Landscaping is both science and art, and requires good observation and design skills. A good landscaper understands the elements of nature and construction, and blends them accordingly.Keep a journal or folder of home landscaping ideas. Include your lists of current things you like and dislike and notes about how you will use your landscaped space. Pull together ideas from looking at pictures in magazines and books and on the Internet. Drive around the neighborhood and take pictures of landscapes you like. Include notes about materials that you think you need to build a particular feature or about ways you would tweak a design or combine designs to create your own unique landscape.One of the most effective things you can do to create a good-looking yard is to use native plants. Find out which plants are indigenous to your region and grow best in your location. If you choose plants adapted to your climate, you will not have to struggle against natural inclinations to keep your landscape looking beautiful. If you do use non-native plants, use ones from a place that has a climate similar to your climate.