Gardening From The Ground Up

 


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Drawing a Landscape Plan

The following section describes how to draw a landscape plan that embodies the elements of good design. For those who want the fun and satisfaction of preparing their own landscape plan, preparations include the following steps:

  • Prepare the map
  • Decide how the ground area is to be used
  • Place use areas on the map
  • Develop the landscape plan
  • Prepare a planting plan

By following these steps, you will be able to develop a final plan that can be implemented over several years as time and money permit.

Step 1 - Preparing a Baseline Map. Prepare a scale map of the home grounds. Use graph paper and let one square equal so many feet, or draw the map to scale using a ruler or an engineer’s scale.  
 

Small Lot 1 inch = 10 feet
Large Lot 1 inch = 8 feet

Scale

  Engineer
   
   
1 inch = 20 feet Ruler 1 inch = 16 feet

The map should include the following:

  • Property lines
  • Undesirable features of home grounds or of adjoining property
  • North point
  • Views — use arrows to show the direction of each good view House, garage and other buildings Doors, windows, porches and room location
  • Existing trees and rock outcroppings
  • Walks and driveways, if already constructed
  • Contour of the land; use an arrow to show the direction of surface water flow
  • Scale used
  • Location of septic tank or sewer lines

Step 2 - Deciding the Ground Area. Items listed below are most often included in the final development. Make a list that suits your individual needs. Front lawn area or public area

  • Outdoor living or private area
  • Laundry area
  • Children’s play area
  • Vegetable garden
  • Small fruit garden
  • Cooking and eating area
  • Driveway
  • Guest parking
  • Turnabouts
  • Garden pools
  • Flower beds
  • Walks Garage
  • Any other items particular to your land areas
Step 3 - Placing Use Areas on the Map. Place use areas on the map. Fit them together with two considerations, traffic flow and use. To decide where things should be, answer the following questions. How will people move from one area to another or from the house to an outside area? Will movement be comfortable? Will the outdoor area be functional in relation to the house? Will it make use of existing features such as views or changes in the terrain? Try different combinations in relation to rooms of the house, surrounding areas and potential views.

Step 4 - Develop the Landscape Plan. Design driveways, parking areas and walks. Indicate where plant masses are needed to separate areas, screen undesirable views and provide shade, windbreaks and beauty.
At this point, do not attempt to name trees and shrubs. Instead, think in terms of plant masses that will serve a purpose and help tie the various areas together into a unified plan, while considering the design elements previously discussed.
In preparing the plan, use landscape symbols to indicate trees and shrub masses.
Draw symbols to scale to represent the actual amount of space that will be involved. For example, a white pine tree at maturity will have a spread of approximately 20 feet. Thus, make the scale diameter of the symbol 20 feet. Indicate on the map where paving, plants and structures will be located.
In developing the plan, check to see if the proposed scheme is practical and if you can answer the following questions satisfactorily.

  • Is the driveway design pleasing, useful and safe?
  • Does the driveway have a safe entrance? Is there a turnabout? Guest parking?
  • Will guests use the front door?
  • Are service areas convenient and screened from public view?
  • Will the proposed drive be too steep?
  • Are walkways convenient?
  • Will the view be attractive from the indoor living areas?
  • Has a living area been provided and is it screened from the neighbors?
  • Is the clothesline if there is to be one close to the laundry?
  • Do all the parts fit together into a unified plan?
  • Has a good setting, background and privacy been provided?
  • Are the house and major plants set back in case the highway department or local government decides to widen the road or street?
  • If public utilities are not available will the proposed location of a septic tank and drainage fields interfere with planting needed shade trees?

Step 5 - General and Specific Planting Plan. First, for each tree or shrub mass on the plan, make a set of specifications. These specifications should include the following:

  • Height - low, medium or tall
  • Form - spreading, upright, arching or globe
  • Purpose - shade, background, hedge, screen, accent or mass
  • Seasonal Interest - fruit, flowers or foliage
  • Type - evergreen, broadleaf evergreen or deciduous
  • Maintenance - subject to insects or plant diseases
  • Cultural Needs - shade, sunlight and moisture requirements

Then, select a plant or group of plants to meet the specifications. Consult garden books and nursery catalogs or visit a local nursery. Become familiar with plant materials and discuss your plan with nurserymen.

On the map developed in Step 4, designate specific plantings.

02/01/2009
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