In addition to being beautiful, the design of your garden should be functional. Dare to create a comfortable, useful and perfect space for meeting.
Undoubtedly, the garden is a natural space that fills the house with life and good vibes. It doesn’t matter how small it is; if you have one, consider yourself lucky. By the way, how does yours look? This is a good time to get to work on your garden design and learn from the advice of professionals.
To achieve this task successfully, you need to draw up a plan adjusted to your requirements, possibilities and tastes. In addition, you should know what kind of trees you can have, what is correct, what is not and the necessary items.
1. Search and find inspiration
One of the great advantages of belonging to the digital age is that you have at your fingertips an endless number of garden models on the internet. Social networks are incredible windows to see, compare and discover what you like. It is interesting that you get into this world to learn everything that is trending.
Enter keywords such as “landscaping”, “outdoor design” and “garden design” in the search engine. If you use several languages, the results will increase.
It is worth clarifying that, while you can be inspired by the work of others, it is not about plagiarizing or copying it. So make sure your concept is authentic and has your personal stamp, your style. There’s nothing more satisfying than making something that no one can get elsewhere.
2. Get organized!
As we mentioned, planning is essential to follow professional advice when designing a garden. You may want to decide on a style: formal, naturalistic, therapeutic?
There is no rush, so take your time, do your research and think through the details. Write down notes on the species you have, those that are common in your area and those you would like to include. Also, define the functionality your garden should have.
By the way, consider these aspects:
- Birds or any other wild animals that may appear.
- The slopes.
- Visible pipes or foundations that represent an interference.
- The neighboring houses, with the purpose of taking advantage of a beautiful view capable of enhancing your creation.
3. Make the measurements and the plan with the design of your garden.
Take as many measurements as you can. Measure the length and width of the land, the height of the fences, the roads, the distance between buildings. This work is basic so that nothing is missing or over.
In the initial plan, distribute well the different areas you will need, whether they are recreational, for reading, a breakfast area (with a garden pergola), the vegetable garden or the swimming pool.
4. Choose quality materials
Whether you are going to build a garden from scratch or remodel it, it is essential that the materials are of quality. The right choice will allow your work to last over time, because patios are beautiful at the beginning, but soon after they deteriorate.
5. Work in stages and think long term
We know how excited you are about designing your garden. Sure you want to do everything at once, but in practice you can’t always do it. In this sense, focus on working in stages.
This is a model of the goals you could develop in phases:
- Improve soil conditions and the drainage system (both rainwater and water left over from irrigation).
- Planting new plants.
- Install sprinkler system.
- Construct planters, walkways and other elements of this type.
- Decorate and fine tune the final details.
It is key that you think about the future. Don’t forget that plants will grow, so we suggest you distribute the space well and don’t grow trees too close together. This small foresight will save you big headaches.
6. Select your plants
This is the most awaited moment. Therefore, it is important that you take into account the climate of the region where you live and the type of garden you want. You have many alternatives of plants: daisies, lavender, milkweed, basil, mint, mint, mint, palm trees.
On the other hand, observe the path of the sun and the shadows to place each one in the ideal spot for its growth and evolution. Additionally, group them according to their need for water.
7. Don’t overload lawns or trees
Less is more. This golden rule is often overlooked by many. But the reality is that excessive turf will involve a lot of maintenance.
There’s no need to have it all over the yard! The same goes for trees. If you plant too many, disproportion will gain ground. It will look like a forest instead of a garden.
8. Discard invasive species
No one denies that exotic varieties are eye-catching. However, some can wreak havoc in your garden and kill off certain specimens.
The notorious common dandelion could grow unchecked on the lawn you work so hard to care for. Therefore, study the type of invasive shrub or vine very carefully.
9. Delimit the zones
One of the tips for the design of your garden that you can not ignore is to divide the areas so that they are distinguished. The idea is that the path of your visitors is coherent, comfortable and pleasant.
You can add auxiliary paths or walkways. It is even valid to play a little with the senses. For example, if you have a fountain, place a bush that prevents it from being completely visible; this will awaken the expectation of those who listen to the sound of the water.
It is also interesting to place a garden wall to hide the entrance to the garden. Finally, play with plants or elements to create an attractive space that surprises from the first moment.
10. Paint what is needed
It is normal for metal or wooden elements, such as planters, pot holders, ornaments, sheds, fences or trellises, to wear out. For this reason, they deserve an annual paint job. Choose shades that match.
In this order of ideas, the specialists in exterior decoration share a secret that never fails, and that is to paint the walls surrounding the garden white. Try it and you will see how the green of nature will stand out much more.
11. Avoid hedges in your garden design.
Although this elaborate shrub or bush fencing is very popular, it is not among the favorites of those in the know. It will overshadow your garden design and is very tedious to maintain. By discarding it, you’ll be scoring points in building a more sustainable area.
12. Do not forget the furniture and decorative elements
Armchairs (made of wood, bamboo or other material), decorative lamps, design pots, statues or stones are as relevant as the plants themselves. For this reason, you should include them from the planning stage. Take into account the natural elements to decorate!
13. Install the luminaires
When night falls, check that the luminaires you have installed properly illuminate the entire site. If you have good lighting, the garden can be used and appreciated at all times. A strategic technique is to place directional ground spotlights that fill the tops of some of your trees with light.
Use warm LED lights. Although indoors white bulbs are preferable, in gardens it is more welcoming to opt for yellow.
14. Leave a place to store gardening supplies.
A room or simply a small closet to store outdoor furniture can not be missing in your design. With it, you will no longer have to store so many things inside the house. It will help you to organize your tools and material in one place.