10 Things to Know Before Drafting Landscape

One of the most popular design projects for any home is landscaping. This design project does not have to break the bank, but there are a few things that you should know before starting your garden. We recommend researching beforehand to help you create a more beautiful and functional outdoor space for your home. Here are ten things to know before drafting your landscape plans.

1. Consider the Starting Area

The starting area will affect the whole garden. It may be a small deck or a large piece of land. The size of the starting area will affect the view and the size of your garden. If you have a small place to work with, start designing your garden to accommodate this situation rather than having to come up with fewer space-saving ideas later on in your project. This may seem like a simple step, but it is crucial to consider how much space you will have to work with and how much you can afford to spend. This can be tedious, but it will help in the long run.

2. Consider What Plants Will do Well in the Area

A common mistake that many people make is to use plants for landscaping that will not thrive in the area. This often happens because people must become more familiar with their region’s climate and environmental conditions. To keep things simple, we suggest getting some gardening tips from landscapers or taking a trip to your local nursery to learn which plants will grow well in your area.

3. Structure Your Plants, Using Different Heights Can Add Visual Interest

Different plant heights can add another layer of visual interest to your garden. One way you can do this is by planting some pink or purple flowers around the base of a tree to make it look taller and more majestic. The same idea goes for placing plants with different heights along a retaining wall or fence.

Swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical plants, a fantastic arrangement of plants has added the visual value of this landscape  Photo: iStock.com/Acik 

4. Decide If You Want a Theme for Your Garden and Add Accents

Deciding on a theme for your garden will help you to create further an outdoor space that is both fun and relaxing. For instance, if you want to entertain outside, it is best to make the area more formal by creating a patio in the shape of a half-moon or a circle. You can also add accents such as pathways, statues, fountains, pergolas, etc.

5. Use Unique Plants to Highlight Important Aspects of the Landscape

Many people tend to use the same plants over and over again. Sometimes, people will use the same plant for their garden for years without ever recognizing that it differs from what they have in mind. If you have a specific vision, try using unique or unusual plants to highlight those aspects of your garden.

6. Pay Attention to Details

If you want your garden to look like a professionally designed landscape, paying attention to the details is very important. Attention to detail can easily be seen in several areas in the landscape design, such as with lighting, water features, ponds, and using appropriate materials for the region. The use of lighting can make your garden look more elegant by using spotlights or patio lights that hang from above.

7. Consider the Future and How the Plants Chosen Will Hold up in Years to Come

It is very important to consider the future of landscaping because it will determine how the garden will look in years to come. If you’re using a tree reaching full maturity, consider replacing it sooner. If you are still thinking about whether or not you want to use this plant in the garden, wait until it reaches full maturity; this way, you can decide if the plants will hold up well.


8. Consider the Resources Needed to Care for the Landscape

Using the latest and best type of plants is always optional regarding landscaping. Sometimes you can still get wonderful results when using low-maintenance plants. This can be especially true if you are on a budget and want to maintain your existing topiary or ornamental fountain.

Image: a decorative green park: Botanical garden Funchal, Madeira                                                                                                                   iStock.com/Kely Family


9. Pay Attention to Local Codes

Landscape design and landscaping can greatly vary from one region to another. This is especially true for a home in the mountains or near the coast, as these environments need different types of plants that suit the environment. It is always best to seek professional advice from a local landscaper or use online resources.

10. Consider the Cost and Time Needed for the Design

The cost and time needed for the design will depend on the type of project you are looking to finish. This can be difficult if you have a large budget and want to create an elaborate and visually stunning garden. In some cases, you could spend more money on all of the landscaping materials than you originally planned to spend.

When planning and designing your landscape, you should find a professional with experience with the type of design you have in mind. This can be especially true if this is your first time doing this. A professional landscaper will help guide you through the process and will be able to offer a higher level of advice as well as take into consideration your budget.

 Written by Taylor Thompson, a Digital PR Specialist for AKRS