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Do It Yourself Landscape Design - Where To Begin
Written by: Steve Boulden
There's an old saying that states something like - "Getting
Started Is Half Finished". And so many times I find this to be
true as I see do it yourself landscapers struggle to find their
initial design idea. However, once they establish a framework of
necessary design elements, it usually goes pretty smooth from
there.
It's not surprising that the most common landscape design
question that I get is - "where do I begin?" or "how do I start
my design?". I know it can be difficult. And especially if you
don't have a vision for your design.
So where do you begin? How do you start your landscape or garden
design?
While every design is different and every designer follows a set
of rules and principles, I find that most do it yourselfers all
have the greatest success from using the same starting point.
Begin by laying down any paths, driveways, access routes, or
walk areas that might be needed. And also create access to any
areas that you may plan on creating. In many designs, this will
help to establish a framework that you can simply design around.
Of course, this won't be applicable in all designs as many don't
require any access or travel. So take and use this advice where
and if you can.
Paths and walkways can accomplish many functions in your
landscape or garden. Their main function, of course, is to
create a designated space for people to walk on.
However, in design and as an aid to design, their function could
be to guide your visitors to, through, or away from some other
area in the garden. Also, they're a great way to break up a vast
expanse of lawn, meadow, or bed area.
First, let's look at walkways, paths, and such as necessary
elements.
Walkways are needed to guide visitors or yourself to and from
another area. Observe that almost every home has a walkway
leading to the front door, which is, of course, where most folks
want to invite guests to come. So walks, whether refined (brick,
flagstone, etc.) or primitive (gravel, mulch, etc.), are
necessary to "guide" or "lead" visitors to, through, or away
from an area. So where are the necessary areas where you need
other walkways or access? Maybe from the back door to the alley
where you dump the trash. Or from the house to the pool area. Or
from the pool area to the kids play area or the outdoor cooking
area. You get the picture.
In a design sense.
Establishing walk, drive, and access areas will in turn help to
create borders and boundaries. Once you have your walkways laid
out, you can simply design a lot of the landscaping around them.
The same goes with driveways and parking areas as well. You can
plant beds on either or both sides of a walk or use a walkway as
an edge to create borders.
Keep it interesting if you can.
If you were to, for instance, plan to place a sitting area at
the back of the garden. Of course you would need some type of
path for you and your guests to get there. However, instead of
plotting a straight path, why not create a winding tour through
other interesting areas of the garden on the way there?
Curves and winding paths do more than just create interest. They
can also create an illusion of more space, distance, and travel.
This is especially useful in creating small gardens and
landscapes.
Once you lay down walkways, driveways, and access areas, you'll
have a good starting framework for the rest of the design. Now,
simply design around them.
About the author:
Submitted by The Landscape Design Site which offers free
professional landscaping advice, tips, plans, and ideas to do it
yourselfers and homeowners. For more about landscape design, visit his site at http://www.the-l
andscape-design-site.com/
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