#GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN HOW TO#
#GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN FULL#

Beds, which are entirely surrounded by a lawn, gravel or paving, are where you’ll create displays of plants. In some styles of garden, including traditional gardens, they are the most important feature, while in modern, low maintenance gardens, hardscape may dominate.īut as well as their number and size being governed by the style of garden you want to create, it should also be determined by how much time you have for maintenance. We’ve said that beds and borders need to go on to your garden plan, but how do you decide on their number, size, position and shape?īorders go around the edges of the garden, along paths, or around garden buildings.

#GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN HOW TO#

(Image credit: Future) How to plan flowerbeds and borders You may also want to consider greenhouse ideas or additional garden buildings.Īdd the latter to the plan first, then mark on both the desired hardscape (like paths, paving and deck ideas) and softscape (like lawns, beds and borders). Clever pergola ideas or planting can help to create shade, but think about privacy, too. Measure the space first, then draw out a scale plan on to which you can mark the desired locations of different functional areas of the garden.īear in mind how sunny or shady these areas are and how this suits what will go on in the space. But either way, an actual plan is a sound strategy at this stage. Wondering how to plan a garden layout? You could take the traditional approach with paper and pencil, or go digital. If your garden will also serve as an outdoor living room, consider garden zoning with areas of lawn, plant-filled beds and borders, and outdoor rooms for dining and relaxing, which can be the ideal choice for the most multi-functional spaces.įinally, you'll want to consider how any hardscaping and the size and shape of your garden will impact its look. If your garden is adjacent to a kids play area, consider hardier plants that won't be easily flattened by balls sent their way. If you want to attract butterflies or repel mosquitoes, there are plants for that, too. If privacy is a concern, you'll want to choose high-growing plants or shrubs that'll fill enough to create a sight barrier when you're landscaping with evergreens. You can an whittle down your list of plants based on any functional and aesthetic goals you'd like to achieve. Add 1/2 c of water to the sample, followed by a 1/2 of household vinegar.įinally, you'll also want to consider the local wildlife (deer love to eat tulips, for example), and whether you'll be planting a perennial garden that comes back every year, an annual garden to add some color during the summer season, or a mix of both.Add a 1/2 C of water, followed by a 1/2 C of baking soda.Collect a soil sample from your garden area(s).You can test your soil for basic acidity and alkalinity at home with a simple test, using thigs you have on hand. Most plants prefer a slightly acidic soil, with a pH level of about 6-7, though some prefer a more neutral or alkaline soil. Understanding your soil type will also help you determine the types of plants that'll work best for your yard, or how to properly nourish your soil to support the plants you wish to grow. Check a hardiness zone map to determine where you live. The hardiness zone dictates the type of plants that are best suited and ill-suited to the area. encompasses nine hardiness zones, each based on the local climate. It's also important to understand the hardiness zone where you live.

#GARDEN LANDSCAPE DESIGN FULL#

This will help you decipher whether to plant shade, part-shade, or full sun plants in various areas of your yard. Look at the areas you're considering for your garden, and jot down whether or not they are in the sun every three hours, or at 9 am, Noon, 3 pm, and 6 pm. To start, observe your yard over the course of a day. Start with the plants that'll work best for your yardīefore you design your garden, it's a good idea to take an assessment of your yard and your location to determine which plants will thrive there. There are a whole host of different looks to suit various styles, but also which your surroundings and region might prompt you to prefer. Should it be modern or traditional? Will you take inspiration from formal, Japanese garden ideas or more relaxed cottage gardens? Or are you looking to create a more formal garden design? Your desired garden style ought to also be foremost in your mind at this stage. At this initial stage, write a list of all the garden’s desired functions, which will help ready you to allocate space to different activities within your layout.

Garden landscape design