Top Tips for Garden Landscape Planning
Updated: Sep. 28, 2018
Before getting started on a new garden landscape, it’s best to plan your project on paper first. You can always refine your ideas by developing several versions, but date them so you know which one is current.
Here are some top tips for planning out your garden:
Map out the Existing Garden
Make sure you include everything in it. A plan made to a scale of 1cm:1m (1:100) is the minimum. If you can, particularly if your garden is small, use a scale of 2cm:1m (2:100).
Identify your Boundaries
Mark whether there are fences, walls or hedging. Make a note of the hedging style (deciduous or evergreen, clipped or natural) and show the spread of the foliage.
Mark out the House
Include all major structures and any areas of hard landscaping. Then draw in details like paths, sheds, compost bins, pergolas, and water features.
Note the Existing Borders
Draw in flower beds, herb or vegetable gardens, and other large areas of planting.
Mark the Orientation
Note down North and mark areas where shade is cast.
Remember Services
Detect and note in red all electricity cables, gas and water pipes that already cross your land, as well as those you plan to put in. Keeping a record will save you from stumbling across any when digging at a later date.
