Landscaping Design
By Lynn Ross

When planning your landscaping design get all the facts in front of you.   Sketch your lot on paper.  Plat your lot dimensions.  Make note of compass points, prevailing wind directions.  Indicate grades, high and low places, slopes and banks.  Mark probable drainage for your lot and your surrounding property.

Locate your house and any other structures on your plat - your neighbors' too if they influence you.  Mark all window and door openings, location of plant material you want to preserve, and note any good or bad points of surrounding lots that you may want to disguise.

A practical landscaping design involves proper placement of the three main divisions of your homes lot; the public, service, and private areas.

The public area is that which is visible from the street.  The service area may include space for garbage pickup or deliveries. The private areas are usually at the rear of the house and includes the porch, terrace, play area, and garden.

When developing your design be sure to plan for convenience.  Convenience is vital.  Put a good deal of thought into your lot's circulation system.  Plan so that you can circle the house without jumping over a hedge.  Be sure that deliveries won't be halted by a gateway that is too narrow for a wheelbarrow. 

Proper grading when making your design will add to the convenience of the planned yard.  Proper grading not only sets off your house to the best advantage, but also makes the areas around the house more comfortably level to live and walk on.  Don't forget to grade for proper drainage.

The outdoor living space should be conveniently located and well equipped.  Remember that a garden is not all plants, any more than the indoor living room is all curtains.

When planning your design remember that no two properties are alike, as are no two families alike, Don't try to follow design rules too literally.  Look at your particular conditions and make your landscaping design fit your family.