Do It Yourself Landscape Design - Where To Begin
By Steve Boulden, Tue Jan 10th
There's an old saying that states something like - "GettingStarted Is Half Finished". And so many times I find this to betrue as I see do it yourself landscapers struggle to find theirinitial design idea. However, once they establish a framework ofnecessary design elements, it usually goes pretty smooth fromthere.
It's not surprising that the most common landscape designquestion that I get is - "where do I begin?" or "how do I startmy design?". I know it can be difficult. And especially if youdon't have a vision for your design.
So where do you begin? How do you start your landscape or gardendesign?
While every design is different and every designer follows a setof rules and principles, I find that most do it yourselfers allhave the greatest success from using the same starting point.Begin by laying down any paths, driveways, access routes, orwalk areas that might be needed. And also create access to anyareas that you may plan on creating. In many designs, this willhelp to establish a framework that you can simply design around.Of course, this won't be applicable in all designs as many don'trequire any access or travel. So take and use this advice whereand if you can.
Paths and walkways can accomplish many functions in yourlandscape or garden. Their main function, of course, is tocreate a designated space for people to walk on.
However, in design and as an aid to design, their function couldbe to guide your visitors to, through, or away from some otherarea in the garden. Also, they're a great way to break up a vastexpanse of lawn, meadow, or bed area.
First, let's look at walkways, paths, and such as necessaryelements.
Walkways are needed to guide visitors or yourself to and fromanother area. Observe that almost every home has a walkwayleading to the front door, which is, of course, where most folkswant to invite guests to come. So walks, whether refined (brick,flagstone, etc.) or primitive (gravel, mulch, etc.), arenecessary to "guide" or "lead" visitors to, through, or awayfrom an area. So where are the necessary areas where you needother
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