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How to Design a Landscape Garden: A Complete Guide

Updated: Oct 29

Creating a beautiful landscape garden is more than just planting flowers and laying out pathways. It's about blending natural elements, plants, and hardscapes to craft a space that enhances the beauty of your property and provides a functional outdoor retreat.


Whether it's starting from scratch or reworking a garden that may already be in place, this all-inclusive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to design a landscape garden that is both pleasing and practical.


So, let's get started.

A 3d garden design render of a luxury back garden with an outdoor kitchen, seating areas, plants and flowers at the border, garden shed and natural turf area for children.

Understanding the Basics of Landscape Design


Landscape design is both an art and a science. It requires immense knowledge regarding nature and knowledge of design principles such as proportion, balance, and colour coordination.


Before selecting the plant or decoration, a proper idea of what should be achieved in your garden is profoundly essential.


The Role of Landscape Decorators


Working with professional landscape contractors can make the design process smoother and more efficient. Such professionals help in translating your vision into reality by choosing modern landscape plants, materials, and layout that suit your space and way of life.


If you are a DIY, then you will still go ahead and learn from their expert valuable insights on how to make your home back garden functional and beautiful.


Step-by-Step Guide to Designing a Landscape Garden


Here's how you can design a landscape garden:


1.) Assess Your Space


The very first step in any landscape project should be that you take a look at your outdoor space. Understand the shape and size, and what features exist in your garden.


1.    Measure the area: Ascertain the total spaces available so, in turn, you can plan your garden accordingly.


2.    Observe patterns of sun and shade: During the day, sun and shade will hit your outdoor living space in different ways. This will determine which plants could be used.


3.    Identify drainage issues: You will need to ensure that water drains properly without accumulating in one area, which may damage your plants.


4.    Soil type: Knowing your soil type will help you choose plants that thrive naturally in your garden's natural environment.


2.) Choose a Theme for Your Garden


The theme of your garden will set the general tone and atmosphere of the space. Numerous styles are available that one can adapt for their garden design, each offering s



omething different in style and vibe.


Modern Garden Design


For those who prefer a clean, minimalist look, modern garden design is an ideal choice. This style brings simplicity with sleeker lines, geometric shapes, and a limited colour palette.


Stone, steel borders, and smooth concrete surfaced hardscapes are the most common elements used to catch the mood in a modern setting.


Other trending themes include:


  • Cottage garden: A more informal, whimsical look with oodles of colourful flowers.


  • Mediterranean garden: This would involve plants that can withstand drought, such as lavender and rosemary, and are ideal for very hot climates.


  • Tropical garden: The lush foliage, large-leafed plants, and vibrant flowers create this exotic feel.


3.) Plan the Layout


After you have identified your theme, identify how you will lay out the various elements of your garden. A good design ensures both functionality and beauty in your garden.


1.    Zoning: This is where you divide your garden into zones based on usage. You may want a seating area, a pathway, a children's play area, or an area for growing vegetables. This helps to decide how much area each function needs.


2.    Focal Points: Every garden should have at least one focal point visible to draw the eye to it, be it a water feature, sculpture, or large, unusual plant. They are what give structure and direct traffic within a given space.


3.    Flow: Consider the flow of people through the garden, and execute pathways in order to make it natural and inviting to the different areas of the garden without disrupting the general aesthetic.


4.) Incorporate Hardscaping Elements


Hardscaping encompasses the non-living factor in your garden design, including pathways, patios, fences, and water features. These will be very important, adding different textures that create depth, structure, and sometimes functionality to the garden area.


  • Pathways and patios: Add transitions around the garden. Natural stone, gravel, and wood are great complements for your plantings.


  • Water features: The beauty of a pond, waterfall, or fountain can be a stunning focal point but also adds in another dimension with the soothing sound of water.


  • Outdoor Lighting: This is also important to improve the beauty of your garden, especially at night. Uplighting trees and solar-powered lanterns down paths are popular options.




5.) Add Final Touches with Decor


To give your landscape garden a finished look, add decor that complements your design. This could be outdoor furniture, planters, garden art, or sculptures. Consider choosing pieces that match the theme of your garden to create a cohesive look.


6.) Maintenance Plan


Even the best-designed garden will need regular maintenance to constantly look good. Create a schedule for pruning, watering, weeding, and fertilising in order to make your plants stay healthy. We offer all of these exclusively to our clients in our comprehensive Aftercare Packages.


Using low-maintenance plants in modern garden design will enable one to reduce time that will be put in upkeep.


Benefits of a Well-Designed Landscape Garden


Some of the rewarding projects are landscape garden designs, which boast many benefits:


  • Increased value of property: A well-designed garden will add value to your house and make it more attractive to potential buyers.


  • Outdoor living space: It's an extension of the home where you can relax, entertain, or simply spend time in outdoors.


  • Environmental impact: A well-thought design incorporating native plants and sustainable practices contributes much to minimizing your peculiar impact on the environment.


  • Well-being: There is proof that spending time outdoors reduces stress and improves one's mental health. A garden is a haven in which to retreat for private relaxation.


Conclusion

That's how you can design a landscape garden. Inspect your space, choose your theme, and select the right modern landscape plants to complement certain hardscaping elements to create a beautiful outdoor area that completes the beauty of your home and provides you with a functional, peaceful retreat.


If you feel like you'd like our team to take the stress out of designing and building your garden for you, click below and book a free design consultation. Make your dreams a reality.


Don't forget to download our '9 Common Mistakes To Avoid For Homeowners' guide!




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