How to Create a Landscape Design Project for Your Plot Yourself?

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

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, shrubs, paths). On the plot layout, also mark natural water bodies, shaded and sunny spots, elevations and depressions, and 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 with one mouse click during further work.

Divide the plot into zones

Zoning the plot is necessary to functionally and reasonably place all elements. Usually, several standard zones are distinguished: the utility zone including sheds, garages, and vegetable gardens; the living zone — house, summer kitchen, internal courtyard; and the recreation zone — gazebo, playground.

Write a list of all necessary objects to ensure nothing is overlooked. Highlight the main spots on the dacha (house, garage, gazebo) and plan the placement of all other elements from these points.

Separate zones with screens and fences

Living hedges, rows of shrubs, and perennial plants can be used for zoning. The recreation area can be separated by a low fence or woven fence, an arch or pergola covered with climbing roses, clematis, or decorative vines. Simple grid fences are suitable for creating a secluded area in the summer garden zone and protecting it from bright sunlight and strong wind.

However, moderation is key: don't 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 residential and utility buildings

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

When planning any buildings, consider their size and the direction of shadows cast by them. It is preferable to place tall structures on the northern and north-western sides to minimize shading of green plantings. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with existing construction regulations and rules to avoid problems when legalizing the construction later.

Plan the placement of platforms and paths

During the plot design phase, it is necessary to plan the paving of platforms and paths. Draw arrows indicating the direction of trails, avoiding straight lines and sharp angles to make the landscape more natural and close to nature. There are many material options for path paving: garden tiles, decking, bricks, 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 area is paving with cut stone, 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 residents dream of a pool on their plot: today, it's easy to make this dream come true 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 to allow space for a platform or shelter near it. Remember that water must be drained in winter.

Another type of water body that can be realized 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 a day: this will negatively affect aquatic plants and fish.

Determine green plantings

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

On the layout, draw them in their maximum size so you can easily understand what area the plant will occupy when mature. Also, make sure that the selected trees won't damage the paths or utilities in the future due to their root systems.

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

Today, many people prefer to plant almost the entire plot with lawn grass, but keep in mind that this is far from the easiest option for landscaping: green turf requires constant care — mowing, weeding, fertilizing, overseeding, and regular watering.

Select decorative elements

Additional decorative elements will give the plot individuality and set the necessary accents. Install garden sculptures in the internal courtyard, flower beds, or along paths. Plan the design of a small fountain in the recreation zone. Interesting decor for the plot will be birdhouses, bird feeders, and butterfly feeders. Additional garden decorations will be flower vases and containers with plants.

Let your imagination run free: 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 lighting and water supply: before creating flower beds and lawns, determine the direction of pipes and drainage ditches, electrical cable routing, and draw them on the layout.

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