Get your land surveyed by a builder or developer. You can also get the same information from your local county records office. Surveying your land gives you accurate measurements for the property.
Transfer the actual measurements for your property to graphing paper at a ratio of one inch on the paper equals 10 feet of property.
Add the permanent structures to the graphing paper using your scale. Your home and garage are the main permanent structures. Trees, sheds, barns, driveway, concrete paths and swimming pools should also be added. Basically anything that will interfere with the landscaping.
Make a few copies of your graphing paper plan so far. This way, you can try out different landscaping options and don't have to worry about making mistakes.
Add the landscaping elements to the graphing paper. Trees, shrubs, plants, flowers, gardens, paths, mulch, stones, boulders and other landscaping elements can be added all around your home. Try out a few different options until you find the combination that's right for you and your property.