Imagine that your plot is a blank canvas. The basics of landscape design are not a set of strict rules, but a set of tools that will help you turn this canvas into a cozy and harmonious space. It's not just about beauty, but also about comfort, practicality, and your personal experience of the garden.
Many people are afraid that this requires special knowledge or a lot of money. In fact, it all starts with simple steps: observation, an idea, and a clear plan. This step-by-step guide is designed to break down the process into understandable stages and show that anyone can create the garden of their dreams.
We will walk you through the process from the initial assessment of your property to the selection of plants and decorative elements. You will learn how to combine different areas and choose colors and textures to make your property truly yours — a place you always want to return to.
Good landscape design starts with something simple: look at your plot as a whole, not as a collection of separate parts. First, think about what you will use the space for—do you need a place to relax, a vegetable garden, or just a beautiful view from the window? Then consider the lighting, soil, and terrain—this will help you choose the right plants and avoid mistakes. Start with a rough sketch of the plan, divide the area into zones, and gradually add details: paths, flower beds, small structures. The main thing is not to rush, to do everything step by step, and to remember that a garden is alive and changing, so the first version can always be adjusted.
Step 1. Conduct a preliminary project analysis
Before you start creating a project, you need to assess the conditions in which you will be working.
The best time to analyze the plot is in early spring or late fall. First, during this period, it is easier to assess the features of the terrain, the water regime of the soil, the views from the house, and other aesthetic and technical aspects. Second, there is enough time before the start of the season to prepare the project.
So, when familiarizing yourself with the site, you need to:
- Take photos from different positions—along the perimeter, from the porch, from the windows of the house, from the gazebo.
- Take measurements – the boundaries of the plot, buildings, paths, trees, and shrubs. If there is a cadastral plan, you can find this information in it.
- Examine the terrain and soil characteristics.
- Determine the configuration of the plot and its orientation to the cardinal points.
- Pay attention to trees and shrubs – which ones are valuable and which ones can be removed.
- Determine the lighting conditions – identify excessively shaded areas and sunny areas. This is necessary for the correct selection of plants and zoning of the territory.
Sometimes an inspection is not enough—additional research is required. For example, studying the soil composition and groundwater level.
If the site has complex terrain or many buildings, it is difficult to take measurements. In such cases, a topographic survey is necessary.
Step 2. Draw up a plan
Based on observations and measurements, a reference plan of the site is prepared. It will serve as the basis for the future project. The following are marked on the plan:
- site boundaries, entrances, and driveways;
- designations of the cardinal points;
- surroundings—roads, forests, water bodies, power lines, neighboring sites;
- the outer contours of buildings, the location of windows and doors;
- paths;
- greenery that already exists on the site, with reference to boundaries and buildings;
- communication diagrams;
- the relief.
All dimensions are indicated on a scale, for example, 1:100.
It is convenient to use symbols – numbers, letters, and symbols. With their help, you can describe anything: the covering material, structural elements, and types of plants.
The reference plan can be drawn by hand, but it is easier to use the Online Site Planner. It is simple and suitable even for novice landscape designers and architects. In the planner, you can draw a plot of any configuration, specify the required dimensions, and add objects: buildings, plants, a network of roads and paths, a swimming pool or pond, garden furniture, and lighting. The whole process will take no more than 10 minutes.
Step 3. Choose a style and concept
Each style of landscape design has its own requirements for shapes, colors, materials, and decorative elements. The main selection criterion is the preferences of the site owner. But the characteristics of the landscape are no less important: relief, light level, soil moisture, vegetation. If there is already a house or other buildings on the site, the garden should be designed in the same style.
Here is a brief overview of the most popular styles.
Classic, or regular, this style is characterized by strict symmetry and an emphasis on the man-made nature of the landscape. Its typical features include straight paths, regularly shaped flower beds, and topiary pruning of trees and shrubs. A pool with a fountain is often located in the center of the composition. Arches, columns, portico-shaped gazebos, flower pots, and sculptures in the antique style are characteristic. Due to its monumentality, classicism is more suitable for large areas. In DIY landscape design for beginners, this style should be used with caution—it is quite complex.
English style, on the contrary, is associated with the naturalness of the landscape. No wonder its second name is “landscape.” Neatly trimmed lawns, winding paths, a shady pond overgrown with lilies and a bridge, and lush flower beds will help create the mood of Victorian England on the site. Arches and pergolas entwined with vines and green walls are popular. Shades of green predominate in the color scheme. Materials must be natural.
Japanese this style encourages calm and contemplation. Its main elements are decorative ponds, rocky gardens, dry streams, screens, bridges, and gazebos. The color palette is restrained, dominated by shades of green, gray, and brown. In addition to natural stone and wood, bamboo and ceramics are popular materials. Asymmetry is welcome in everything.
Minimalism it does not tolerate excesses. It is characterized by straight lines, regular geometric shapes, restrained colors, and uniformity in materials. Terraces and decking, patios, podiums, and steps are widely used. The predominant materials are wood, natural stone, brick, metal, and glass. Large stones, unusual sculptures, and metal balls serve as decorations. Symmetry is not required.
Eco-style naturalness is paramount. If the site has uneven terrain, there is no need to smooth it out—on the contrary, it is worth playing up this feature. Only local plants are used, including wildflowers and wild grasses. Paths, bridges, and paving elements are made from natural materials such as logs and boards, natural stone, and gravel. Picturesque stumps and driftwood, wattle fences, and “rustic” furniture are chosen as decorations.
Garden in scandinavian looks simple and natural, while at the same time everything is in strict order. The main elements of the landscape are stone, gravel, and pebble paving, compositions of large boulders, wooden gazebos, and furniture. Vegetable and herb beds are often arranged. Conifers, dwarf trees, and ornamental grasses play a leading role in decorative landscaping.
Contemporary high-tech and modern styles have not yet taken root in our country. They are difficult to implement and require large investments. So this is not the best choice for starting landscape design.
Based on the chosen style, a concept is formed – the mood of the future project. When creating it, it is necessary to take into account the psychological characteristics of the owner: lifestyle, character, temperament. The main elements of the concept are the color scheme and related associations: profession, type of activity,
situation, time of day. As a result, they come up with a name that should convey the mood. For example, “Forest Fairy Tale” (for a Scandinavian garden) or “At Grandma's Village” (for an eco-style concept
style).
Step 4. Zone the territory
The next stage of design is dividing the site into functional zones. Their number, size, and type depend on the concept and how the owners will spend time in the garden. For some, it will primarily be a place for quiet family relaxation, while others may often host parties with friends.
And for some people, growing vegetables and fruits is the most important thing.
Main functional areas:
- entrance – entrance to the site, parking;
- front – front garden, space in front of the house;
- residential zone – house, adjoining verandas and terraces.
- utility paths – vegetable garden, orchard, greenhouses;
- decorative zone – flower beds, rock gardens, pond, stream, lawn.
- recreation area – patio, gazebo or canopy, barbecue, bathhouse, swimming pool, picnic area;
- sports area – volleyball court, horizontal bars, rings;
- children's zone – slides, swings, stairs, tree house.
Paths, lawns, arches and pergolas, hedges, gabions, decking, and fill are used to divide the areas.
The landscape designer's work on zoning the territory is based on the following algorithm:
- The necessary zones are determined taking into account the owner's needs.
- For each zone, select an approximate list of landscape elements: buildings, small architectural forms, furniture, plants.
- Colors for the zones are chosen in accordance with the concept.
- Draw a zoning diagram based on the reference plan.
The main rule: functional areas should form a single composition together, rather than looking disjointed.
Step 5. Develop a landscaping plan
Landscaping elements include a network of paths and walkways, small architectural forms, and a lighting system.
Path and trail network
Paths and walkways are divided by purpose into:
- main – lead from the entrance to the site to the house and other buildings;
- connecting paths – connect functional areas.
The most important thing when designing is to carefully consider the routes of movement around the site. It is important that the paths allow access to all areas and that it is possible to move a garden cart or other items so that it is convenient to take care of the garden, flower beds, and vegetable garden.
The paving material should be chosen based on the style and concept. Pay attention to its purpose as well. A durable material such as natural or artificial stone, brick, or tile is more suitable for the entrance path. The path between the beds can be laid with wood chips or gravel. It is not recommended to use more than two paving materials in one project.
Small architectural forms (MAF)
Small architectural forms include gazebos, benches, arches, pergolas, artificial ponds, fountains, bridges, rock gardens, flower pots and urns, and garden sculptures. Some of them serve only a decorative function, while others also have a practical purpose: they divide the space into zones and serve as a place to relax.
When selecting the types and designs of small architectural forms, focus on style requirements. For example, a Japanese garden would be appropriate for a rockery, a dry stream with a bridge, and a water bowl, while a classical garden would be appropriate for columns, rotundas, and antique statues.
Lighting When planning your lighting scheme, consider comfort, safety, and aesthetics. Lighting fixtures should be located in areas that are actively used after dark. These include:
- entrance to the site and parking;
- garden paths;
- entrance to the house;
- recreation area.
In addition to functional lighting, there is decorative lighting. It is necessary to create the right mood and highlight accents: sculptures, fountains, plant compositions.
The design of lighting fixtures is chosen based on the concept and stylistic solution. For example, spot lighting is popular in minimalist projects, while classic lanterns on vertical supports are appropriate in English gardens.
Step 6. Plan the landscaping
The final touch in landscape design is the selection of plants. The main criteria to consider are decorative qualities, compatibility of species, and their needs.
Plants in landscape design are divided into several groups.
Trees. They are usually planted on large lawns or along fences. Conifers are especially popular: thuja, pine, spruce, cypress, larch. They are compatible with almost any style, are unpretentious, and look beautiful all year round.
Shrubs: lilacs, jasmine, spirea, Japanese quince, holly, hazel, cornelian cherry, rose hips. Some are attractive for their bright, colorful foliage, others for their beautiful, fragrant flowers. Shrubs are used to create hedges and borders, while larger species are used in single plantings.
Vines: grapevines, ivy, hops, and others. They are indispensable in vertical landscaping of gazebos, decorative arches, pergolas, and house walls. They can also be used to create living hedges.
Ground cover plants. They serve as a spectacular decoration for the lower tier of the garden, a bright alternative to the lawn. The plants in this group are diverse, ranging from conifers (juniper) and succulents (sedum, euphorbia) to beautifully flowering species (needle-leaved phlox, primroses).
Flowers. There are many ways to use them in landscape design: regular flower beds, borders, rabatki, multi-level compositions, plantings along fences and walls. Beginners are better off choosing unpretentious perennials: daylilies, irises, peonies, asters, phlox.
When planning landscaping, it is important to follow a few rules:
- Low-growing plants are planted in the foreground of the composition, and tall ones in the background.
- When planting trees and shrubs, calculate the space so that there is free space between mature plants.
- The lawn is sown last.
- When choosing a planting site, consider the plants' lighting requirements. Most flowering species love the sun. Ferns, hostas, and many conifers grow well in the shade.
Creating your own garden based on the principles of landscape design is not magic that only professionals can do, but a consistent creative process. As you have seen, it all starts with a clear plan and analysis of your territory and ends with the selection of plants and details. The most important thing is not to try to embrace the immensity and implement everything at once. It is better to move step by step, from general zoning to specific elements.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make changes. Plants will grow, tastes may change, and some decisions may turn out to be less than practical. Landscape design is a living process where the garden grows and changes with you. Your goal is to create a space that will bring you joy, peace, and a sense of pride in your work.
Remember that the best garden is one that is perfectly suited to you and your family. It reflects your character, lifestyle, and dreams. Trust your vision, don't neglect planning, and then your plot will gradually turn into the place you always want to return to.
