Where do I start with my garden?

This is a question I get asked a lot by clients. My answer is always the same you need to get to know your garden on every level. Observe and live in the space   

If it is a new garden, try to live with the space for twelve months before you make any major changes.  You may have just moved into the property or you have just built a new house, so you have a total blank canvas everywhere.  It is important to live with the space I think for all four seasons of the year.  This way you can see all aspects of the site through every season. If you have lived with the garden for a long time, try to look at it from all angles and in all the seasons. Try to look at it subjectively.  This means observing the garden taking note of things such as;

 *What works and what doesn’t work. 

* What do you like about the garden?

*What do you not like about the garden?

*  How can things be improved?

Understanding the conditions of the site will make designing the layout easier, plant selection will be helped, and you will also have a full understanding of the logistics of the site. 

How well do you know your garden?
By developing an understanding of the conditions found in your garden you will be able to make more educated design layout decisions. It will help you select the correct plants, and you will also have a full understanding of the logistics of the site.  It is important for you to get to know your garden well before you start to try and make any major changes.

How do I get to know my garden?
The first step I always do with a new garden is to do a site analysis

This includes investigating lots of different elements …..

Firstly, you need to consider the things you really can’t change;

-Climatic Zone

-Aspect/ Topography and Microclimate

-Soil pH

-Soil Texture/Soil Type

-Site Hydrology or Drainage

-Water availability

-Views

– Existing Services and Utilities

-Laws and Regulations

Then you need to consider the things you can change;

Assessing the elements in your garden that are removeable or flexible or moveable, or transplantable.  These elements could be;

-Existing plants

-Particular weed species that have found a home in your garden 

-Existing materials

If you would like more details on ways to get to know your garden – we have them all explained in our e Book – Designing Your Home Garden – The Ten Steps For Garden Design .  LINK HERE