If you’re like other do it yourself landscapers, you have probably experienced struggling with a concept or two. You might have also felt the need to start from scratch after you’re done over-thinking your initial design idea. But here’s the thing. Once you have established a framework of necessary design elements, things are bound to flow smoother.

First things first, have a vision for your design. This is one way of saying you should know exactly what you want. If you want to know where you should begin working, you must have a firm grasp of the design you want. You can have someone create a blueprint of your concept for you or you can simply sketch out your concept on a piece of paper. Whatever you do, make sure you have a vision, and you know what your garden should look like when you’re done working on it.

How do you start your landscape or garden design?

Most do-it-yourselfers start with a few structures. Lay down plans for pathways, driveways, access routes, or covered walk areas. Never mind the materials you are going to need, for now. Just make sure there is ample space for these fixtures before you plan the location of ponds, waterfalls, rock gardens and of course trees. This type of planning will help you establish a framework.

Of course, this framework won’t always be applicable all the time. If your garden is small, you have to make do with one structure. You may not need any pathways. However, a simple plan like this will help you determine which structures you can realistically fit inside your garden space.

Paths and walkways can serve as dividers. On one side, you can have your cooking area for parties and barbecues. On the other side of the pathway, you can have your plants and rocks. A designated space for people to walk on or run to when there’s rain is necessary. Structures are a great way to break up a vast expanse of lawn, meadow, or bed area.

Walkways also lead the guests deeper into your garden. Your pathway can lead to a specific place like a gazebo, or it can be a continuous loop around your garden. Walkways can be made of refined (brick, flagstone, etc.) or primitive (gravel, mulch, etc.). Maybe you want a walkway that goes from the back door to the pool area. Or from the pool area to the mini-picnic grove. Pay attention to the lines that your pathways create. Curves and winding paths can create the illusion of a bigger garden space. This is a technique made especially for small gardens and landscapes.

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