Top Do’s & Don’ts of Landscaping & Garden Design Projects

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Thinking of giving your backyard a much needed makeover? Landscaping and garden design can turn your outdoor area into a personal paradise, an escape from reality or even the perfect entertainment zone.

However, before jumping straight into your project, there’s a bit more involved than just choosing plants and installing some pavers. The right choices will turn your garden into a show stopper, whilst the wrong ones will cost you time and money. Whether you’re planning a complete overhaul or simply looking to breathe new life into existing landscape, knowing the top do’s and don’ts can point you in the right direction.

Let’s dive into some of the most important considerations to keep your project on track.

The Do’s

Hire a Licensed Carpenter for Your Decking and Pergola Needs

If your landscaping plans include features like decking, pergolas, or other wood structures, you’ll definitely want to hire a licensed carpenter. It may be easy to give in to the temptation of going the DIY route and saving some money, however professional carpenters bring skill as well as safety into the equation.

A beautifully constructed deck or pergola can not only add value and style to your space but also provides a sturdy, lasting addition that can withstand the elements. Carpentry goes beyond driving nails into wood —  you need to know the properties of different types of woods and how they react across seasons, what structural components need reinforcement and which ones can be left out to cut down costs etc. — all things a licensed professional would have mastered by now.

Moreover, safety is a major concern with wooden structures. Decks and pergolas that are not constructed to code can be extremely dangerous. A professional carpenter can ensure that your structure is not only safe and secure, but also meets the local building regulations. Investing in a professional may seem like an upfront expense but it will save you from having to do more repairs down the road — or worse, dealing with potential hazards that can arise when your DIY might not work out as planned.

Plan Your Space with Purpose

Every successful landscaping project starts with a solid and well thought out plan. This isn’t just about where your plants and paths will go, but also about the purpose of your garden. Is it for entertaining, a place to be quiet, or are you planning on a vegetable garden?

Consider exactly how you and your family will be utilising the area and plan accordingly to really transform your garden space with purpose. Incorporate seating, play areas, outdoor cooking facilities or storage. When each section of your garden has a purpose, your space will not only look stunning but also be practical and enjoyable to use.

Also, remember to think about  the flow of your garden — how people will move through the space and how each area connects with the others. Proper planning helps avoid creating a space that seems confusing or cluttered. Drawing your ideas on paper or enlisting the help of a professional garden designer can help to clarify your ideas and design.

Prioritise Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to landscaping, there is a wide variety of plants, features and decor to get lost in. However, opting for quality over quantity is key to creating a garden that stands the test of time. This principle applies to literally everything from plant selection to materials for pathways and furniture. A good mixture of features will be more attractive and cost less to maintain than a motley collection of cheap extras crowded into your garden space.

Invest in high-quality soil, robust plants suited to your local climate, and durable materials that can handle wear and tear. Aside from looking better, quality plants also perform better. They’ll be more resistant to pests and diseases, all while maintaining their appearance over the years. When you prioritise quality over everything else, you won’t have to spend time replacing, fixing or managing issues, saving you a ton of money and effort in the long run.

The Don’ts

Don’t Overlook the Importance of Proper Drainage

Drainage — it’s one of those things that is left to chance in so many landscaping projects, and we’re not quite sure why! In reality, a poorly designed drainage system can quickly turn your beautiful garden into a murky swamp that kills all your beautiful plants, damage structures, and degrades soil quality.

Assess your garden’s topography and locate the lowest points where water might be pooling. You should also take note of how water naturally moves during downpours. Once you’ve got a clearer picture, avoid placing plants in areas prone to waterlogging, and ensure your paths and patio areas have slight slopes to guide water away from your home’s foundation.

Investing time in understanding the drainage of your property will prevent costly mistakes later on. Improper drainage can cause all kinds of issues from soil erosion, to rotting roots, and even making its way into your house…yikes! When in doubt, a professional can advise you on the best solutions including French drains, swales or other alternatives to keep your garden dry and vibrant.

Don’t Go Overboard with Hardscaping

Hardscaping — think paving, stone walls and water features — can add so much sophistication to your garden but in design, sometimes less is certainly more. Too much hardscape can make your garden feel stark and unwelcoming, and it can also make your garden feel a lot warmer in the summer months. Balance is key; for every paved area, consider adding green elements like garden beds, shrubs, or climbers to soften the look. The idea with hardscape is that it should work to enhance your garden, not compete with it.

Overuse of hard furnishings can also ruin the natural configuration of your garden and cause functional problems like poor drainage and heat retention. Rather than covering large areas with cement pavers, consider incorporating gravel paths, mulch or stepping stones surrounded by greenery. These choices keep the practical merits of hardscaping while also preserving the softer, more welcoming atmosphere of your garden.

Don’t Plant Without Considering Growth and Maintenance Needs

Sometimes, the allure of bright beautiful flowers and lovely lush foliage prompts gardeners to make impulse-buys with little thought given to growth and maintenance needs. As tempting as it can be to grab those attractive blooms at your local nursery, you will be better off if you avoid cramming your garden with high-maintenance plants or even garden turf that require constant pruning, watering, or pest control. Not all plants are created equal, and some will only survive with almost constant care and attention. So, ensure the plants you select are appropriate for your particular climate, soil characteristic or the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to gardening and upkeep.

On a separate note, you should also do some research into how big each plant will grow. A cute little sapling today could very well turn into a massive tree tomorrow, overshadowing other plants and even causing damage to structures or pathways. Take the time to research each plant’s mature size and care needs or you’ll end up with a jungle of high-maintenance headaches on your hands!

Conclusion

Landscaping and garden design are all about creating a space that feels like you — whether that’s a relaxing at-home oasis, the ultimate hangout spot with your friends or just a modern, chic space. By sticking to these do’s and don’ts, you’ll avoid the rookie mistakes and set yourself up for success.

In short — don’t play it by ear, plan thoughtfully, spend wisely and maintain a balance between nature and structure. Keep it functional, keep it fresh, and most importantly, make it a space you can’t wait to spend time in.

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