The Essential Garden Plan

Simple foundation plants in front of a house

You have a home, it has a yard, now what? Be in charge of your home landscape space through the creation of your own essential garden plan. It can be the beginning of an exciting venture into your home garden design, or the time and headache saving information you hand over to a professional landscaper.

It also serves as the foundation for an equity enhancing record of the plants and plans that guide you or a future home buyer to better care and maintenance of the grounds surrounding your house.

Begin With A Graph

Make a Scale Drawing

Survey the property with the dimensions of the boundary lines, the house, entry points and any walkways or drives. Place them onto graph paper .

After you are done drawing out the basics, make a number of photocopies to sketch out your ideas.

Fill In The Dream

List Everything You Desire Or Hope For (in a yard)

Start with important elements of  a yard that fulfills what is important for you and your family. Then start dreaming, and jot down all the features that your dream garden would have. This is not the time to worry about what you can afford or the space you (don’t) have. Just make the list of what you love and want.

Love flowers? Cottage Garden style may be for you. Low Maintenance? Try New American

Make a list of what garden styles appeal to you.

One of my favorite projects grew out of my pleasant experience of a firepit at my son’s house. I knew we would like it and use this space often because we had small bonfires over the years. Collect ideas, transform good experiences into something you would like to repeat in your lifestyle.

Gather The Facts

Find Out What You Have To Work With

What areas get the most sun, the most shade, and do you have microclimates? Which direction does the entry face, or other garden areas?

What kind of soil your yard consists of  is discovered through use of a simple soil test. Record whether it has clay, loam or sand, and the pH. Cooperative Extension offices often offer soil sample services for a fee.

Mark Out Permanent Trees and Features

Large trees, especially are permanent features, as are some arbors, walls, and paths. Mark them on your plan, even if deciding to change them  later.

Draw in hardscape that you will want in your plan, such as firepits, pools, terraces or patios, kids playground equipment. No need for artistry, just geometric shapes and measurements is all that is necessary.

Ready, Set, Go Plan

Buy a 5 year Garden Planner

You are now ready to start planning, or find a pro to get those ideas and dreams into solid reality.

The basic drawings that you have in hand plus the areas decided upon for the features you want, playground, pool area, grill and outdoor dining, or simply quiet resting place… are in place for the addition of the right plants in the right places. The amount of moisture, sun exposure, and style of garden will decode the kind of plants that you choose to fill in the dream.

This way of planning ensures that a plant choice is going to grow well given its requirements are provided. Remember that annuals can fill in spaces for new plantings and provide color.

For More Details

Each part of the essential plan has details, some quite easy to follow. Find out more about the part of the planning process you need.

Schedule Your Plan Over Time

It is rare that we have the resources of time or money to do everything at once. Simply prioritize your plan and work on the most important things first.

Two suggestions:(1) Make trees a priority, since they take longer to establish as mature plants. (2) Consider a front entry makeover or installation to give your home curb appeal, and daily inspiration for your coming projects.