Landscaping - Gardening - Lawn Care

Take the time to create a personal vision for your landscape -- you'll be rewarded when that unused space turns into a usable and attractive part of your home.

Assess the Site

Effective design starts with planning. Follow these 10 steps to create a well-designed plan for your yard; then you'll be ready to transform your landscape yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

1. Survey the site. Measure the area to be landscaped and plot the relative location and dimensions of the house, garage, and outdoor features on graph paper or a computer design program. Include the deck, patio, paths, driveway, existing trees and plant materials, windows, doors, plantings, and any other significant elements. Also include topographical information, such as the location of slopes, ponds, wells, septic fields, and property boundaries.

2. Analyze conditions. Do a site analysis by creating a list of your landscape's assets and liabilities to go along with your site survey. Grab a notebook and pencil and walk around every square foot of your property. Note if a slope is too steep for safe mowing, if trees need removing, or if you have a view you want to keep. Look at your neighbors' yards and decide if you need to screen your lot for privacy or noise. Are there places where nothing will grow? What soil type do you have? Clay? Sandy?

3. Craft a wish list. The possibilities for your new landscape are endless. Do you want to attract birds and butterflies? Create privacy? Entertain outdoors? Meditate? Perhaps you like the view of your neighbors' pond and want to see more of it, or you feel the need to screen their ancient pickup truck from view. Ask family members what they need or want outdoors, and incorporate their ideas into your design. Before settling on any structures, check town and neighborhood building covenants to avoid setbacks.

4. Divide and conquer. Think about your land in terms of three main areas: public, private, and service. The public area includes the main entrance to the house along with the driveway, sidewalks, and entry plantings. The private area extends your living space outdoors. It often includes decks, patios, and garden rooms enclosed by walls, shrubs, or trees. The service area contains necessary functions such as a kitchen garden, propane tank, compost bin, clothesline, or dog run.

The line between some of these areas is vague. For example, depending on their design, herb gardens and children's play spots may be part of the service or private areas. Consider where your wish-list items would fit best, keeping in mind that your house is the principal element and all features should be integrated with it.

Better Homes and Gardens

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