Garden Landscaping 101: Define Your Vision Before You Dig

Clients often say "I want something special" but can't define it. Landscaping starts with questions, not plants.

Key Decisions for New Gardens

• Maintenance level: High = work. Will budget hold?
• Color vs. green: Flowers need deadheading; green is calmer.
• Trees: Size, roots, deciduous/evergreen, shade. Roots can lift paths/foundations.
• Lawn grass: Match to sun/shade. Changing later is hard and costly.
• Lawn-to-bed ratio: 70:30 in warm zones; adjust for snow/frost.
• Paths and water features: Install *before* planting. Retrofitting destroys gardens.
• Budget: Phase it. Build toward a master plan—never compromise the vision.

Existing Gardens: Harder

Requires editing, not just adding. "Landscaping 102" needs deep thought.

Answer these first. Then design. Then plant.