This may seem like a no-brainer, but be sure to plan. A famous soccer player once said, “If you don’t prepare, prepare to fail,” and he was right. Everyone who wants a landscaped garden wants to get started right away, but take your time getting the design right on paper first. Think twice about everything. Then, and only then, start the real work.

Planning your project requires:

– Study your site carefully.

– try to visualize how everything will fit in with existing structures (house, garages, etc.)

– measure the property with reasonable accuracy

– draw a scale plan of the proposed landscape (1cm: 1m is quite an acceptable scale, depending on the size of the property) Tip: use lined graph paper.

– Use computerized landscape design software to draw your plans. See the links below.

Things to keep in mind:

– Tree branches and roots move outward over time, so allow room for them to spread. Branches and trees that grow very tall can become a big problem if they are not accounted for early in the process.

– Also with regard to trees, their roots can sneak into the foundations of houses, the foundations of walls, etc. Be careful where you plant. Also, ask yourself if they are likely to fall in high winds and cause damage… if they do fall, will they hit the house or garage?

– Lighting functions (unless solar powered) will require power. Remember to allow for the routing of these cables at the beginning of the project.

– Fountains also require energy. So be sure to run the cables underground at the same time you run the water hoses (if necessary).

– Decks often require a solid foundation. Also, depending on the height above the ground, they may require handrails. Make sure you know what your local codes require when it comes to safe installation of the deck.

– Some structures may require planning permission. Check with your local planning department. This can be a post-build headache if you don’t check beforehand.

– Sunlight (position) throughout the day is also something to consider. You cannot sunbathe in a garden that is drenched in shade all day. And tall trees around a relatively small yard will ensure that your lawn and plants don’t get the sun. Privacy is nice, but there are better ways to achieve this than to plant giant redwoods around your property (sarcasm).

– Take into account the HEIGHT of objects when planning. Not just his footprint. A plan is a view from above, but consider elevation views from all four sides as well, so you don’t overlook the heights of objects in relation to each other.

Archie’s CAD
google sketchup