Do you have a plot of land but don’t know where to start and are afraid of making mistakes? A proper landscape design project will help you. We suggest doing it yourself with the help of our Ultimate guide How to make a landscape design plan.
Draw a plan
To do this, take measurements of the perimeter of the area, the house and outbuildings, as well as mark the distances between different objects (trees, bushes, paths). Mark natural water bodies, shady and sunny places, elevations and lowlands, the sides of the world on the layout of the site. Landscape design plan can be schematically drawn using millimeter paper, tracing paper and a set of felt-tip pens. There are also special computer programs and applications in which you can not only draw a layout, but also in further work to move objects with one click of the mouse.
Divide the site into zones
Zoning of the site is necessary in order to functionally and intelligently place all the elements. There are usually a number of standard zones: economic, which includes sheds, garages, vegetable gardens; residential – house, summer kitchen, patio; recreational area – gazebo, playground. Write a list of all the necessary facilities, so as not to miss anything. Identify the main places in the dacha (house, garage, gazebo) and from them plan the location of all the other elements.
Separate areas with screens and fences
You can use hedges, rows of bushes and perennials for zoning. The relaxing area can be separated by a low fence or a wicker fence, an arch or a pergola covered with climbing roses, clematis or decorative lianas. The simplest trellises are useful to create privacy in the garden dining area and protect it from the bright sun and strong winds.
Provide for residential and commercial buildings
After dividing the plot into functional zones, move on to the planning of individual objects and design elements. In the living area, identify an existing or planned location for the house, patio and summer kitchen. In the economic – think through the necessary types of buildings: garage, shed, greenhouse, high beds. In the recreation area allocate space for a gazebo, patio, barbecue area, benches.
Plan the location of grounds and paths
At the design stage of the site it is necessary to think about the paving of areas and paths. Draw the direction of paths with arrows, avoid straight lines and corners to make the landscape more natural and closer to nature. There are plenty of material options for paving paths: garden tiles, decking, bricks, paving stones, wood chips, and natural stone.