The garden is sometimes the most neglected part of the home, though for some it is their pride and joy. What if you fall somewhere in between? There are so many ways to design a garden that’s right for you, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Do you want a place to relax, an ideal haven for your kids to play in, or a vegetable garden for healthier eating?
Whatever the outcome you want to get from your garden, there’s a way to achieve it. It starts by thinking about what exactly you want – this is sometimes easier said than done. Afterwards, think about your particular environment and situation, so you can decide what is achievable within your time and money constraints. Then, it’s time to decide whether to do the design yourself or pay someone to do it for you.
- Examine yourself
First things first, think about what you want. There are plenty of things your outdoor space can offer you, but you won’t get your ideal garden unless you have a clear picture of what that might look like. Are you the kind of person who will care for the flowers, bushes and veggies if that is what you want? Or is that just wishful thinking?
You have to be a bit realistic about the scope of your project and your role in it. Your life will not reshape itself to accommodate your new garden. You have to do the accommodating first in general. A garden for pets to run around in will require a different layout than one for you to cultivate fruits and vegetables in. Of course, you can want a relaxation space and a little area for tomatoes, that’s totally doable. But it’s worth thinking about your expectations and requirements in depth before you begin.
- Look at your garden
Again, being realistic is key. So have a long, hard look at your outdoor space so you can determine what is possible given what you have, and what you’re willing to put into it. Hard landscaping and excavating can be very expensive and disruptive, so if you’re looking to save time and money, you should cut down on the major work you want doing. On the other hand, if you have resources to spare, you could completely change your garden.
Look at the amount of shade, light and drainage each part of your garden has, and think about what kinds of plants will thrive in those areas. This will dictate the possibilities in each area of your garden. Of course, you may need to get in touch with a gardening expert for this. You can compare quotes from gardeners here.
- Think about your surroundings
Whatever your goals are with your garden, you don’t really want to stick out like a sore thumb. Ideally, you want to fit in with your local environment aesthetically and environmentally. Look at your neighbours garden, take a walk in the forest around your house and pick out some elements you really like. Maybe you can incorporate these into your garden design.
This also means using local materials and plants whenever possible. Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it can be pretty useful for saving money and making sure your garden stands the test of time. This is because in general, local plants and materials are made to stand up to the weather conditions of your area. Also, they are easily sourced and transported. This saves on costs and also helps the environment as you’re not buying shipped things from halfway around the world!
- Find a designer!
Many people find great pleasure in designing their garden down to a T, but it’s good to at least get a consultation from someone who’s been doing it for years and years. Garden designers are trained to help you fine-tune the details of your garden project, so don’t worry about presenting your ideas to them. You want to make sure you end up with what you want, so don’t make an investment without the proper research.
To find a designer, ask for recommendations from family and friends. Barring this possibility, you want to look online for local designers who have good reviews and a track record of helping people achieve their garden dreams. You can get more information on how much they tend to charge, and what they can do for you by reading about garden designers here.
