Home landscape design is easier than you think; you don't need to hire a professional landscape designer to help you.
Whether you are starting from scratch or redoing a landscape, here are some simple things to remember when planning your home landscape design: 1.
The most important first step to successful home landscape design is to have a base plan.
Base plans should include two things: the current landscape design, including all the trees, shrubs, measurements, any existing walks or terraces and features; and the new landscape design.
When planning the new landscape, it is important to consider how much natural light enters the area at three different times of day: early in the morning, at high noon, and in the afternoon.
The amount of natural light in these areas should help you determine what kind of plants to purchase for those areas.
It should also indicate where you would want shade, and what types of soil are available.
Once you are done putting the graphic information down, you can use tracing paper to have a clearer idea of the plan.
Remember to keep your plan open to changes, as you might want to alter certain parts of the plan throughout the course of your design.
Feel free to change details as you go along, as landscape plans should be able to evolve.
2.
Decide what you want to do with the open space.
There are many things you can do with open spaces rather than the traditional lawn.
For smaller spaces, you may want to convert them into more useful spaces such as including a small pool or Jacuzzi, having a gazebo, or using more ornamental plants.
3.
Plan your needs.
You may want to include a small patio so you can spend time reading, flower beds, vegetable gardens, a social and private area, or playing space for children.
Remember that the whole point of good home landscape design is that you should be able to make use of it, not just appealing.
4.
Carefully plan plant grouping and usage.
Make use of mature plants to give shade, and group plants that are the same instead of alternating in one area.
Also take into consideration how much growth you should be expecting from the plants, and how much space is available for growth.
Have your soil tested, and use plants that will compliment the entire look of the house.
Select plants that are low tolerance, and consider the effect of the changing seasons on the overall landscape.
With these simple steps you can plan a beautiful home landscape design that is both functional and beautiful.