Creating your dream garden is no easy feat. You need to consider what is available on the market and what can thrive in your area. Before you put your pen to paper and start sketching ideas, take note of these key aspects. Use these factors as a guide to creating a breathtaking scenery in your own backyard. For more complex ideas, you can turn to lawn care professionals to give you a hand in creating your masterpiece.
- Study your area
Think about where you are planning to put your garden and the prevailing conditions. Consider your soil type, the topography of your area and the climate. Observe the area at different times of the day and year as there are sections that may receive more sunlight than others. Test your soil to know its type and know its pH level. You will also need to think about where the wind comes from and how the water flows and drains in your yard. Look into these aspects as they can affect what types of vegetables, shrubs and trees can grow in your garden and which areas they will grow best in. Understanding more about your land and your local area can also help you determine what type of fertilizer you need or pests you may encounter.
- Think of the users and their needs
Make a list of priorities, what you want and what you need. Do you want to build a garden filled with large trees, vibrantly-colored flowers or grow your own vegetables? If you have kids or live with a large group of people, you will need to consider their needs as well. Perhaps you want a play space for children or an area where your friends and co-workers can hang out during the weekends.
- Measure and sketch the area
Grab a ruler or tape measure and measure the area where you want to place your garden. Make notes and sketches on a piece of paper. The more information and details you include in your notes, the better. This will give you a better idea on the type and size of plants you can have in your garden. Creating a detailed sketch of the area can also help you determine what garden accessories you can have. For instance, you may realize that you don’t have enough space for a playground or that certain sections are too hot to put benches in.
- Create a focal point
As with designing any type of space, whether it is indoors or outdoors, you will need to consider where your focal point is. Focal points draw the eye to certain areas of your landscape. They also provide information on where your eyes should move and see next.
- Think about proximity and balance
Once you have your focal point, you will need to think about the other elements in your garden. Where you place the other elements can affect the overall look of your garden, creating a sense of symmetry.
They can also give your space an eclectic look. Consider the relationship of the elements to one another. Grouping them together can create a more unified image while isolating certain elements can create a sense of space.
- Add rhythm or contrast
Repeating certain elements in a garden can give it a sense of rhythm. For instance, you can add a specific species of flowers or topiaries to specific sections of your yard. The repeated elements adds continuity, drawing your attention towards certain areas and helps your eye move along the space.
On the other hand, perhaps you want to emphasize sections of your garden. You can do this by using contrast. Start by using plants or garden elements that are similar or blend with one another. For instance, you can have a brick pavement with orange plants along the sides. To create more contrast and drama, add purple flowers. The purple blooms produces a visual break from the yellows and oranges.
When designing your garden, keep in mind that it may take some time before you finish your masterpiece. There may be aspects to your garden that will require some investment in both money and time. Start with something small. This will allow you to practice and give you something to look at while you are finishing your project.
