"Getting Started Is Half Done" is an old saying that says something like this. I see this a lot when people who want to do their own landscaping have trouble coming up with their first design idea. But once they set up the basic design elements, things usually go pretty smoothly from there on out.
Not surprisingly, the most common question I get about landscape design is "where do I start?" or "how do I start my design?" I know that it can be hard. And even more so if you don't know what you want your design to look like.
So how do you start? How do you start your landscape or garden design?
Even though every design is different and every designer has their own rules and principles, I've found that most DIYers have the most success when they start from the same place. Start by putting down any paths, driveways, access routes, or walking areas that might be needed. And make sure people can get to any areas you plan to make. In many designs, this will help set up a framework that you can then work with.
Obviously, this won't work for all designs, since some don't need any access or travel. So do what you can to follow this advice.
Paths and walkways can be used for many things in your garden or landscape. Their main purpose is, of course, to make a place for people to walk.
But in design and as a design tool, they could be used to lead people to, through, or away from another part of the garden. They are also a great way to break up a large lawn, meadow, or bed area.
First, let's look at things like walkways, paths, and the like as important parts.
You or your guests will need walkways to get from one place to another. Almost every house has a path that leads to the front door, which is where most people want their guests to come. So, "guide" or "lead" people to, through, or away from an area, you need walks, whether they are fancy (brick, flagstone, etc.) or simple (gravel, mulch, etc.).
So, where are the important places where you need other ways to get there or to get around? Maybe from the back door to the alley where you throw away trash. Or between the house and the pool. Or from where the pool is to where the kids play or where you cook outside. You see what I mean.
In a design sense.
Setting up places to walk, drive, and get to will help create borders and limits. Once you've set up your walkways, you can easily plan the rest of your landscaping around them. The same is true for driveways and parking lots. You can put flower beds on one or both sides of a path, or you can use the path as a border.
If you can, try to keep it interesting.
If you wanted to put a sitting area at the back of the garden, for example. You would need a way for you and your guests to get there, of course. But instead of making a straight line, why not make a winding route that takes you through other interesting parts of the garden?
Curves and paths that wind around do more than just look interesting. They can also make it look like there is more room, distance, or travel. This helps a lot when making small gardens and landscapes.
After you build the walkways, driveways, and access points, you'll have a good starting point for the rest of the design. Now, you can just build around them.
