Good landscapes begin with a plan. First, you should use graph paper to draw major structures. One square equaling one foot is a good ratio to use. Next, draw in the existing landscape. Use circles for trees and shrubs. Pencil in beds and patios, keeping in mind focal points that will draw people down the paths. Create "rooms" to make the garden seem larger by using hedges, borders, and fences as walls and arbors and gates as doors. Curved paths reveal the garden gradually, allowing for surprise with sculptures or specimen plantings. Think of the "rooms" in terms of function-play, dining, gardening, lawn, or service.
Next, create a budget. Begin reasonably, by dividing into several projects to be completed over time as funds become available. Start with projects that take longer to mature or the most visible ones. Select plants based on maintenance requirements, color scheme, texture, size, sun, soil, and climate. Create strongest impact by using drifts of plants rather than by mixing many plants.
Christine Powell, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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