How to Develop a Landscape Plan

Has designing the perfect yard got you stumped? Learn how to develop a landscape plan that will make your property the talk of the neighborhood with the tips presented in this Lowe’s video:

A good starting point is to draw a plan of your yard. Keep it basic, but include things that will remain part of your landscape, like a tall tree. Make several copies or use tracing paper as you add elements to the design. On your plan, note key features of your existing landscape like hills, which areas get sun and which get shade, and any privacy issues.

Next, think about your goals. Do you want a place for dinner parties with friends? Need an area for kids and pets to play? Or maybe just a tranquil spot to read a book on a summer day? How about a garden? Make your wish list of current and future goals.

Now start adding your goals to the plan. One way to start is to work big to small, adding the largest items to the plan first, such as a patio, deck or pergola, then fill in around them. Of course, keep in mind your budget and short-term goals.

Just as you have a style when decorating your home’s interior, use style outdoors to keep the entire property cohesive. Look to your house exterior for design inspiration. A traditional house works well with a variety of landscape plans, while a modern dwelling does best with clean lines and simple plantings such as ornamental grasses.

Here are some different ideas for your plan:

Plants: Plants are definitely one of the most important parts of your landscape and one of the easiest ways to define a new look.

Beds with clean lines define areas and points of interest, while curves tend to look more natural.
Think of using plants as you would decorate your house. Pick just a few colors that work together, or at least avoid large variation in small areas, but feel free to mix up texture and size.
Layer the heights in your beds – tallest in the back, smallest up front. Keep in mind how tall the plant will be when it’s mature so it doesn’t grow to block a window.
When selecting plants, know that perennials grow back every season while annuals will need to be planted each year.
Plantings tend to look best when they’re in odd numbers.
Along the house, consider using a bush or wider plant to soften the corner; however, keep large plants a few feet from the foundation to prevent damage from roots.

Privacy: If privacy is a priority, consider planting hedges as a fence, or build a traditional fence. Different styles are available to fit your preference; just check your local codes before you install.

Elevation: If your property has a hill, planting on the slope is a possibility, or you can use small retaining walls of various levels to define different points or interest.

Pathways: Think about pathways to get to the different points of interest in your yard.

Solid concrete or pavers are more formal and offer defined direction.
Crushed gravel is a softer alternative.
Stepping stones give a natural feel to the land; just be sure to space them as someone would step and use a landing every few stones to create an opportunity to stop and enjoy the view.

Water Features: A great way to add tranquility and a touch of nature is by adding a water feature.

A small pond installation not only looks nice, but it’s also perfect for plants and fish.
To add relaxing sounds and help mask noise, try a fountain. A statue or tabletop fountain is a nice option for small spaces.

Lighting: As your landscape comes together, consider highlighting the different areas with landscape lighting – uplights or spotlights for trees, floodlights for beds, and path lights to illuminate a landscape for nighttime enjoyment.

These design principles can be used in your backyard, front yard and side yard; however, keep maintenance in mind and how much time you’ll want to spend taking care of your yard.