Good Design Basics
An understanding of simple design procedures is all you need to develop a plan for a unique and interesting garden, in any location.
With a minimum of fuss, the Simplistick Garden Planner can supply you with the necessary tools to produce a professional looking garden design which is only limited by your imagination and the size of your yard.
Good design is the cornerstone of any individual and beautiful landscape; you do not need to be a professional to realise your garden dreams.
Research is the key. Use as many sources as possible, take walks around your neighbourhood, take photos, visit your local nursery or botanical gardens, purchase or borrow gardening magazines, join a gardening club or go online and see what you can find.
An understanding of simple design procedures is all you need to develop a plan for a unique and interesting garden in any location, taking into consideration how you will ultimately use your garden space. Once you have all your photos, notes and clippings, you can begin thinking about sunny spots, shady regions, entertainment spaces and the utility area of your new garden.
"Making the simple complex is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity."
Charles Mingus.
Now you’re ready to design. Sketch out your ideas on paper beforehand, keeping the following in mind as you go:
Now you’re ready to design. Sketch out your ideas on paper beforehand, keeping the following in mind as you go:
Planning Measure up your garden area, starting with the boundary and position of the house in relation to the garden. Sketch the outline on the graph paper, draw in any existing features that will be kept, existing structures, sheds or substantial trees etc. Make sure your dimensions are correct and that the scale drawing is 1:100 scale and looks ‘right’ on paper.
Aspect Locate north and mark it on your plan. Being aware of your location and how your garden is affected by the sun at different times of the year is very important for its future survival and the functionality of your garden in the long run. Note any sunny, partial sun or shady areas and design to best suit these conditions. Remember that as the seasons change these areas will also change slightly.
Function Make a list of your functional requirements. Do you need a play area, vegetable garden, utility area, barbecue or entertaining patio? Do you have pets? Will your family’s needs change over time? Remember to be flexible with your expectations. Life and circumstances change, but good basic planning can make the difference when adapting or changing your garden in the future, should the need arise.
Access Where will the points of entry and exit be? Are you aiming for a slow leisurely walk or quick paths from one part of the garden to another? Is there a thoroughfare or a winding uncomfortable path to negotiate? Remember any specific access requirements. Do you need to have ramps and wide paths for wheelchairs or prams?
Proportion The size and relationships of the areas of the garden should be balanced with each other and the garden as a whole. No one area should be more dominant than another.
Scale Not to be confused with the scale or size of the plan, this is the size relationship of the individual components and plants to the garden as a whole. For example; a tree, which grows to 5m, may not be suitable for a courtyard garden. A large garden may look unbalanced if only small plantings are used. Consider and research the size that plantings will reach over time.
Style Here is one of the major areas for consideration in planning. This is the stage where you need to make decisions about the type of garden you require, whether it is formal, cottage, contemporary, low maintenance, native, or based on another culture or area. Style does not only need to be classed into these categories, but can also be described with emotional words; restful, elegant, colourful, romantic, symbolic and friendly. Another style of garden worthy of consideration is sensory. Choose plants that stimulate all five senses, visual, fragrant, textural, taste (a herb or vegetable garden) and sound, by using wind chimes and water features. The style of garden should reflect your needs, compliment your home and any existing structures.
Focal Point Your focal point is an area that draws the eye. This could be a water feature, your prized flowers or a specimen or architectural plant.
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