings that are so popular in this neck of the woods. Stone work can also be found extending throughout the backyard area. Deck floors and pathways around the backyard will often be made of natural stone or textured concrete, sometimes color-matched to highlight the theme of the patio furnishings. Creative lighting designs will also be part of the exterior design. This is perhaps one of the easiest and cost-effective ways of landscaping Westlake Village homes, yet it’s overall effect can be invaluable. Of course, floral designs are also a big part of landscaping Westlake Village homes. The wonderful year round climate of Southern California lends itself to gardening, and flowers can be found in abundance throughout the area. Carefully planned and elaborate planting schemes are a source of pride for the entire community, as evidenced in the beautiful flower and vegetable gardens that grace many homes and public green spaces. The city of Westlake Village is one of the most well-designed and rewarding places to live in the state, if not the country. A major reason for this is the thought and effort put into landscaping Westlake Village, not only by the proud homeowners who continue to redefine the look of their habitat, but by the city planners who have joined in the campaign to beautify this corner of paradise.  Read more...

Show them how much you enjoy gardening. Spend time in your garden. It is especially easy to stimulate a child’s interests when they see you having fun. Make gardening easy. Don’t expect a perfect garden. Allow your family to work at their own pace and within their attention spans and age range, especially children. Dig it! Kids love to dig. This is a great way to teach the basics while letting them play and just have fun.   Let them play an active role in planning. Take your children to the local nursery and let them pick seeds or transplants to start their garden. Take your time and let them browse and enjoy all of the beautiful plants. Grow a theme garden. This is a great way to let your children use their imagination and express their creativity. The sky is the limit. Some great ideas are gardens that coincide with the holidays, alphabet gardens, a garden themed in their favorite colors, a sensory garden where you can experience different smells, tastes, textures and sights, or a “Freedom Garden”. Give children their own “kid sized” tools. They don’t have to be expensive. You can go with an old spoon and a bucket that you have around the house or you can venture down to the garden center and purchase garden tools made for children’s hands. Give them a space to call their own. It doesn’t have to be big. This will teach them ownership and responsibility, and your children will be able to take credit for their own little space. Get crafty! Press or dry flowers to make a beautiful arrangement, make potpourri, or make a pomander ball. Children love making things and will be amazed at the crafts and gifts that they can make from the garden. Grow a vegetable garden. Your children will be amazed that they can grow their own food. Be sure to use organic pesticides. Use gardening to brush up your children’s math and science skills. Let them count the seeds they are planting, or teach them how plants are living things. Not only will you capture their attention, you will be polishing their skills as you go. Have a contest. Kids love to be rewarded. Be sure to give each child a reward; the biggest tomato, the prettiest flower, or perhaps the best tasting herbs (a little Spray-N-Grow will help!) Don’t try to do it all! Pick a few of these tips that you know are best for your family and have fun with them. After all, gardening is meant to be fun and easy. And with a little help, something the whole family can enjoy. Original Article  Read more...