Many of us will dream of a big garden where the kids can play or where you can have a vegetable patch and flower beds bursting with color and freshness, and while we can all go to the garden center, buy a trolley of shrubs and flowers to plant, it takes a higher level of planning to make your dream garden a reality.
If you want to plan your dream garden, then keep reading to discover everything you need to consider within the planning phase before you can get to work.
Zoning
The first step to planning your dream garden is getting a better idea of how much garden you have to start with. Sketch out the space on a blank canvas and make a list of what you’d like to include. You might find there simply isn’t enough room to include everything, so make sure to prioritize the things you want or need the most.
A lot of gardens use zoning, with walls, fences, or hedges being used to create separate areas within the space. You might have an alfresco dining space cordoned off with waist-high hedges, a lawn area where the kids can play, and space down the sides for you to try your hand at gardening.
Knowing what you would like to have within the garden will help you understand the space you need and possible ways to create boundaries for each area.
Paths, lawns & patios
The next step is to consider the different garden surfaces you want to use. Are you interested in a low maintenance, plain lawn? Or are you looking for a patio space at the end of the garden to make the most of the afternoon sun?
From gravel pathways to decking, paving, and different grasses, there are a huge number of surfaces and textures that can be incorporated into your garden – and there’s nothing to say you can’t use them all!
Water features
Maybe it’s your dream to have a stream running through the garden with a small bridge above. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a pond? Water features are a great way to add your own personality into the space while adding a level of privacy from your neighbors. Running water is a much more peaceful sound than the noise of traffic or the family next door shouting at one another.
Lighting
Adding outdoor lighting allows you to utilize the garden from dusk till dawn and beyond. It’ll also provide a level of safety, as you will be able to see any movement or trespassers while inside.
Plants
Once all of the groundwork has been figured out, it’s finally time to think about what type of plants you’d like. Evergreen shrubs are great for filling up flower beds and are an ideal option for those looking for a low-maintenance garden. Alternatively, you might have a passion for gardening and want seasonal plants and flowers to add color to the space.
You can use an online tool to design your dream garden and shop for supplies online. Start now, and you’ll be all set to enjoy the summer months exactly as you’d like.
Hi Maggie, I learned a lot from these ideas of yours.