If you’re a beginner landscaper, you probably have a lot to learn. But, it doesn’t have to be a daunting process.
Before you start landscaping, make a list of your needs and wants. That will help you figure out what your ideal yard looks like.
Make a List of Needs and Wants
When you’re beginning the landscape design process, a good first step is making a list of needs and wants. This will help you to be more intentional and efficient with your home search.
Start by writing down everything you need for your everyday life and the things you spend money on monthly. These include things like insurance, gas, electricity and a basic phone plan.
Next, think about the items you would really like but aren’t essential to your daily life. For example, a vacation would definitely be a want, but it’s not necessary to your health or well-being.
Once you have your lists, it’s time to prioritize them. Ideally, you’ll be able to identify 3-5 things that are important to you and numbered in order of importance. This will make your home search more efficient and ensure that you’re not overlooking anything because you forgot it was a need!
Do Some Rough Sketches
Before you start planting, sketching a few rough ideas of your yard will help you figure out what you want and how to get it. It’s also a good idea to make a list of needs and wants, so you can prioritize them later when you’re ready to start working on the project.
For example, do you want to include some shady areas for relaxation? If so, draw some shrubs to shade these areas and give them a bit of color.
Another thing to keep in mind is that landscape views can look very different at any time of day, depending on the weather. So if you find something you like, do a rough sketch of it so you can see how it would look in different seasons.
You can do these sketches in a variety of ways, including drawing on regular printer paper and using fine art paper with a bit of texture. You can even use a viewfinder to pick out specific areas that you might like to include in your drawings.
Take Your Time
When it comes to landscape design, patience is key. While complete outdoor makeovers on the television or in your head can happen in under a minute, it takes time and planning to achieve the same effect at home. The good news is that you can take your time and do it right the first time. The best part is that you will end up with an outdoor space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Whether you’re looking to turn your yard into a showpiece or simply upgrade it for everyday use, the following tips can help get you started. The resulting yard will be a delight to your eyes, ears and yes, paws. For more ideas and inspiration, check out our latest landscaping guide and get started on the home of your dreams today!
Start Small
Using a few easy landscape ideas for beginners, you can make your front yard or backyard look beautiful without having to spend a lot of money. Whether you want to add a patio, paver walkway, or water feature, you can start with small changes and add to them over time.
You might start with a few flower beds, or you could choose to create an arbor over your walk that can host climbing roses or Carolina jasmine. This can be a great way to add some structure to your front garden and direct visitors to your home.
Another easy landscaping idea for beginners is to incorporate rock walls, paver walks, or even a fountain in your landscape. These features will help you to create an outdoor space that you can enjoy for years to come.
Before you begin designing your landscape, take some time to study the sun and wind patterns in your area. This will help you choose the right plants and flowers for your climate zone, as well as the amount of maintenance that will be required.