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What You Absolutely MUST Know About Planning And Landscape Design To Save Time, Money And Headaches

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