Landscaping - 5 Steps To Creating Your Plan
It might not seem like it, but summer’s coming — just like every year. The difference is this year you’ll be ready to move forward on the landscaping you have been thinking about.
The one thing you will want to avoid is adding things haphazardly with no ultimate plan on how you want to use your yard. This is a recipe for wasted time and money, and a disappointing result. A detailed landscape plan will provide a bird’s-eye view of your property and allows you to determine whether one area will mesh with another. Often, a landscape professional will be a big asset in this process and will be able to eliminate guesswork. However, even the best professionals need to know what you want, what you value in your plan and how you intend to use your yard. Below are five steps to help create a landscape design for your yard, assisting those who create the final product you want.
1.
Review the Site. Measure the area to be landscaped. Do a site analysis by creating a list of your landscape's assets and liabilities. Note the following:
? Locations of slopes
? Property boundaries
? Existing trees
? Drainage areas
? Walkways
? Driveways
? Type of soil
2.
Make a Wish List. The possibilities for your new landscape are endless. Visit as many gardens in your area as you can to create an awareness of what types of plants and materials you prefer. This will help the professional you hire. A walk around your local nursery will give a number of plant ideas and can give you a general idea of costs.
? Do you want to attract birds and butterflies?
? Create privacy?
? Entertain outdoors?
? Have low upkeep?
? Provide a safe place for your children?
? Perhaps a view of your neighbors' pond?
? Ask family members what they need or want outdoors and incorporate their ideas into your design.
? Before settling on any structures, check city and neighborhood building covenants to avoid any potential problems.
3.
Develop A Budget. Create a preliminary, flexible budget in the early stages of planning. It can modified as plans evolve, and will give you a better feel for how much your dreams will cost. At some point, you will have to determine a total sum you are willing to spend, factoring in any construction and gardening work and whether the work will be completed by a professional or your family. Depending on the scope of your plan, you may have to plan separate stages rather than one large project.
4.
Establish Specific Ideas. After identifying the broader themes of your landscape; be sure to consider specific items that can help you use your outdoor areas. Be sure to consider the following:
? Review the grading of your site.
? For proper drainage,water should flow away from your house, paths, patios, and other structures.
? Transform steep, slopes into landscaped terraces or make flat land more interesting by installing raised beds and berms. These types of grade changes will add interest and increase the perceived size of your yard.
? Think in terms of
• Private spaces (deck/patio)
• Public spaces (sidewalk/ driveway/ front entry)
• Functional areas (grilling space/ outdoor play/ pet area).
• Paths to join spaces.A main walk should be at least 4 feet (preferably 5 feet) wide; less important paths can be as narrow as 2 to 3 feet wide.
? Include your front yard in the plan:
• Entry plantings should emphasize, not obscure, the front door and should measure no more than the distance from the ground to the eaves when mature.
• Corner plantings help anchor the house in the landscape and work well when they are no more than two-thirds the height of the eaves at full size.
5.
Develop Your Plan. Try to select the ideas that fit your area. Incorporate your needs and desires. Then, sketch a plan showing all of these details, including measurements and a general budget for all materials.
Effective Landscape Design starts with careful planning. With solid information, a professional Landscape designer can enhance your ideas and create a look you will be proud of, and use, for years to come. Follow these basic steps and you’ll be ready to transform your site into the dream you’ve envisioned.
