Things to Consider for a New Landscape Project

Written by: Jenny Verne, Greenscape Gladstone

When you go out in search for your perfect home by either inspecting already built dwellings or designing and building from scratch, you always start with a list of what you want, need and a planned budget. It’s the same for your gardens, lawns and outdoor spaces. Having this list is the best place to start when considering a design for your landscape that will make the perfect environment for you and your family to live in.

Just as you would seek the advice of a designer or builder when building your home, a professional landscaper can provide a consultation service to help you design an attractive and functional garden or yard making the most of the space you have to work with. A good landscaper is well practiced in putting all the pieces together within your budget having considered the size, shape, aspect of the property, the architecture of your home and solar passive opportunities.

Before you start you need to also be clear about how the space will be used.

  • Will it be a private refuge for relaxation and contemplation?
  • Will you need lots of seating options and open spaces for entertaining the family and visitors?
  • Do you have a dog, as there are some plant species that are not suitable to have around animals.
  • Is there easy access to the property for any machinery that might be required in the initial landscape project?
  • Would you like a Vegetable garden or would you prefer native trees to attract birds?

There are so many questions that need to be answered in the planning process and these are just a few.

Your budget is one of the most important starting points to help your Landscaper determine things like how many features to include such as a water feature or fire pit, the quantity and size of plants to install and selecting products such as turf, mulch, stone and soils – of which there are a myriad of choices. Gladstone suburbs are renowned for sloping blocks with lots of rocky ground. Steep sloping blocks can lead to costly retaining walls and considerable issues when it comes around to summer rainfalls and the need for sufficient drainage.

Once you have worked out all the logistics, practicalities and fundamental planning, imagination is key. Get creative! Ask questions and find out the trade secrets like how certain garden bed and lawn designs can elude you into believing you have more space than you actually do.

With the help of a Licensed Landscaper who is well equipped with the tricks of the trade, you can transform your garden into a welcome home show piece that will look good all year round.