planning and garden design for water wise, easy care spaces

A site appraisal and analysis of existing conditions and features to ensure a well planned garden.  Consider the following:

• Orientation, sun and shade, summer and winter sun, prevailing winds
• Topography and water run off
• Soil types, water holding capacity, compaction, water repellence, fertility levels
• Availability of accessible ground water
• Capacity to harvest water on site, rain water tanks, grey water systems, on site sewerage management
• Location of services
• Views into and out of the site
• Noise to block or enhance
• Existing features, structures and materials to remove or retain
• Overall area available for the garden
• Site assets and liabilities

To create functional and user-friendly garden spaces you must also consider practical and lifestyle requirements such as:

• Activities to be undertaken in the space and by whom
• Outdoor living spaces desired (barbecues, seating areas)
• Garden structures
• Shade structures
• Utility spaces (clothes drying, compost and storage areas)
• Special needs (vegetable garden, swimming pool etc)
• Aesthetic requirements
• Plant preference and design styles (native / exotic, formal / informal etc)
• How plants and structures can affect climate control within the home (light and shade)
• Materials preference
• Maintenance expectations
• Budget available