Landscape Planning Tools
image by edenpictures/flickr.com
According to the Encarta Dictionary, one
definition of a tool is, "something used as a means of achieving
something." When it comes to landscape planning tools, think beyond
only hand-held or operated items as tools. Tools can be anything that
helps you learn or achieve a goal. As a homeowner, you may find that
you already have access to many landscape planning tools.
Pictures
Take pictures of the area you want to
landscape. If possible, take the pictures from a second-floor window to
achieve a "bird's eye" view. Enlarge the pictures on your computer for
printing out. You can then draw or apply to the picture some scaled
cut-outs of plants, trees or other landscape elements to determine what
works best. At a minimum, pictures you take of your landscape will
become your "before" view.
Take two sets of pictures from the same angles, one in the morning and
one in the late afternoon to see where sunlight hits the landscape. Use
that information to select plants with sunlight requirements that meet
the amount of sunlight available.
Measuring and Layout
Measure the area you want to landscape and
write the figures down to use to determine volume of products needed
like mulch, stone or cement for walkways and plants. Mark off where
walkways or flower beds will be by using stakes and strings, spray paint
or a garden hose.
Drawings
In addition to photographs of the landscape,
or instead of them, use graph paper and colored pencils or pens to draw
the location of items that you want to keep (like a tree). Leave items
out of your drawing that you do not want to keep in the landscape (like
an arbor).
Prepare two drawings. One drawing will be how the landscape appears as
you look straight forward at it. With the first depiction of your
landscape, draw in plants to gain a perspective of what looks best from a
height and color (of flowers or foliage) perspective.
The second drawing will be an overhead view. On this second depiction
of your landscape, draw in the same plants you did on the first drawing
to show how much room they will occupy.
Landscaping Software
Landscaping software can be used in addition
to or in place of hand-renderings. Software is available that provides
you with picture libraries of plants, buildings, trees, fences, pools
and other hard and soft landscape items. After laying out your design
with the plants of choice, the software will allow you to advance the
life-cycle of the plants to see how they will grow over time. This
provides you a glimpse of the future to see how the plants will spread
as they mature.
Soil Test
Samples of soil taken from different areas of
the landscape can be tested to determine if the soil needs additional
nutrients to adequately support plants, helping you plan the proper
vegetation for conditions in your yard.
Idea Sources
Books and magazine on gardening and landscape
design along with the Internet can provide you with ideas on how to
landscape your yard and choose plantings. Sightseeing at arboretums or
around your own town can also prompt ideas. The Internet offers means
to search for your home by address, providing you with an overhead view
of your house and yard. This image could be used to tell you where
vegetation could be added or removed for balance. Maintain a garden
journal of what you have planted to have a record of what did or did not
work. These idea sources are all landscape planning tools.
Knowledge
Check with your county extension office for
advice on landscaping in your area. Master Gardeners work with the
extension office to help county residents at no charge. Seek help from
experienced staff at your local nursery or attend landscape and
gardening forums and seminars.
