Greenest Grass Techniques: How to Win Over Your HOA

     You may recognize some of these tips from Illusens Guide to Gardening, Neohomes and Gardens, and Wonderful World of Gardening. We’ve collated the best information all in one place, handpicking tips from Neopia’s best gardening sources to create Greenest Grass Techniques, a singular, handy-dandy pocket guide to all things Neogarden for every reader, no matter how green.

     Your Neogarden not only speaks to your personal style, cleanliness, and commitment to your home, but it is a reflection of your entire neighbourhood. For this reason, your local chapter of the Neopian Homeowners Association (NHOA) is likely to have a large rulebook on what to — and what not to — do.

     While you can consider this a general guide to Neogardens, be sure to consult your individual HOA, as each land will have different preferences. The Neopia Central HOA surely wouldn’t approve of a landscape that is primarily dirt and rocks, but in Tyrannia this is a must! Plus, you’ll want to avoid costly faux pas, such as planting Darigan Seaweed in Meridell.

     Neogarden Essentials

     To begin, we will cover the essential categories to consider when decorating your garden. A prize-winning garden should have an ideal balance of items from each category without feeling overwhelming. You can start with any category and build from there — but we recommend starting with a "piece de resistance" and creating your theme around it.

     A wide variety of items can work as a focal point, but it should hit a few key details. We recommend your piece de resistance is eye-catching, elegant, and unique. It should both draw in passersby with a mere glimpse and elevate the value of your neighbourhood, which will surely win over your NHOA Board of Directors.

     Might we recommend:

     Once you’ve chosen the magnum opus of your Neogarden, you can begin to decorate. Greenery will make up the bulk of your garden, and it will encourage a variety of visitors, such as Draphly, Buzzers, and Beekadoodles.

     When choosing your plant-life, be sure to take into consideration the natural flora and fauna of your region. Native plants will not only thrive with minimal work, but they also will have the most benefit to the ecosystem. As such, we recommend doing some research on your chosen Neopian World. You may also consider a leisurely drive around your neighbourhood to take note of flowers, trees, and shrubs that are to your liking.

          Now that your yard is filled with colour and plant-life, consider adding some decorations. These should be tasteful, yet reflective of your own personal style. Additionally, consider their functionality. Perhaps you are an avid gardener and could use a Potting Bench and a few garden beds. Or maybe you plan to entertain and could use some nice furniture for guests (don’t forget an umbrella for shade!).

     Have you considered a tranquil, Shenkuu-inspired backyard retreat? Try filling your yard with the soft, soothing sounds of a bubbling pond and a peaceful Bonsai Rock Garden to create the ultimate oasis.

     You’ll also need a way for guests to tour your yard without causing damage, such as stepping on your precious flowers or your freshly mowed grass. Consider some carefully placed paving or stepping stones to direct traffic and keep your nosy neighbours in line.

     Lastly, you’ll likely want a fence for your yard. A fence can make your property look crisp and proper while also providing a natural barrier for stray Petpets who may destroy your prize-winning work! It’s hard to contain our excitement about choosing the best fence for a Neogarden, but we’ve enclosed our favorites.

     An economical starter would be the Slatted Fence. It provides ample privacy with a simple, clean design that is sure to work with your decor.

     For a fancier option, you may consider the White Picket Fence, which provides the same luxuries as the basic slatted fence but at a higher quality. Your only issue here may be finding enough in stock! On second thought, maybe we should alert the Quest Log Committee about this one…

     If you’re willing to shell out some Neocash, we recommend checking out the NC Mall, where you can find fences themed for your home’s location! They’re even purchasable in bundles — although, oddly, these don’t seem to provide any sort of bulk discount.

     Now, you may think your Neogarden is complete. But we would be remiss if we did not cover perhaps the most important part of decorating: the "don’t" list.

     Neogarden Gaffes

     Almost as important as what to do is what not to do. These items are against almost every NHOA and can incur hefty fines if placed in your front yard. You may be able to get away with having them in your backyard, out of view, but be sure to consult your rulebook for more information. In general, these novelty items simply aren’t worth that risk.

     

1. Plastic Lennies

     

2. Gnomes

     

3. Trampolines

     

4. Yard Signs

     

5. Paddling Pools

     

6. Lawn Games

     

7. Food-based Decor

     

8. Inflatables

     

9. Light Shows

     

10. References to fictional lands (i.e. Jelly World)

     Planting the Final Seed

     We at Greenest Grass Techniques are rooting for you to succeed with your Neogarden and, in effect, with your NHOA. We take pride in our budding landscapers who’ve turned their yards into Neogardens that are sure to make others green with envy. Seed See for yourself!

     "☆☆☆☆ This guide has planted some great ideas in my head!" – Rocky Times News Journal

     "☆☆☆ Thar be some room for improvement, ‘specially when it comes to pirate ships, even ‘flatables, but we’d still have our mates check it out." – Krawk Island Chronicles

     "☆☆☆☆ This user-friendly guide will make even the average Gelert a gardening pro! We expect some fierce competition in future Neohome Spotlights!" – Neopia Weekly

     "☆☆☆☆☆ We’re on Cloud 9 imagining the potential for our gardens!" – Faerieland Gazette

     "☆☆☆☆ The people of Shenkuu will be over the moon at these ideas! We can’t wait to see the art our neighbours create." – Shenkuu Bulletin