How to Design Backyard Landscaping
Designing the perfect back yard is not unlike planning the interior space of a home or apartment. Imagine your back yard is like your home hollowed out without any interior walls. It's up to you to plan the flow, the division of space and the overall aesthetic. It's a daunting job to design the entire backyard landscaping approach, but once you understand conceptually what you'd like to do and you can get those ideas down on paper, you can begin doing the heavy lifting that will make your dream backyard a reality. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plat map (optional)
- Extra long tape measure
- Graph paper
- Pencil
- Tracing paper
- Design software (optional)
- Trade magazines (optional)
Instructions
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1
Start with the lot diagram if you have it, or take measurements of the entire space. Measure the perimeter as well as the distance to any obstructions like trees or patios that will remain.
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2
Draw the backyard to scale on graph paper including any obstructions. It's a good idea also to plot out any cable, telephone or gas lines that run through the main spaces if there are any as well as any existing sprinkler system components. Make several copies of your base drawing.
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3
Start familiarizing yourself with the many landscape architecture magazines that are available. You can cut out ideas and make an idea board that will help you visualize the final product. Also, pay close attention to the yards in your neighborhood and make a note of elements that you like.
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4
Begin considering themes for the space. Some theme ideas might be a southwest oasis or a Japanese garden.
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5
Walk the yard and get a sense of the natural flow. Determine which paths will get used frequently, like those to a shed or out to a gate.
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Track the sun across the yard to help you decide which kind of plants will thrive in what conditions. How much or how little sun the yard gets will be a big factor in your space planning and themes as well as plant selection.
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Draw a rough sketch on one of your base drawing copies. Don't make it to scale. Just begin putting some of the ideas you've collected on paper.
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Develop "rooms" or different areas to use for different purposes and create focal points within them. A rock wall, a water feature or a slight level change can all help to call attention to certain areas and create drama.
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Turn your sketch into a final plan drawn to scale. Walk the yard again and get the picture in your mind.
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Place a piece of tracing paper over your final plan and draw the new irrigation system that you'll need or draw enhancements to the existing system, and get busy.
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