Leap into Garden Planning for 2012!

If yard improvement projects are on your “to-do” list for this season, then right now is a great time to plan ahead. Whether you’re adding a few plants or designing your entire yard, a well-thought-out plan will save time and money later. It helps to write your ideas on paper, and here are a few things to include on your list:

• Identify the problem areas (such as poor drainage, bad views, plants dying, etc.).
• How would you like to use your outdoor space (such as play area, entertaining, relaxing, etc.)?
• What plants and materials do you like or dislike?
• What is your style or theme (such as natural, formal, eclectic)?
• Can you do the planning and installation yourself or will you hire professionals?

Next, measure and sketch out your existing outdoor space. It helps to use graph paper to keep everything straight and to scale. Now start playing with various layout options until you are pleased with the feel of the new space. Finally, decide what plants and paving materials are going to be used. Note as much as you can on the plan, so you’ll have a complete schematic to bring to material suppliers, plant nurseries and landscape contractors.

When in doubt, hire the pros! A landscape consultation may be just what you need to help you get your ideas formulated. As a licensed landscape architect, I am available to consult with you on any size project!