REGIONAL INSPIRATION
HOW DO I DESIGN MY OWN LANDSCAPE?
Before you grab your shovel, a solid design plan is key. Whether you're reimagining a small front yard or designing a dream backyard from scratch, these steps will help you lay the groundwork for a landscape that's both functional and beautiful.
Outline: Start with a rough sketch of your property or area to be worked on. This doesn't have to be to scale at this point, but should include any permanent features such as your house, shed, large trees or shrubs that are staying in place, areas that are currently paved, patios, pools, etc.
Measure: Take that rough sketch outside and measure everything. Note the measurements on the sketch. Note where windows and doors are for views and traffic patterns, and also where water faucets and electrical outlets are.
Transfer: Transfer your property map to graph paper and draw to scale; this will become your master copy. Make note of sun and shade patterns, wind-prone areas, slopes, etc.
Trace: Use tracing paper over the top of your master copy and begin experimenting with designsmdash;without altering your master copy.
