Creating a Landscape Plan in 3 Phases
Creating a new landscape plan for an outdoor space at your home can be exciting. Whether it is a planting bed to add some variety and color to your home, or a new patio for entertainment and relaxing, all outdoor creations can bring joy. At the same time, deciding how you want the space to look and what to put in it can be a daunting task. When creating a new space, I like to break it down into 3 phases to make the landscape plan of it much easier to handle: Size & Layout, Filling the Space, and Finishing Touches. When looked into separately, creating these new spaces can be a feasible and enjoyable project.
Phase 1: Size & Layout
The first step to creating a new space is to decide on the size of the area. For any patio space, the amount of people you typically entertain needs to be considered. There needs to be enough space for everyone to be able to move around without feeling confined or crammed into one area. In a new planting bed, think about what would be proportionate to the home. Allowing enough space for a couple rows of plants is a good place to start.
Once size is determined, shape will need to be taken in consideration. Bed lines that are free form and flow smoothly gives an aesthetic appeal while making the mowing along those lines easier. Patio spaces can look good with either organic or straight edges. Depending on the style of patio that is desired, both can make an impact on the final product.
Phase 2: Filling the Space
The types and sizes of plants need to be considered when filling that new landscape bed. Plants will need to be able to fit in the area without overcrowding, but also need to fill in the space well as they grow towards maturity. This will keep the bed from feeling empty and allows less area for weeds to encroach. Using varying heights and colors will also add interest and appeal through the season.
When it comes to the new patio, this step involves selecting what material is desired. Whether it be stone or concrete pavers, both have attractive options. Each one will have selections that range in sizes and colors to create a patio that suits your style.
Phase 3: Finishing Touches
Adding the final touches may be the most fun part. Once the plants have been selected, it is just as important to consider what mulch to use. Wood and gravel mulch are both options that have a range of colors to finish off the look of that bed. In the new patio space, consider features that make it more functional for you to relax or host a gathering. Landscape lighting is an excellent addition to both landscape beds and patios. They provide additional viewing time at night, as well as added security around the home. Other considerations might be firepits and furniture.
With so many styles and options, we know it can seem overwhelming, but by working within these phases simplifies the process making it and the finished product more enjoyable. And don’t forget, if DIY just isn’t for you, contact a designer so they can point in you the right direction!
