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What do you want in your garden? |
Do you want shade trees, a vegetable garden and fruit trees, a compost heap, room for a dog run, or a sandpit and play area for the children? What about space for a workshop, a rose garden, somewhere to park the boat or a barbecue area? Do you need a quiet retreat area where you can relax away from the hustle and bustle, sit back and contemplate the beautiful garden you have created? Perhaps you need a garden retreat or gazebo.
Consider your options and their potential impact on the environment. Fruit trees and vegetables can attract insect pests and plant diseases. Will they be tolerated and minimised by using organic methods? Swimming pools, ferneries and vegetables use large amounts of water which is a scarce and precious resource.
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Who is to do the gardening? |
Even for those who love gardening, finding time can be a problem these days. Vegetable gardens, annuals and other tender plants often need a great deal of attention.
The amount of time you can spend in the upkeep of your garden will affect the success of your final plan. Time spent watering, programming and maintaining sprinklers also needs to be considered. If time is short, perhaps a simple, low maintenance garden would be best.
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What sort of plants will you choose for your garden? |
This is the most exciting and often the most difficult part of planning a garden. Perhaps you would like to develop your garden along a particular theme and create an enclosed Mediterranean garden, a coloured foliage garden, or a native garden.
Consider indigenous plants to your area. Your site may have particular natural features, such as a steep slope which lends itself to a rock garden, or a hot dry climate which lends itself to a desert garden. The plants you choose can have implications for the environment. Some can invade native bushland, others require excessive amounts of water. If you are renovating an established garden, existing plants may need to be pruned, shifted or removed to allow for the creation of your new garden. Some may need to be replaced with more suitable varieties to make the overall design more water efficient.
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What features do you need to improve your house and surroundings? |
The rooms in your home which are used most during the day should have a pleasant outlook. Stark fences or unsightly views can be improved with carefully selected plants. A pool, a fernery or a lawn sited outside a window can be very refreshing. Locate lawns, ferneries and groups of lush plants close to the house to maximise their effects and enjoyment and save water.
Perhaps you need shade plants for a window that faces the midday sun or to create a whole indoor/outdoor patio for summer evenings. A deck, a patio or a courtyard makes a relaxing, restful spot and doubles your entertainments area.
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Does your garden need screening? |
Do you need additional privacy or a noise barrier from heavy traffic nearby? Are front fences permitted? There are many different materials and styles of fencing to choose from and they can be designed to serve other functions. A solid fence can create a noise barrier and a wire fence can provide support for creepers which will make a screen. Perhaps you might like to plant a hedge instead of erecting a fence. A fence or screen will filter strong winds and reduce evaporation by creating shelter for plants. This will reduce the need for added water.
It is important to check with your council before erecting a fence, because many local governments have strict regulations and you may not even be allowed front fences in your area.
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