How to Plan Your Landscape Project

You can plan perennial groupings as part of your landscaping.

You can create a beautiful landscape or update an existing one, starting by taking a good look around the area you are considering updating. As you look around, think about what you and your family would like to see changed. Your priorities and budget help dictate the final project.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Drawing pad
• Notepad
• Tape measure

1. Measure the length and the width of the area you plan to landscape. Blow up a digital photo of the area to a letter-sized piece of paper. Put it under a clear page cover and mark the landscape and plants a clear page cover and mark the landscape and existing plants with a grease pen. Remove and adjust your plan with a soft rag.

2. Lay out the landscaping plan, taking into consideration plant spacing and future growth. Draw the shape of your landscape areas on paper showing measurements. Add in plants, trees and shrubs. Label the type of mulch you will be using, be it wood chips, rock or pine needles. Plan for shady or sunny areas by placing the appropriate plants in those spots.

3. Sketch on your landscape any overhead wires, utility meters, service boxes or underground utilities that could interfere with your landscape plan. Note how much sunlight each area of the property receives. Mark what areas of the property can be seen from inside your house and focal points such as a deck, pool and street or water views. Note locations of outside faucets. This area needs adequate room to allow for hoses.

4. Write down potential problems, hazards and notes about what you would like to have in each area. Record your favorite plants, colors, shrubs and trees. Select edging or a natural bed edge and any steppingstones, benches, birdbaths or trellises. Make this a family project, because it ultimately affects everyone.

5. Visit nurseries and garden shops looking for ideas. Jot down information from the plant tags. Have a rough idea of what you’re looking for, such as shade plants, perennials, flowering or nonflowering shrubs and trees. Pay close attention to their water and light requirements. Weigh your preferences in terms of whether you are landscaping for privacy or to enhance an area. Aim for a landscape that requires minimal maintenance if you prefer or one that requires regular maintenance. Select an eco-friendly landscape with native plants to your area or go with standard nursery stock.

6. Take a camera or use your cell phone to take a picture of prospective plants, shrubs and trees. This will come in handy later during the final decision-making.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your pet’s favorite area preserved, not part of changes to the landscape. This saves you time and frustration later.

• Ask friends and family for ideas; most are willing to share their good or bad experiences with a specific plant. The key to success is research.

• The key is to not get frustrated during the planning. There are endless possibilities out there for plants and decorations so take your time and find the ones that meet you needs. This is all about having fun and creating that special landscape that has been created by you.

Resources

• Iowa State University Extension: Home Landscape Planning Worksheet
• Texas A&M System AgriLife Extension: Planning the Home Landscape