Dramatically transform your home's landscaping and garner instant gratification by using materials from your landscape professionals. These materials will create an aesthetically-appealing result and can be implemented in just one weekend to improve your home's overall curb appeal.

Seven strategies to dramatically transform your property are:

If you want to plant lush foliage, seedlings and vegetables, you need good loam. Loam is a combination of clay, sand and decomposed matter called humus, and creates a rich soil for planting. It preserves moisture while also providing adequate drainage and giving your plants, trees, flowers and vegetables the nutrients they need to thrive.

Have your landscape supplier bring loam to get you started on lush, thick vegetation and gorgeous gardens.

Mulch can work miracles; it is a natural material made of bark and wood, often found in black, red and brown varieties. You can use mulch anywhere to cover up bare patches, trim flower beds or use for preventing weeds by placing weed-stopper underneath. Make sure to cover the area completely with mulch to ensure that no sunlight can reach the soil and cause weeds to grow.

Gravel is also great for covering up areas around your property that might be barren or impractical. For instance, use road gravel to spruce up and level your driveway, or use pea gravel to create a user-friendly walkway towards your home. The many different aggregates of gravel include septic rock, which can help preserve, maintain and protect your home's sensitive septic system.

If you want to create something that is cohesive with the curb appeal of your home, use decorative stone. White rocks, cobbles, salt and pepper rock and decomposed granite are a few of the choices that homeowners have when looking at bringing in some stone features to use in and around their exteriors. You may also consider using boulders to contain areas of your yard or to provide a distinct and dramatic aesthetic on your property.

Pavers and spacers allow you to create linear borders and edging for any area of your yard, driveway or garden. For example, you could pave walkways, parking spaces or paths through your gardens, or use spacers to separate and segregate your flower garden from your vegetable garden. Pavers also work well with natural mulch to create unique patio spaces that are cohesive with the natural surroundings.

Some of the most beautiful flagstone comes from Arizona and Idaho; implement this beautiful stone around your home in a unique way. Hire landscapers to use flagstone on a patio or around your gazebo, or consider using flagstone pavers around your pool or water feature for a smooth surface that requires little maintenance.

Think about pairing flagstone and bark mulch for a rustic path that leads to other areas of your property; for example, to a garden or a dock.

If you really want to make a dramatic change in your landscape, have your landscaper install a cement patio. A patio provides an extension of your home's living space, providing the perfect place to entertain and relax during mild weather.

You could also have your landscaper install a cement slab under a carport or pergola to provide additional storage and convenience for when you want to shelter your belongings, car or outdoor spaces.

Want to transform and improve your property this weekend? Talk to the landscape professionals at AA & Bob Allen Inc. to determine the best approach and materials for your distinct landscaping preferences, and budget. Use these seven suggestions and strategies to inspire your own landscape design ideas and plans.