Planning a Landscape

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Do not make extensive changes to a new yard for a year or so until you understand the landscape’s peculiarities. Use a garden journal to record what you learn about the soil, drainage, shady areas and any hot and cold spots. Use the first year to experiment. Plant a few annuals, perennials, some vegetables and some plants in pots.

The best way to design your landscape it to make a list of what you want and problems that you need to be solved. You may want a vegetable garden or a herb garden, a place for the trash cans and a place to park bikes and store outdoor toys. And perhaps you would like an outdoor dining area and a shady retreat with privacy. Make a complete wish list then trim it down to the most important items.

Consider bringing in a professional if you are unsure how to begin your landscaping project or if you want some new ideas. An overall landscape plan not only gives you direction but it also saves time and money in costly, backbreaking mistakes. A landscape professional will draw up plans for a lawn and garden that addresses your needs. You can then do the work yourself bit by bit or you can sign a contract with a professional to do all or part of the job. Professional help can be expensive. A landscape architect may charge more than a thousand dollars for a design. But some nurseries have designers on staff who will create plans for free with the idea that you will buy the plants there

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