By
eHow Home & Garden Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Figure out what kind of space you have to work with. Look at the size of the area, then consider what portion of the space will be used for walkways or "stage" areas. The leftover space is what you will work with when you start introducing greenery to the interior area.
Step2
Analyze the amount of sunlight the plants will get. Deduce how much sunlight will come in at various hours of the day. For courtyards that don't get a lot of light, you'll need plants that can thrive in relative darkness.
Step3
Find hearty plant varieties. Besides the limitations of sunlight, think about how often someone will care for the plants. Since the courtyard is a public space, anything planted in the area may have to fend for itself. Therefore, plants that need regular watering might not be a match, especially since the structure of the surrounding buildings may limit rainfall.
Step4
Devise a plan for installing the landscaping. When you have selected plants and greenery that you think will fare well, find appropriate avenues for getting the plants and any machinery you need into the courtyard. For some areas that are virtually sealed off from the street, you may need to consider smaller landscaping plans.
Step5
Develop a plan that fits with accessories like gravel, raised beds or other facilities that are already existing or that you intend to add to the courtyard. Collaborate with other contractors to make sure that everything matches, providing the best overall appearance for the space.
