All great gardens and well-designed landscapes start with a plan.

Step 1: Figure out what you want to do and why.

Do you have a corner that needs reworking, or a flower bed that needs tweaking. Or are you looking to re-do your backyard, or increase your home’s curb appeal.

Take the time to capture all the existing elements of your landscape. Make note of items you like and don’t like.

Step 2: Collect ideas for what you like and what you want to create.

This can be done by collecting magazine pictures, taking photos while traveling around town or on social media sites like Instagram or Pinterest. Pay attention to what you like and why it makes you feel the way it does. Consider the details of the space. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see a landscape that you like?

Step 3: Conduct an inventory and analysis of the site.

Sketch the area on a piece of paper. It doesn’t need to be to scale, but keep everything in relative proportion. Be sure to include your driveway, walkways, garage/shed, utilities, hose hook-up, power outlets, downspouts and existing plants.

Make a note of the compass orientation, light levels and wind exposure. Determine potential views, both from inside the house, and outside. Indicate natural drainage, swales, etc. Make notes about the soil type and moisture.

Step 4: Create the plan by converting the sketch to a scaled plan.

Measure the space with a tape measure and write the information down on your sketch. Convert measurements and plot on graph paper.

This base plan is a scaled plan or proportional two-dimensional visual representation of your garden.

Step 5: Allocate areas based on usage with bubble diagrams.

Be as specific as possible. Include public spaces, private areas, utility lines, connections, and areas for gardens, dining, cooking, play, as well as resting and relaxation.

Step 6: Organize the space.

Start by determining bed lines. This is where the style of your house and the style of landscape will affect your choice. Is the landscape formal or informal? Do you want beds that are sweeping and flowing or simply straight lines?

Step 7: Actually lay out the spaces in your yard.

Use string and stakes or even a garden hose. This will ensure you’re happy with all elements before you begin the work.

Step 8: Select your trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals.

You will need to consider the size, growth habit, speed of growth, flowering time, flower color, light needs and wind tolerance.

Step 9: Place your plants, taking into account the full size of the plant.

Place focal points first, then fill in the background and foreground.

The landscape design process is a series of fairly easy steps. However, it takes a keen attention to detail and knowledge to yield the best results. If you plan to tackle this on your own there are many of books available to use as resources. You’ll need plant information, elements of design, construction and more. It is a rewarding process.

If you’re hiring for the installation, consider using a qualified landscape design/build company from the beginning. This will save time and give you the best results, overall. Professional designers are trained in gathering information, accessing needs and desires and developing a plan the features in an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution that fits your budget. You’ll maximize your return on investment in both enjoyment and resale value.

Not sure where to turn? English Gardens has you covered. Our Garden Coaches have been helping DIYers plan their landscaping for years, and will walk you through the entire process. Schedule a consultation today!