DesignMyGarden.ca

Our 10-step process: 

 

1. What is the size of your property?  Size of your space dictates what trees, shrubs, perennials and annual flowers you can plant. 
    

2. What direction does your house face? The direction your house faces dictates the light pattern on your property. This will determine the type of garden you will have. For example:  full sun, partial shade, or full shade.
    

3. What is the style of your house? The style of your house will influence the style of your garden, along with the light pattern, to accentuate your property.
   
   See “Foundation Plantings," paragraph #9 below.
    

4. What needs hiding? Trees and shurbs can help camouflage unattractive elements on your property such as gas meters and telephone boxes. 
    

5. How will the garden enhance your lifestyle? Do you want a seating area in your front garden? Or, do you want to create privacy in a front garden? Do you want a children’s play area in your backyard? A patio or deck? Do you want a vegetable garden?  A swimming pool?  A garden pond? 
   
   Collectively, these elements are known as hardscaping. It is best that hardscaping is done first, before planting.
    

6. What type of soil do you have? There are three types of soil—loam, sand, or clay—determine how well various plants grow. Soil remediation can improve the health of your plants. 
    

7. Pick a garden style. Themes include: French, English, Italian, Islamic, Japanese, or desert gardens. You can isolate elements from each and incorporate them into your garden design. 
    

8. A focal point for your garden. You need a big idea, something people will talk about. A focal point can be a garden pond, a special tree, a sculpture, a birdbath, or dramatic lighting.
    

9. Foundation plantings join your house to your property. Foundation plants visually eleminate the concrete foundation your house sits on while framing the house on your property. 
    

10. We sketch several garden design options. Based on the consultation discussion, we give you design concepts for you to keep.

For ideas, click on:
Small Garden Design
Front Garden Design

For more ideas, click on:
Elements of Garden Design

Garden Design Styles

Now that our consultation is complete and your creativity is blooming, let us create some exciting garden concepts that we can explore together.
 

Commission DesignMyGarden.ca to create a complete garden design and planting plan for your front garden, backyard, side yard—or all three. Read about Step 2 here.