Assess the space and climate of the garden
Before starting to design a garden, it is important to take into account the space available, the climate, and the soil type of the site. The space available will help determine what type of design and layout is possible. For example, the size of the site will determine whether the garden is suitable for growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables or whether a smaller design will be required. If a large area is available, you may wish to create a multi-functional design incorporating various features such as a seating area, a pond, a play area, and a vegetable patch. The type of soil will affect the choice of plants that can be grown in the garden. It is important to consider whether the soil is suitable for the type of plants you wish to grow. For example, some plants prefer soil that is sandy and light, while others prefer a more loamy soil.
Select the right plants and features
Once you have decided on the type of garden you want, you will need to select the plants and features that will be needed to create it. To create a garden that is both stylish and functional, it is best to choose plants and features that are suited to the garden’s location and soil type. When selecting plants, you may wish to consider the type of garden you wish to create and the style of your home. For example, a garden designed with predominantly native plants will blend in well with a natural-style garden, while a garden containing brightly colored annuals and perennials is suitable for a more modern design. When selecting plants to include in your design, you may wish to consider the following:
- The type of soil. Certain plants require different amounts of nutrients in the soil and some will thrive in sandy soil while others prefer loamy soil.
- Light levels and growing conditions. The amount of sunlight a plant needs to thrive will depend on the type of plant. For example, sun-loving plants need six or more hours of sunlight a day, while shade-loving plants require less than six hours of sunlight.
- The amount and frequency of watering required. Certain plants such as cacti and succulents need very little water and are therefore suitable for water-scarce areas. Other plants such as ferns and certain types of flowers need plenty of water.
- The size and shape of the leaves. Certain plants have leaves that can either be grown around other plants and structures or be cut back to create a bushier shape. Examples of these include vines and shrubs.
Design the layout of the garden
Once you have selected the plants and features for the garden, you can start to design the layout of the garden. The layout of the garden is important as it will determine how the plants are arranged and where the various features will be positioned. A sketch or plan of the garden layout will help you to visualize the design and ensure the elements are positioned correctly. There are several considerations when designing the layout of a garden, including the following:
- The size and shape of the site - The size and shape of the available site will determine the type of garden design that can be created and whether it can be split into multiple sections. For example, if a rectangular-shaped site is available, you may wish to create a design with a rectangular shape, or if a square or round site is available, a circular or square design can be created.
- The position of the sun - The position of the sun throughout the day will determine the type of plants that can be grown in different areas of the garden. For example, areas that receive less sunlight are usually suitable for growing plants that prefer a cooler environment.
- Soil type - The type of soil will affect the type of plants that can be grown in different areas of the garden. For example, sandy soils are usually better for growing flowers, while loamy soils are better for growing vegetables and trees. - The flow of the garden
- The layout of the garden should be designed so that it flows with the surrounding landscape. For example, a garden that flows with the shape of a house will create a more integrated and aesthetically pleasing garden design.
Prepare the soil and lay the foundations
Before laying the foundations for a new garden, you will first need to prepare the soil. Healthy, fertile soil is important for growing healthy plants, so before beginning any construction work, it is worth preparing the soil. Soil preparation will depend on the type of soil found in the garden. For example, if the soil is sandy, it can be improved by adding a large amount of organic matter to improve its structure. Similarly, if the soil is loamy, it is important to add organic matter to improve drainage. You should also consider the layout of paths, the positioning of lighting and furniture, and the planting of any shrubs and other features such as a pond or fence. When laying the foundations of a new garden, it is important to consider the design and layout of the layout to ensure that the garden is suitable for the plants and features that will be included. For example, you may wish to create a rectangular design with a path running diagonally through the garden from the entrance of the garden. This layout would be suitable for a rectangular-shaped site, but if a round site is available, a circular design may be more appropriate.
Lay out pathways, lawns, and borders
One of the first things to consider when laying out the foundations for a new garden is the layout of pathways and borders. Tracks are used to link different areas of the garden and should be designed to suit the layout of the garden. Pathways can be designed in several different ways and many different materials can be used to create them. Pathways can be designed to suit any type of garden and can be used to link different areas of the garden or to create a border between different sections of the garden. Pathways can be designed using several different materials, including bark, wood, pebbles, bricks, or sand. When choosing a material for a pathway, it is important to consider its appearance, durability, and cost. For example, wooden or bark pathways provide a rustic appearance and are a good choice for a natural-style garden, but may not be suitable for a garden that requires more footfall. Pebble and brick pathways are durable and suitable for any garden, but may not be suitable for gardens that require plenty of maintenance, as pebbles and bricks are difficult to remove when weeds grow between them. Sand pathways are easy to maintain and can be raked to remove weeds, but they are not very aesthetically appealing. Similarly, the border between the pathway and the lawn is also important. The border between the lawn and the pathway can be designed in several different ways. For example, a traditional border may consist of ornamental shrubs planted in a line along the edge of the pathway and lawn. Alternatively, the border may be designed using a planting that is suitable for a lawn. Choosing the type of border and plants to be used in the border is important and will depend on the type of garden being created and the type of soil found in the garden. For example, a border planted with desert-type plants will suit sandy soil, while a border planted with ferns will thrive in a loamy soil.
