Tips for designing your own landscape

Are you planning to design your first garden for the first time? Have you decided about the space? So, what’s stopping you from living your dreams then? 

Gardens are one of the best places to spend your time. It not only looks impressive but makes our lives better. How? 

It is because:

  • They improve air quality. 
  • It gives us enough amount of sunlight and shade for cell regeneration. 
  • It works as a shelter for us from wind and rain. 
  • And the cherry on the top is the beautiful and serene greenish visualization that soothes our body.  

But wait! Here comes the first question. While designing the landscape from where to start?

Don’t worry! We have come up with suggestions, tips, and tricks by one of the most top-notch designers and architects to design your landscape like never before. Keep on reading.

Understand the difference between different landscape traditions

You should know what type of various landscape designs are available. As per the American Society of Landscape Architects, it is evident the history of landscape design is not complicated. You may find its roots somewhere between Europe, Western & Eastern Asia.

Now it’s up to you, which style and tradition you choose, i.e. eastern or western. 

Do you want to know the difference between the Eastern and Western landscape designs?

Let me share a glimpse of it.

Western landscape designs are based on straight lines, paragons, rectangles, and symmetrical shapes. It may have a general abstract feeling whereas garden based on the traditional eastern designs have irregular shapes, curves, spirals, and involvement of water, rocks, etc. These designs are much closer to nature. Once you understand the essence behind both; you may get confidence in them. Not only this, but you and can make a fusion out of it.

Identify the traits of your property

Every place or material present in your garden has its uniqueness. It has different properties and features. Everything like shade, tall trees, windy spots, shrubs, rocks in the corner, etc. have its individuality. You cannot imply and impose any idea on it which doesn’t suit them.

If you see in California, we observe that garden soil is quite different from other states. It has clay and sand cobble-mixed and decomposed granite also in it.

 It’s better to know your place’s microclimate and soil condition well. It helps in the long run to understand the composition. You will deal with it accordingly after this. The more you know about it, the more you will treat it better.

Getting the right measurements for the walkway is extremely important 

It gets incredibly annoying if you overlook this step by mistake.

It’s better to hire a professional landscaper in Auburn, CA, i.e., Aronson Landscape to make a layout for you. Otherwise, if you have some experience in it then give it a shot. Design for a walkway should be a maximum narrow as of 18 inches. It should not be left loose. The fuller the sidewalk, it will feel and look good. Your garden will look spacious. If you want to make it quite bigger, then 48 inches path is the best to have a walkway for two people side-by-side.

Experimentation is also essential. You may add some curves, light poles, multi-colored tiles/ stones while making the layout for the walkway. It wouldn’t only look beautiful but will soothe your visualization.

Choose plants which can survive in micro-climate

If you don’t know what micro-climate is? Let me tell you. Micro-climate is a specific climate of a small area that is quite different from its surroundings.

See, which plants will grow excellent and full in your specific climate and environment. The best choice is to go with native plants.  They work best for water infiltration and nutrient absorption. It is not always necessary that whatever plants will work best for your neighbor’s garden will work best for you as well. Every yard is different in terms of soil, shade, micro-climates, site plants, etc.

You may also learn about the micro-climate plants that which one will grow on the slope, east-facing wall, north-facing, walls, etc. Every plant has its attribute and growth structure.

Know the core purpose behind your garden

Why you plan to make a garden? Experts have mentioned that gardens are built for three core purposes, i.e., to raise food and fruits, to create a serene and calm living environment, and to create something visually pleasing.

Jot down some of the following points and write down the answers.

  • What do you want in your garden?
  • What’s the first thought which came to your mind when you thought of making it.  

With these answers, you will be able to design one of the best living spaces and gardens meeting your thought process and ideology. These practices help us in clearing our minds and thoughts which get jumbled up. It’s necessary to write it down and see what works for you between several ideas.

Define the boundaries of your garden visually

One is the physical boundary made up of wooden, cast-iron, etc. made panels to create a visual barrier in the garden. It makes a different set of limitations. Whereas somewhere you may see fences, separators, and mini gates made up of natural materials. Not only it creates a distance to focus on something; instead, it gives you a purpose to focus on.

Whether you use the fence, hedge, mini gates it’s up to you. The best thing is to establish the correct dimensions at the ground level for it. Among all the options, fences are the cheapest options to go with.

Final Words

Whenever you plan to have your desired dream garden, make sure you know about planting the trees well. You should consider the size and shape of the planting trees. Give them enough space to breathe. It will get mature with time promoting long-lasting benefits for your future generations. You cannot even imagine the tranquility and peace you feel while spending your time in your hand-made landscape and garden. Don’t wait and start working on your dream now.