How to Create a Landscape Design Project for Your Plot Yourself

You have bought a garden 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 instruction.

Draw a plan of the plot

To do this, take measurements around the perimeter of the territory, the 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 around with just one mouse click.

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, which includes sheds, garages, and vegetable gardens; the living zone — house, summer kitchen, internal courtyard; and the recreation zone — pavilion, playground.

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

Separate zones with screens and fences

To zone the area, you can use living hedges, rows of shrubs and perennial plants. 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 panels will come in handy to create a secluded area in the garden and protect it from bright sunlight and strong winds.

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, proceed 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 structures: garage, shed, greenhouse, and raised 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 structures on the north or northwest side so as to minimize shading greenery. Also, don't forget to familiarize yourself with existing construction regulations and rules to avoid problems during legalization of the development.

Plan the placement of areas and paths

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

An excellent solution for car parking or a barbecue area would be paving made from dressed 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 gardeners and private home owners dream of a pool on their plot: today, this dream is easily realized using ready-made rigid forms made from PVC. When planning the location of a water body, choose an area free of buildings, preferably larger than the pool itself to allow space for a seating area or shelter nearby. Remember that water must be drained in winter.

Another type of water body that can be implemented on a private plot is a small artificial pond. Do not place the pond 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 an attractive plot, it is important to choose the right green plantings. Begin garden planning by placing trees and large shrubs that will provide pleasant shade and hide you from neighbors' views.

On the layout, draw them at maximum size so that you can easily understand how much space they will occupy in mature form. Also, ensure that the selected trees do not damage the paths and utilities with their root systems in the future.

When planning many flower beds, borders, and various compositions, remember that they require maintenance — assess your capabilities realistically. Use perennials to create a multicolored or monochromatic landscape, preferring plants whose blooming period alternates. With proper selection and placement of plantings, the garden will delight you throughout the season.

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

Select decorative elements

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

Be creative: 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 mark them on the layout.

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