Do you dream of a corner of a green paradise of your own in which you can lounge for hours without much effort? Whether it is large or small, whether it is an entire plot of land, a balcony, or a terrace, know that with good planning and a little imagination (as well as a few tips and tricks ), you will be able to make your wish come true, no matter the location… Follow the guide!
1. Vocation
Determining the site’s purpose allows you to maximize the space you have available and avoid inconvenience and unnecessary expenses. Whether you are designing a balcony or a backyard, you must take the time to clearly define your priorities:
- What are the main needs that your new landscaping will have to meet?
- How many people will use the premises regularly?
- Do you want a dining area, a small bistro for an aperitif, a relaxation area for reading, a lounge for receiving guests, a spa, etc.??
2. Exhibition
It’s no secret that plants need light to thrive. By observing the path of the sun at different times of the day (8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m.) using photos or sketches, you will be able to define the role of each zone of your layout and select the plants adapted to the conditions of your environment.
3. Regulation
Many municipalities have established regulations related to landscaping. Before starting certain horticultural work, contact your municipality so as not to violate the regulations in place. Here are some examples of restrictions that may be imposed:
- height of hedges in the rear yard and in front not to be exceeded;
- distance to be respected between an inert element and the adjoining property line;
- watering ban;
- holding a permit for certain work;
- clearance of traffic lanes.
4. Choice of plants
After assessing the sunshine, set off to discover the plant world. Visit your garden center on several occasions throughout the summer season. This will help you create a garden that you can enjoy during all four seasons. Trees, shrubs, and flowers are the basis of all gardens. They form the skeleton that will give movement and permanence to your layout. Avoid combining too many colors and varieties in the same bed and make sure you have visual appeal for each season (e.g. early spring flowering, successive flowering throughout the summer, flamboyant foliage in ‘autumn, or fruits persisting into winter).
5. Children and pets welcome
Adapt outdoor living areas so that they can meet the needs of children, young and old. Allow them to move around easily and play in peace. The same goes for dogs and cats because even if you try to accustom them to your new environment, they will tend to stick with their old habits.
6. Pots, furniture, and co…
Adding furniture adapted to your needs as well as the size of the allocated space, ornamental or vegetable pots, or any other decorative or utilitarian element will personalize your project and reinforce the theme. The choice of resistant materials that will last over time is a priority. Here, quality takes precedence over quantity.
7. Privacy of the premises
Even on a balcony, it is possible to protect the place from prying eyes. Opt for green or inert screens that meet your needs. Climbing plants attached to trellises or a fence are very effective and take up less space than a hedge of conifers or shrubs. Removable screens are very useful for preserving the privacy of the terrace or balcony.
8. Dare to be original
Don’t hesitate to personalize your corner of paradise. Sculptures, stained glass windows, frames, mirrors, furniture, colorful decorative accessories, everything has its place outside, even garden gnomes! It’s about integrating them well into the decor and respecting the existing theme. Invite bird life and pollinators, create scented areas, and in short, let your imagination run wild… This garden is yours.
9. Bring ecology and maintenance together
Opt for ecological products, safe for the environment and living beings. Prefer natural fertilizers to synthetic fertilizers and stop fighting against nature. Select drought-resistant plants adapted to your climate (hardiness zone). The right plant is in the right place, again and again.
10. Time allocated for gardening
When planning, it is important to take into consideration the time you will have to allocate to maintaining your project. For novices, start by creating small plots; This will make it easier for you to calculate the maintenance time. Be realistic and honest with yourself.
