How to Create a Landscape Design Project for Your Plot Yourself

You have bought a country plot but don't know where to start and are afraid of making mistakes? A well-thought-out landscape design project will help. We offer you to make it yourself using our instruction.

Draw a plan of the plot

To do this, take measurements around the perimeter of the territory, house and outbuildings, and also mark the distances between various objects (trees, bushes, paths). On the plot layout, also mark natural water bodies, shaded and sunny spots, elevations and depressions, compass directions.

A landscape design plan can be schematically drawn using graph paper, tracing paper, and a set of markers. There are also special computer programs and applications where you can not only draw a layout but also move objects around with one mouse click.

Divide the plot into zones

Zoning the plot is necessary to functionally and reasonably place all elements. Usually, a number of standard zones are distinguished: utility, which includes sheds, garages, vegetable gardens; living zone — house, summer kitchen, inner courtyard; recreation zone — pavilion, playground.

Write a list of all necessary objects to ensure nothing is missed. Highlight the main spots on the country plot (house, garage, pavilion) and plan the placement of all other elements from them.

Separate zones with screens and fences

Living hedges, rows of bushes, and perennial plants can be used for zoning. The recreation area can be separated by a low fence or woven fence, arch, or pergola covered with climbing roses, Clematis, or decorative vines. Simple lattice screens are useful for creating a secluded area in the summer garden zone and protecting it from bright sunshine and strong winds.

However, moderation is necessary: do not overload the garden with too many tall partitions. Boundaries can also be marked using low flower beds, narrow gravel paths, and rows of flower beds.

Plan living and utility structures

After dividing the plot into functional zones, move on to planning individual objects and design elements. In the living zone, determine the existing or planned location for the house, inner courtyard, and summer kitchen. In the utility zone, plan the necessary types of buildings: garage, shed, greenhouse, high beds. In the recreation zone, designate space for a pavilion, patio, barbecue area, and benches.

When planning any structures, consider their size and shadow direction, it is preferable to place tall objects on the northern and north-western sides so as to minimize shading greenery. Also, do not forget to familiarize yourself with existing construction regulations and rules to avoid problems during legalization of the construction.

Plan the placement of platforms and paths

During the plot design stage, it is necessary to plan the paving of platforms and paths. Draw arrows showing the direction of trails, avoiding straight lines and angles to make the landscape more natural and closer to nature. There are many material options for path paving: garden tiles, decking, brick, cobblestone, wooden planks, natural stone. They can also be filled with sand, gravel, or crushed stone.

A great solution for car parking or a barbecue zone is to use stone paving, such as sandstone, limestone, or granite. For the recreation zone, use decking: deck boards are easy to install and withstand poor weather conditions.

Place artificial water bodies

Many dacha owners and private home owners dream of a pool on their plot: today it's easy to make this dream come true by using ready-made rigid forms made of PVC. When planning the location for a water body, choose an open area free from buildings, and let it be larger than the pool's area so that you can create a platform or shelter for rest nearby. Remember that water must be drained in winter.

Another type of water body that can be implemented on your own plot is a small artificial pond. Do not place the pond too close to trees, as you will have to constantly clean it of fallen leaves. Also, keep in mind that an artificial pond should not be exposed to direct sunlight for more than six hours: this will negatively affect aquatic plants and fish.

Determine green plantings

To create a beautiful plot, it is important to choose green plantings correctly. Begin garden planning by placing trees and large shrubs that will provide pleasant shade and hide you from neighbors' eyes.

On the layout, draw them in maximum size so that you easily understand how much space the plant will occupy when mature. Also, ensure that the selected trees’ root systems in the future do not damage the path paving and utilities.

When planning a large number of flower beds, flower borders, and various compositions, keep in mind that they require care — assess your abilities realistically. Use perennials to create a multicolored or monochromatic landscape, prefer plants whose blooming period overlaps. With proper selection and placement of plantings, the garden will delight you all season long.

Currently, many people prefer to plant almost the entire plot with lawn, but keep in mind that this is not the easiest option for landscaping: green grass requires constant care — mowing, weeding, fertilizing, overseeding, and regular watering.

Choose decorative elements

Additional decorative elements will give the plot individuality and set necessary accents. Install garden sculptures in the inner courtyard, flower beds, along paths. Plan the installation of a small fountain in the recreation zone. Interesting decor for the plot will be birdhouses, bird feeders, and butterfly feeders. Additional garden decoration will be flower vases and planters.

Let your imagination run wild: use an old bicycle, cart, or barrel for decoration, compose a composition with flowering plants and mark its location on the layout.

Plan utilities and garden lighting

One of the most important stages in creating a plot project is planning the lighting and water supply: before creating flower beds and lawn, determine the direction of pipes and drainage ditches, electrical cable routing, and draw them on the layout.

Carefully planned and well-executed lighting will allow you to design a comfortable space for work and rest. Use not only electric lights but also solar-powered lanterns on the dacha — you will save money on utility bills. Plan the illumination of garden paths, sculptures, fountains, and large plants — at night it will create an atmosphere of a magical garden.