4 Easy Steps to Planning Your Landscaping

Planning your landscaping project can be fun when you think of the rewards of how wonderful your yard will look at the end of summer or fall. To imagine the various colors, and envision your garden in full bloom can get any person out of their winter doldrums.

It can also be a bit of a nuisance if you’re unsure of where to start or can’t use your imagination (like me!) Here are some tips to help make it a little easier to plan your landscaping project!

1. Decide what kind of plants you want. Do you like annuals? Perennials? Do you like yellow or purple? For some of us who don’t have a green thumb, we strictly have to go by colors. Perennials are great for such people, that we don’t go through the same process year after year. Decide what you want to plant, and how many plants you want to have around your yard. Make a list for yourself and hold on to it to take to your favorite nursery or garden center.
2. Plan it on paper. Take out a piece of scrap paper and your colored pencils. Design a sketch of how you’d like your garden to look, paying close attention to the size of the space you’re designing. Use your colors to make sure it has the effect you want it to have!
3. Grab your list and go. Head to your favorite “plant place” and get ready to do some shopping! You can decide to go with plants that have been started, or pick up some seeds and go at it yourself. Seeds will be cheaper in cost, but more time consuming as you wait for them to grow. If it’s not early enough in the year, go with the plants! Pay attention to what area you are planting. Don’t buy plants that need full sun if you’re planting a garden in partial sun, and vice versa.
4. Don’t over plant. Now that you have your plants home, it’s time to dig up the yard and get dirty! Don’t over plant; remember that plants “expand!” Make sure there is plenty of room between your plants to allow for good growth.

Planting a garden can be a lot of work but can be well worth it when your plants are in full bloom. By planning properly, you can reap the rewards and be the envy of the neighborhood!