When planning a landscaping project, it is crucial to always have a certain objective in mind and to know where you want to go. You do not want to end up with patches of different idea throughout your landscape. Ask yourself how the space will be viewed and what type of lifestyle and or picture you want to create.

You should firstly consider what function the garden would serve: will it mostly entertain guests in the summer with barbeques and pool parties? Do you have children that will use it as a playground every day? Or do you need a relaxing atmosphere that will inspire your work from time to time? This will help determine if you use elements such as swimming pools, outdoor furniture, water features, as well as the level of maintenance you have time for. You should also take a look at your space to determine its needs. For example, the amount of shade, winds, noise and utilities will make a big impact. You have to determine which views you would like to keep and which, mostly undesirable, ones you would like to hide with features or framing. You will also have to solve erosion and slope problems before you start designing.

Your tastes and goals are the most important aspects to think of when designing your space, because you are the one that will experience it every day. Decide whether you would enjoy a natural, classic or modern look and then decide on the forms you would like to incorporate (geometrical or organic). There are many different styles to choose from, such as colonial, country, city, oriental, tropical, seaside or even mixed. This will help you determine which structures or features to buy to suit your picture, like decks, patios, rock walls, trellises, raised beds, arbours or gazebos. You will also know if you would like to incorporate walkways, stairs, water features or pools. The material of these elements, for example, rock, concrete, brick, gravel, stone or wood will also greatly impact the feel or style of your garden.

After you have created the structure, you can start deciding on elements like plants to colour the space in. Decide whether or not you want a lawn or if you want to incorporate all your favourite plants next to series of walkways. If you have slope or immense erosion problems, you will have to use plants that will counteract these effects and save your landscape. Learn more about different plants before you buy them to be sure they will not suffer in the environment. Decide if you want short-lived annual plants, perennials, shrubs, grass, evergreens, flowering or seaside plants. This depends on taste, as well as environment. Read the rest of this entry »