Whether you're looking to transform your outside space into somewhere peaceful to sit and think that requires minimal maintenance, you want to have a fun area for children to play in or you simply want to surround yourself with beautiful colours and exhilarating scents, taking the time to properly plan your landscaping project is essential.
Find Inspiration
The best time to start planning your perfect garden is the moment you decide that it needs to change. Don't make the mistake of rushing out and buying things without going through the planning stage first, as you run the risk of ending up with mismatched items you have no use for. Begin your planning by seeking inspiration from the world around you and visiting public gardens, shows and even other people's houses to get a feel for what you do and do not like. Try sketching out your ideas, or take images from magazines or the internet to help you picture your perfect space.
If you are struggling for inspiration then our store staff are on hand in branch to talk through ideas with you. Using their years of experience and in depth product knowledge they will be able to advise you on the best materials for the job and also roughly the quantities that you need as well as the cost it will be.
Budget & Pricing
A key part of the planning stage is to decide how much you are willing to spend and also to see how much individual items actually cost. From block paving and stepping stones to fencing, decking, sleepers and soils, as well as plants, taking the time to understand the full range of landscaping options available to you will make it easier to consider all the possibilities that you can employ once you begin to create your dream garden. It's all too easy to get carried away with ideas and find your costs escalating out of control, so having a figure in mind right from the start can help to rein you in when it comes to options that are out of your price range. You might also realise that getting what you want will cost more than you think and decide to allocate more funds to the project.
Other Potential Complications
If you're planning a major project involving significant amounts of excavation, you'll need to factor in waste disposal, either privately or through your local council. Proper planning will also make it easier to judge whether this is work you can do by yourself, you'll need to draft in friends and family or you need to call in the services of a professional. You'll also need to check whether you need any form of permission to do the work you are planning to carry out, as regulations can vary from one area to another. Take a look at our planning permission guide for more information.
Keeping Your Landscape Fresh And New
One of the easiest ways to transform any outdoor space is to fill it with a selection of plants. If you choose the right trees, flowers and shrubs, you can ensure your garden will be a pleasure to look at all year round. If you're concerned about getting bored with the same look year after year, consider potted plants and flowers. Used wisely, this option can be just as colourful and stunning but has the advantage of being movable, allowing you to switch arrangements whenever the mood takes you. If you want to go down either of these routes, the planning stage remains vital. You'll need to determine the amount of sun and shade available in the areas you wish to landscape to ensure your new creation is there to enjoy year after year.