How to Plan an Outdoor Project

Measure the current boundaries of your propert, using the measuring tape, and draw a scale version of the property layout on the graph paper. Include locations of existing trees, fences and an outline of the house. Make each square of the graph paper equal to 1 foot for ease of visualization.

Sketch out exactly where the garden or other project will be located on your property map, using a colored pencil. Outside, use spray paint to outline on the grass where the garden or building will be located, according to the property map. This will help you visualize the location and size of what you intend to build, as well as its proximity to other objects in the yard.

Design what you intend to build using a second piece of graph paper. Make this design larger in scale, with each block of the graph paper equivalent to 6 inches. For gardens, use colored pencils to indicate what plantings you will be using, as well as borders. Determine the mature size of trees, bushes and flowers, using circles to denote their positions relative to one another so that you do not overcrowd the garden when planting it.

Write up a materials list based on your project plan. For a garden, this means a list including all the plants needed for the project. Transfer the design to the project site, and then begin building your project.