Which plants do you want to include, and where should they go?
Should bed lines andpaths curveor run in a straight line?
What aboutaccessories such as stylish benches, eye-catching planters, and birdbaths to attract colorful wildlife?
Credit: Bob Stefko
Marianne Lipanovichis the author of theBig Book of Garden Designs.
Here are 7 tips that will help get your new landscaping project off to a super start.
Determine Landscape Design Needs and Wants
Make a list of needs and wants.
Credit: Marion Brenner
Do your kids need a play space?
Do you want to grow vegetables?
Her sketch for her front yard landscape design overhaul was just a few lines and a couple of circles.
it’s possible for you to easily play around with ideas without much time and commitment.
Think About Location
Study the sun and wind patterns.
Those are common mistakes in backyard landscape design for beginners.
Its also a good idea tofind your plant hardiness zoneanddo a soil testbefore planting.
Live with your yard for a while before making any changes.
Part of creating a landscape youll love is slowly developing a plan and enjoying the process.
From your master plan,start with a small flower bed.
It may be a sculpture, a stunning tree, or a series of shrubs.
Let the design draw your eyes around the landscape, says Lipanovich.
Find a good balance between repetition and new elements.
Repetition gives a sense of cohesion, but you also dont want it to be monotonous.
An occasional new element is better than having all different elements throughout.
Even Lipanovich discovered elements she once liked that no longer reflected her style.
Its OK to experiment and edit as you go.
Patience is key to landscape design for beginners.
Use annuals and smallperennialsaround larger plants that need time to grow and fill in.
Landscape design centers around five main principlestexture, color, scale, line, and form.
Professional designers rely on these cornerstones to develop beautiful, timeless, balanced, and seasonally appropriate designs.
Just like home decor styles, there are many landscape design styles homeowners can choose from.
