Designing a Garden from Scratch: Resources for Western New York Homeowners

New homeowners in western New York want to design and build their garden themselves. House completes late this year. Starting with tree research but need comprehensive guidance on books, websites, and process.

Essential Design Process (In Order)

1. Site Analysis – Sun/shade, wind, drainage, views, utilities, soil test
2. Program Development – How will you use the space? (Entertaining, play, vegetables, wildlife, etc.)
3. Conceptual Design – Bubble diagrams, circulation, spatial relationships
4. Hardscape First – Grading, retaining, patios, walls, paths, irrigation, lighting
5. Planting Design – Trees, shrubs, perennials, lawn areas
6. Implementation Phasing – Budget-driven timeline

Recommended Books

• Landscape Design: A Practical Approach – Leroy Hannebaum (textbook thoroughness)
• Introduction to Landscape Design – John L. Motloch (academic foundation)
• Timeless Landscape Design: The Four-Part Master Plan – Hugh & Mary Palmer Dargan (design philosophy)
• Planting Design Illustrated – Gang Chen (plant selection/composition)
• The Well-Designed Mixed Garden – Tracy DiSabato-Aust (plant combinations)

Key Online Resources

• Irrigation.org – Irrigation Association (design standards, calculators)
• APLD.org – Association of Professional Landscape Designers
• Cornell Gardening Resources – gardening.cornell.edu (Zone 5-6 specific)
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Excellent plant database
• Local CCE – Cornell Cooperative Extension for your county

Western New York Specifics

• USDA Zone 5b-6a (varies by elevation/proximity to lakes)
• Heavy clay soils common – amend with compost, not sand
• Deer pressure – plan resistant plants or fencing
• Winter salt damage – avoid sensitive plants near drives/walks
• Lake effect snow – structural plants for winter interest

Professional Help Worth Investing In

• Soil test ($30-50) – before any planting
• Irrigation design – pro design, DIY install possible
• Hardscape engineering – for walls over 3 feet, complex grading
• One-time design consultation – $500-1500 can prevent costly mistakes

Golden Rules

• Plan the entire property before building anything
• Install irrigation before planting
• Invest in hardscape quality – it's expensive to fix
• Start with structural trees – they take longest to mature
• Be patient – great gardens take 3-5 years to establish

Your tree-first instinct is correct. Large trees define the garden's ceiling and structure. Choose them carefully.