There’s not much we can do with snow on the ground. Right now, it’s all about preparing for the upcoming gardening season.

Whatever you’re planning to do this year to improve your outdoor living area, it’s always important to start with a plan. This is particularly true when you’re thinking about your landscape.

Begin by defining your goals for your property, and develop a list of what you’ll need to utilize the space. Do you need patios and decks for sunning or entertaining? Do you need an area for a barbecue, an outdoor kitchen? Do you have or want to add a pool or a water feature? Do you need a children’s play area?

What about gardening: vegetables, perennials, a cutting garden? And don’t forget about utilities. Where will you install the unsightly air conditioning unit? Or how will you hide it?

Next, list your favorite trees, plants and shrubs. You will need to consider the size, growth habit, speed of growth, flowering time, flower color, light needs and wind tolerance just to name a few. Books, magazines and photos taken in nearby neighborhoods are good place to get ideas.

Start the design process by drawing out a detailed and accurate site plan. Be sure to include lot lines, easements, sidewalks, driveways, and an outline of the house and other structures. Add the location of utilities that run underground, as well as the location of AC units and other utilities. You’ll also want to detail sun exposure, wind exposure, and north orientation. Consider the views looking on the property and from inside looking out. Is any screening necessary?

Then take your list of items you want in your space, and bubble diagram those areas, arranging them in relation to the house and yard. A bubble diagram is a series of linked circles to represent the areas you want in the final design. The bubble diagram will be a useful guide in the layout of the actual plan.

The plan is then created “to scale” to make sure all the areas fit into the available space. You’ll be able to look at the actual size of each area and how they relate to other spaces and structures. Finally, use the plan to actually layout the spaces in your yard. Use string and stakes or something as simple as a garden hose. This should always be done before you finalize the plan, so you’re happy with the size and layout of all elements of the plan before you begin the work.

If you plan to have the work done for you, consider using a qualified landscape design/ build company from the beginning of the project. This will save time and give you the best results, overall. Their professional designers are trained in the process of gathering detailed information, accessing your needs, wants and desires and developing a plan that captures as many features as possible in an aesthetically pleasing and functional solution that fits your budget. They will help maximize your return on investment in both enjoyment and future resale value of your home.

The landscape design process is a series of fairly easy steps. However, it takes a keen attention to detail and a great deal of 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 much like painting a picture but you get to live in this one.

For more information on planning your Spring Garden visit any English Gardens location and talk to an expert.