- 1). Draw the layout of your yard to scale using graph paper and a tape measure. Include the house, trees and other permanent elements. Note low-lying areas with drainage issues, and spots that receive only a few hours of sun each day. Leave space to the side of the diagram to make notes on specific materials and plant selections.
- 2). Make a list of the features you want to add. Consider the different activities your family will use the yard for and how to accommodate them. For instance, if you have small children, plan to leave enough grass open for play. Include vegetable and flower gardens, a patio, fish pond or any other elements you want to add. If your budget and time line are smaller than your wish list, prioritize the list and leave space to add these elements in the future (see Reference 1).
- 3). Choose the best location for your garden. Many plants grow best with at least eight hours of full sun. The garden will also need regular access to water so consider the site's proximity to the water source. Use a pH soil testing kit to test the soil. If the pH level is too high or low, plan to balance it with fertilizer and a mix of equal parts compost and native topsoil.
- 4). Plot out the garden on your diagram. Choose plants that match the growing conditions of your yard. Select flowers that will mature to different heights and produce different-colored blossoms. Choose a mix of flowers that bloom in spring and summer along with evergreen plants for year-round color. Plan to plant the largest plants in the back of the garden so they don't block the sun (see Reference 2).
- 5). Choose the location, size and shape of your intended patio or deck. Decide if you'll use brick, pavers, stone, timbers or another material for the surface.
- 6). Draw a path from your front driveway to the patio. Use the same paving material for the walkway as for the patio, or choose a complementary material. For instance, a walkway of river rocks accentuates the rustic appeal of a stone patio.
- 7). Draw a path for a landscape drainage pipe from the foot of a hill to a designated soakaway. Plan to install the pipe in a trench, and then fill the trench with pea gravel and cover it with sod to disguise it.
- 8). Mark each garden, walkway and other features with a border. Borders reduce your maintenance by blocking weeds and grass from encroaching, and give a finished look to a yard. Bricks, timbers and stones are a few examples of materials to use.
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