Landscaping & Gardening Information

Laying Out Your New Landscape


When planning your new landscape, the first place to start is by driving around your neighborhood and seeing what other people have done with their landscapes. Bring a sketch pad or digital camera to record things you like. Your next stop is your local nursery or garden center. Look at what plants do well in your area. Look at any displays they have setup to get an idea of which plants work well together. And don't be afraid to ask questions.

Now comes the planning stage. Get a long tape measure and some graph paper and take some accurate measurements of your yard. The more accurate you are, the more detailed you can be with your plan. Don't worry though, if you aren't perfectly accurate. Even if you pace off your yard and get some general measurements, you will be better off than just trying to guess how large an area you are working with.

After the measurements are done, you can use either graph paper and pencils or one of the new software packages that are available. I prefer the software only because it allows you to make changes very quickly and easily, and also allows you to see three-dimensional views of your design. One unique feature is that many software programs allow you to preview your landscape five-, ten-, twenty- or more years from now! This way you can see how your mature lot will look in the future! This will help prevent over-planting areas.

If you don't use your computer to lay out your new design, use a piece of graph paper and transfer your measurements to the paper. Begin by laying out the larger elements like trees and shrubs, and then adding the smaller elements around them to complement the design. Also keep in mind the relative heights of the materials you are going to use. When viewing a landscape you want taller items in the back and shorter elements in the front.

This article series will continue over the next couple of issues as I take you through the entire process from planning to planting!

Dean Novosat is an avid gardener and landscaper. He has transformed many boring yards into beautiful landscapes. He has several websites including http://www.the-garden-doctor.com, http://www.dr-landscape.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Xinhua

Tiny, mighty Tengtou
Xinhua
BEIJING, July 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Next to the exhibits of numerous metropolises in the Urban Best Practices Area (UBPA) is that of the tiny village of Tengtou ...
Tiny, mighty TengtouChina.org.cn

all 3 news articles »


Retiring county extension horticulturist's job likely to be filled, eventually
istockAnalyst.com (press release)
When he leaves work for the last time at the end of the month, Chip Miller will leave more than a vacant office behind -- he'll be taking with him the ...



Rebates offered in Solano County for water-saving landscaping, artificial turf
Vallejo Times-Herald
Solano County residents can take advantage of $1000 rebates for replacing thirsty lawns with water-saving landscaping, the Solano County Water Agency has ...

and more »


Longtime home decor writer Jo Werne dies of heart attack
MiamiHerald.com
Former landscaping/gardening writer Georgia Tasker said that Werne loved to discuss her pets. ``She would come in with stories all the time about her cats, ...

and more »


PERKS OF THE PARK
CisionWire (press release)
As Love Parks Week kicks off today (24 July), encouraging people all across the country to appreciate the beauty of our parks, a new report from the UK body ...

and more »


Bay-Friendly landscapes grow businesses
Sustainable Industries
This means new business for sustainable landscape architects and growth for programs such as Bay-Friendly Landscaping and ...



Missouri Ruralist

Something for Everyone at State Fair
Missouri Ruralist
Additional topics in the showcase will include painting, photography and pottery demonstrations as well as tips from experts in landscaping, gardening and ...

and more »


Daily Dunklin Democrat

State Fair to offer Rural Lifestyle Showcase
Daily Dunklin Democrat
Other exhibits in the showcase will feature painting, photography, and pottery demonstrations, as well as tips from experts in landscaping, gardening, ...



DIY Matters launch Revolutionary Weed Control Product Range
I-Newswire.com (press release)
The website will also act as a portal for any landscaping, gardening or DIY advice and tips, helping to educate consumers about the product and its purpose. ...

and more »


Larry McLean
Minot Daily News
In retirement, he enjoyed landscaping, gardening and trips to Mexico. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Doris McLean; brother, ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2006