Thoughtful landscape designs are the key to wonderful outdoor living. No matter you have a small yard or a sprawling area; there are plenty of options to make your exteriors more inspirational. Patios, pergolas, fireplaces, rock beds, and more can truly transform the natural surroundings of your home.
However, for your landscape to look at its best, a good level of planning is needed. You can hire an experienced landscape designer to help you and have the outdoor space realize its potential. But you also have to be considerate of the following things all the time –
- Usage and Purpose
It is easier to make decisions by knowing the desired purpose and frequency of lawn usage. So, think about what you look for in your landscape. Are you a gardener by passion who loves to cultivate fruits and vegetables? Or do you just want a vibrant outdoor living area? The way you intend to use the space decides what design elements will be the best.
- Activities and Entertainment
If majority of your time is spent outdoors and you have kids that love to entertain outside, you need ample sitting arrangements to accommodate your family and friends. If you own pets, then an open area is required so they can play. In short, you need to tailor the outdoor living area to fit your daily entertainment needs.
- Space
There might be tonnes of inspirational images you might have shortlisted from magazines and Pinterest, but does your property have enough room to support those designs? Landscape planning without measuring the space makes no sense. So, it is best to draw a rough sketch of your yard, including dimensions from each end. Understand what area you can go ahead and actually work with.
- Budget
Whether you rely on self-help or getting a professional on board, you need to know the budget required for the entire project. Pen down all the changes (including the plants and other artistic features) you wish to add to your garden and then determine how much these will cost you. Do take into account the compost, mulch, and soil expenses.
- Supplies and Tools
Each of the landscaping projects calls for different types of tools. Some require only gardening gloves and a spade, and the other complex ones are executed with heavy-duty equipment and certified technicians. So, you must do extensive research on what tools are needed and what ones you have at your disposal. Do not be stressed over this if you already have a designer on board.
- Climate
Aesthetics should not be the only part of the planting design process. For all the flowers, trees, and plants you add, see how the environment can impact them. We all know that sunlight, shade, wind direction, water flow, and drainage play a vital role. So pick the plants that have a reasonable survival rate in your region’s climate and weather.
- Building Architecture
Any design that you pick for your landscape has to blend well with the overall architecture of your home and the orientation of the property. Sometimes, the structure of the house requires a specific type of design. There might be sharp angles that need to be softened or other topographical challenges, so look out for those too.
- Maintenance
Planting flowers and shrubs that need constant care and maintenance may not be appropriate to fit in your busy schedule. You have to be realistic with yourself and evaluate how much time you can devote to maintaining your landscape. Do not opt for an elaborated design and plan as it might not be for you. Take up what you are willing and able to do.