The Best Laid Plans: Landscaped Beginnings

The Best Laid Plans: Landscaped Beginnings

For some of us, it seems that as soon as the sun shows its face and the weather warms, the Great Outdoors is calling. It’s calling for a gardener’s hands. The good news is that you don’t have to be a gardener to spruce up the lawn and landscape with style – you need to be a planner.

Every great landscaped terrace, sculptured lawn, and beautifying flower garden begins with a plan. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate plan or even a colorful plan – just a plan.

If the Great Outdoors is calling and you don’t have a plan in place, here’s how to get started:

* Know that this is your chance to get creative. Decorating is not just for the interior of the home – it’s for the exterior as well.
* Begin with a wish list. What type of flowers would you like to incorporate into the landscaping? Would you like to incorporate an outdoor fountain, garden fountain, or bird bath? What type of stonework do you prefer?
* Once you have had a chance to dream, then it’s time to narrow and determine your needs. Do you need to map out a walkway for practical purposes? Is your purpose to landscape for privacy or landscape to impress the public’s view? How will your "dream" setup affect recreation, relaxation, and gardening needs and wants?
* Lastly, consider your resources. Time, effort, and money are all important factors to consider from the beginning of your initial plan to the final execution of the plan. Consider the time it will take to maintain the landscaping, flower gardens, and fountains you’ve designed. Consider your budget for the overall project, including maintenance. If cost is a crucial factor, make a list of alternatives that still promote a quality project.

Once all final "wish" list items have been finalized, it is time to make a base map of the work. It is important to map out what you have to start with. This is where accuracy, clarity, and completeness will make or break the final outcome. Try not to guess or estimate measurements – be precise. Take into account shade areas and cold spots within the yard to ensure healthy growth all year long.

While sketching out a base map, make sure that you’ve included the following specifications:

* Boundary lines and dimensions
* House measurements (scaled within the property)
* Sunlight exposure
* Utilities and easements
* Downspouts and drain systems
* Problem soil
* Existing plantings
* Views

From the beginning of the wish list to the final considerations, developing a plan in stages will save you time, money, and effort in the end. A plan prompts a homeowner to consider what could go wrong and alternatives to simplify what could ultimately be a catastrophe. Keep in mind that this is your plan and your plan alone. Now, it’s time to incorporate this dream into a reality.

Need some help deploying your plan? Contact the specialists at Plaza Fountains for a free consultation. Stay tuned for more informational articles from the fountain specialists.

About PlazaFountains.com: Plaza Fountains is an independently owned and operating online venue specializing in outdoor statues and fountains. Plaza Fountains provides consulting for each and every customer to ensure that the product desired is found. For more information, log on to PlazaFountains.com or call 1-800-609-1650.