Setting out to design a garden can seem daunting for the amateur. It is important to remain patient throughout the process as gardens aren’t built overnight! Gardens evolve and grow over the years as you learn more about plants that appeal to you and that also thrive in your setting.
To design a garden, you can follow these steps:
Determine the purpose and style of your garden: Is it a vegetable garden, a flower garden, a meditation garden, etc? What type of design style do you prefer – traditional, contemporary, Japanese, etc.?
Assess your site: Look at the existing features of your garden space, such as sun exposure, wind patterns, and soil type, and take note of any challenges or limitations you may face.
Make a plan: Draw a rough sketch of your garden on paper, including the location of any existing structures and plants, and the proposed placement of new ones.
Choose plants: Select plants that suit the conditions of your garden and are appropriate for the style you’ve chosen. Consider factors such as height, growth habit, and flower color.
Add elements: Consider adding elements such as paths, decks, walls, and water features to enhance the overall design and functionality of your garden.
Evaluate and revise: Stand back and look at your garden from different angles. Make any necessary changes to the design until you are happy with the result.
Implement the plan: Install the hardscaping elements, plant the vegetation, and add any finishing touches, such as mulch or decorative stones.
We have also found a gardening app that may be helpful for designing your garden. Plan-A-Garden, from Better Homes & Gardens, allows you to conceptualise your dream garden on your own computer. You can preview what your plants, structures and pathways will look like before you go ahead and install them.
Remember, designing a garden is a creative process, and it’s okay to make changes as you go along. Have fun! Gardenscape has a wide range of landscaping materials to help turn your dreams into a reality.