Landscape Designs

Landscape designs are not just bushes and trees anymore. Any good designer needs to incorporate all of the elements available for backyard life. Today more people are also concerned about ecology with regards to native plants, non-invasive plants, natural materials and energy efficiency. Theme designs are also a big trend now as are rockscapes since they are natural and help with things like drainage, erosion and poor growing areas. Japanese gardens are beautiful and provide a very Zen like experience.

Based on your space, decide what type of look you're going for. Then decide how much time you're willing to spend on upkeep and whether or not you intend to entertain. Always draw a rough sketch of your ideas even if going to an architect. Think about things like function, weather, appearance and color.

I always start with a basic design, which focuses on trying to create privacy. Since landscaping can be quite expensive, I start with the basics and each year continually add. The design evolves from year to year but the basic plan is still there.

Once you have completed the basic plan you can consider other elements like outdoor furniture.

A good design should include trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, furniture, water, lighting and accessories. Start with a basic design of plant and patio or deck placements. Then just create whatever it will take to have your yard become a vacation, just don't forget to include your pets and children. Again, I suggest starting with your patio or deck placement and any hardscape to be installed. The next step would be to complete your basic hard planting, trees and shrubs. Move onto any soft plantings like perennials, annuals and planters and then your seating requirements followed by lighting and accessories.

In my e-book (coming soon) I offer several examples showing how one specific property appears from one design to another. It all depends on your criteria and the intended use of the space.

With the first step you must decide if a patio or deck will work best and whether or not you might like multiples or combinations of either. When choosing hard plantings it will partly depend on your regional location, sun, drainage, soil conditions and personal preference.

Your soft plantings also depend on regional location but offer many more options both with perennials and with annuals. Decide if you want full flowerbeds or just a border around bushes. Lighting is just as important, if installing electric lighting it needs to be mapped out so the wiring can be installed.

Just take each section one at a time, decide what you need and like and overlay each step onto the first. Now you have a full design that can be installed one section at a time.

It may not happen right away but prioritize your needs and in no time, you will have a landscape design paradise.