Are you thinking about your yard? Maybe a renovation? Or refresh an outdated area?
If you are thinking about tackling a new landscape project, there are a few particulars you’ll want to know before starting.
Plan. Study. Understand.
Your wish list and your site conditions.
The first item, your wish list will be the easy part! I’m sure you have a list of ideas you want for your new landscape. People know what they want. The second, site conditions tends to be bit more difficult to understand.
Can you say ‘No’ to Yourself?
So, I’m going to say it … one of the hardiest things you will ever do is design your own yard!
Why? It’s really quite simple, if you don’t have the ability to see your project finished, understand your site conditions, if you don’t know landscape product or plants, and you have a difficult time saying ‘NO’ to yourself, then being your own landscape designer is going to be a tough job. By the way, the toughest client I have is me!
Your Wish List – Be Realistic!
Creating a list of wishes for your project can be fun and exciting. Depending on your lifestyle, your list could that consist of a few items, such as more colour in the garden or a wider walkway, to a long list of items like an inground pool, lounging area, outdoor kitchen, and sport’s area. The list could go on and on. I suggest you should “create a wishlist for your project!” Just remember, be realistic! If you have a small, urban backyard, a petting zoo isn’t going to be a great idea.
Assessing Your Site!
It takes years to learn site assessment. Understanding grading and elevations tends to be the most difficult item for home owners. Everyone tells me their yard is flat, however, I know every yard has some slope to create positive drainage. Retaining walls, steps and stairs, terraces, and ramps are all great ways to overcome grading changes if designed properly. Deciding which one to use, now that’s a skill. Understanding building regulations, codes, and rules for landscape construction requires expertise. This is the one area in your landscape where you don’t want to make a mistake!
Draw it Out!
Even a simple drawing works. It gives you a better understanding of where you’re going with your project. Much better to make a mistake on a piece of paper than during construction when find out you’re got a very expensive mistake. Yikes! A drawing keeps everyone on the same page.
When is it Time to Bring in the Big Guns?
“Good landscape design requires far more than creativity. Creativity without horticultural expertise and an extensive knowledge of site engineering will only lead to disappointment in the finished product.” Landscape Ontario: https://landscapeontario.com/hire-a-cld
Hire an Industry Certified Landscape Designer
Of course, I would say this … I’m an Industry Certified Landscape Designer. However, people can tell the difference between a project created by a homeowner and a project designed by a professional. There’s great value in investing in a landscape drawing! It’s the little things and sometimes it’s the big things like trees & shrubs planted to close to the house; walkways that are not quite wide enough for winter use; dining spaces placed too far from the house to be inviting; not quite enough room on a patio to allow guests to pull back their chair after dinner without ending up on the grass; or a garden that only flowers in the spring.
Hiring a Designer doesn’t cost, it pays. By ensuring practical solutions are created for your project, you will have an amazing finished product.