Basic Landscape Design: Simple Steps for Planning your Garden (Large or Small)

The beauty design and architecture is in the combination of functionality (the science) and aesthetics (the art) to create a sense of place.  When designing a garden one should follow a systematic and scientific process.  The process begins with collecting information.  A base map should be created gathering every pertinent detail of the site and its surroundings.  This is also referred to as the site inventory.  It is important to note every downspout, hose bib, window (w/ height), tree, fence, utility, etc. on the base map because these features can and will influence your design.  I use drafting paper with blue grid lines.  The gridlines are spaced at 10 squares per inch with each square representing 1 foot.  The scale of the final drawing is 1” = 10’.  As we finish the base map and site inventory it is now time to consider the program. 

The program is a list all of the wants and needs for the space.  In my case the programs are largely developed by my clients.  However there are many times upon some discussion and idea generation when the program can evolve to more than what was originally planned.  Sometimes solutions present themselves that homeowners never even imagined.   The program will have tremendous influence on the next step of site analysis. 

Once the base map, site inventory, and program are complete we must perform a site analysis.  Using the data collected we look for opportunities and constraints.  Sometimes the site may be completely shaded and have little to no opportunity for sun loving plants.  At other times access to the site may be limited forcing constraints on large materials or budgets.  One should examine all of the details and consider their influence and relativity to the site and the program.  

Images taken from: “Residential Landscape Architecture” by Norman K. Booth & James E Hiss. 

Finally, now that we have done our homework so to speak and collected and analyzed all of the data we can finally begin the conceptual design.  The conceptual design is the creation of functional diagrams that are used to begin to organize the space and delineate circulation routes and hardscapes vs. softscapes.  We can also begin to consider form composition of both the hard and soft materials.  It is important to note that during this phase we do not name any specific plants or materials.  Many designers create underlying grid lines extended out from all relevant edges, corners, windows and other important points to use for the organization of the space. 

The next step in the process is design development.  During this phase the conceptual design is refined and revised into the final details of the design.  These details include plant selection, material selection, revisions of the concept and the final touches that may come such as irrigation and outdoor lighting. 

It is important to keep in mind basic design principles of line, color, texture, focal points, balance, composition, flow, etc.  This is the fun part.  When designing your own garden it is important to understand that you do not need to be an excellent artist.  The sketching and drawing is simply a way to record the ideas and the plan for the garden.  As a professional it is more important for me to have well groomed graphic skills in order to communicate my ideas to a client.  But as long as you can read your plan you can build your garden. 

The next phase for professionals with large scale projects would be construction documentation.  However this only applies when detail drawings are needed to communicate the specifics of a project that is most likely going out for bid.  Personally I rarely take the time to develop formal construction documents because most of our construction work is done in house.  I take a more hands on approach in the field to lay out bed lines and hardscape elevations on-site with my foreman and crew leaders.  Occasionally quick sketches can be helpful in communicating with my team when we are away from the site.  

Lastly we must consider the maintenance.  A great landscape will require maintenance.  The maintenance for a garden can be scheduled and forecast for the future.  Spring is usually the time for cutting back grasses and adding a fresh layer of mulch.  Pruning should happen during the season at least once and sometimes more often for mature plantings.  

Certain species can be particular about pruning times especially those that bud early such as lilacs.  These should be pruned immediately after flowers fade.  Then the fall is time to clean up leaf debris and blow – out sprinkler systems.  All of these scheduled maintenance routines will help keep your garden in the best possible condition and looking good all year round.  There are also lawn chemical applications that should be completed on a consistent regiment to maintain lush green grass. 

I hope this summary of the basic design process can help you in your next garden project.  If you would like any further information or a consultation on any of your projects please let me know. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy