The perfect antidote to our wet Oregon winter weather is to begin dreaming about what kind of changes you want to make in your outdoor spaces. Winter is the perfect time to plan for changes to make your gardens, porches, decks, and yards beautiful, functional, and exactly what you envision. We are sharing a few tips for designing your own outdoor spaces or hiring a professional to do the “dirty” work.
Tip #1: Ask yourself, “How do I want to use my outdoor space?”
Landscape design is more than choosing where a plant should be. Think about how you want to live in your outdoor space and make those spaces and gardens fit your lifestyle. Will you be entertaining? Relaxing in the sun or a shady retreat? Will the kids be playing outdoors on the lawn? Do you anticipate a combination of all these scenarios? It is important to consider your overall lifestyle and how long you plan on living in your current home. Garden design and landscaping reflect you, so consider your tastes and needs for the future.
Tip #2: Ask yourself, “What are my landscape preferences?”
Take some inspiration from your favorite garden books, magazines, websites, and social media platforms. Sharing photos with your designer or garden center is an excellent way to communicate the colors, textures, and overall look that appeals to you. Pay attention to yards you pass by, walk around your spaces, and note what plants you love and which ones you would like to replace. Knowing what you like and discussing with professionals will result in thoughtful plant and hardscape choices creating a sustainable and beautiful outdoor environment that suits YOU.
Tip #3: Determine your site conditions.
Conduct a thorough site evaluation yourself and with whomever you’re working prior to the design phase. Identify wet or dry areas, erosion issues, sun exposure, pest issues, wind conditions, and privacy and/or storage needs.
Tip #4: Determine your budget.
Think of landscaping like a home remodel or renovation. A new landscape doesn’t have to break the bank. You will want quality materials, plants, and perhaps skilled labor to bring your vision to life.
A landscape plan and design help with selecting which elements you are comfortable implementing yourself and others you want to hire professionals like a licensed landscape contractor or designer for. Design elements and hardscape materials should be chosen that fit your budget and lifestyle. Having a design also allows you to implement your new landscape in phases as your time and money allow. Visit our website to get inspired and gain ideas for your dream landscape. Happy planning and gardening!
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