Planning a garden from scratch seems like a daunting task, and can overwhelm the best of planners. But gardening and landscaping is essentially making good use of the space you have to get the best greens. Consider all factors of the land you have, texture, harmony, structure, color, light, shade, history and romance.
A well done garden is a source of endless joy. Just looking at your garden can fill you with peace, and it is only with practice and doing it over and over again that you gain the wisdom and instincts to set up a garden right.
Here are some simple steps to take to plan a beautiful garden :
Visualize and make a list:
Before you get down to actually doing your gardening, make a wish list of how you want it to look. Make sure to visualize all aspects, the plants, the shade and light, and the seating arrangement. Make sure to keep them near the house, facing the southwest direction if possible.
Do not forget to incorporate the practical aspects of your ideal garden. Space for storage for toys and cycles, a dedicated washing area and washing line and perhaps some space for playtime. If you are considering taking up gardening seriously, you might also want to plan a shed in the near future.
If you are in the city, then also plan how you want your seating arrangement to be, how full of plants you would like it and what are the additional aspects you would like to add in it .
Consider a single element in a city garden, a colorful pavement, or a wall of vibrant plants, or a beautiful fence to add depth and character.
Look closely at the soil :
The most important aspect of your garden is the soil and its preparation.. Make sure that you prepare it for a good drainage, pliable soil with zero compaction. A well prepared soil paves way for a lush garden for the years to come. Compost and a nutrient rich soil are the first step towards a well grown garden.
Styling your garden:
Plan for symmetry and balance if you are planning to build a formal garden. Adorn it with geometrical shapes and a simple plant design to make it elegant and classic.