Do it Yourself Landscaping Designs

Walk the lot to determine the best locations for gardens. Many flowers and vegetable plants thrive in full sun. If you intend to have a vegetable garden or raised flower beds, identifying the areas with the best soil, drainage and sun will give your garden a good chance to flourish.

Select the types of plants, shrubs and trees you want to add based on your growing conditions and the amount of maintenance you intend to do. Choose hardy perennials and ground-cover if you don't want to re-plant every year or have to mow the entire lawn. Leave space for annuals if you want to try new flowers each season. Select evergreen shrubs for year-round greenery and fragrant plants like lavender or jasmine to plant near walkways and seating areas.

Measure out the amount of space you want for a patio area with a tape measure. If possible, consider placing the patio as close to the back door as possible to give you easy access to the kitchen for dining. Note on the diagram if the location will offer privacy or if a fence, trees or other natural privacy screen should be installed. (see ref 1)

Choose the course for the walkway based from the driveway to patio or front entrance. A straight, angular path is easy to install and has a classic look. Winding walkways feel organic and offer guests a tour through your garden or other features before arriving at the patio.

Select hardscape materials for the walkway, driveway and patio surfaces. Whether you choose natural stone pieces, pavers or gravel, your paved surfaces will add color and contrast to the landscape. Choose irregularly-shaped flagstone or slate for a rustic look or pavers to create a patio with an intricate design. Pair multiple materials like a paver patio and gravel walkways for a casual feel. (see ref 2)

Decide what type of borders you want for walkways, gardens and flower beds. Borders do double duty; blocking weeds and encroaching grass from entering and retaining soil in gardens, while also adding definition and structure to landscape features. Pavers, natural stone, gravel and low-growing flowers with a layer of mulch are a few examples of boarders that enhance a yard.