The initial step is to select the style of garden which best suits you. Outdoor living and entertaining areas, as well as storage and other practical purposes should be mapped out first, to ensure that you the garden best fits your needs. Once these spaces have been decided, you will then be able to designate areas for lawns or garden beds, should they be in your plans.

Selecting a Style

You may have a number of features which you favour for your garden, however haven’t had the opportunity to view them as one. A good option is to view a Garden style Guide, to help you visualise your ideas and develop them into a complete vision for your garden.

Plants

• When redesigning a garden it is important to plan which plants to retain. Mature plants can be an asset to a garden, in which case it would be ideal to work around them. On the other hand, redesigning also allows you to banish any unwanted plants.
• When deciding on which plants to have, an idea is to make a list of your favourite plants, always keeping in mind the area you have designated to garden beds and other plantings.
• Maintenance is an important factor when selecting a particular style for a garden. The type of plants you choose will determine the amount of maintenance required.
• Effective gardens are those which match the overall style of the house, and take advantage of many of the views. There may be particular factors from the house that you may like expressed within the style of your garden.

Colours

• Colours can determine the overall atmosphere of your garden, and there are a number of factors which will assist you when deciding upon your colour scheme. Factors to consider are:
• The choice of plants – if you desire soothing tones, Australian natives may be ideal, alternatively for a more romantic atmosphere, you may choose a mix of flowering ornamentals.
• Consider the exterior surface and textures of your house.
• Interior colours of your house, to provide a continuity between the house and the garden. Also consider the exterior trim and roof colours.

Outdoor Living Areas

It is beneficial to plan your garden to allow you to extend your living areas, from the interior of your home to the exterior of your garden. In planning your entertaining area, specify how much space to pave, and consider if any cover is required to protect against the elements.

Selecting laying patterns for pavers

There are many patterns to choose from for laying clay pavers, and whilst there are a few factors to consider, it largely comes down to personal choice. When paving a driveway, herringbone is the best choice, as its strong interlocking action provides the best resistance to shunting.(See figures below).

Selecting pavers

It’s important to select the right pavers to complement your garden design. If you’rte also constructing planter boxes, steps, fences, walls or water features, use coordinating bricks.

Lawns and Plantings

The positioning of your lawns and garden beds, depends on the soil types in your garden, and the sunlight and shelter available in various positions. An important factor is understanding the requirements of the chosen species.

Focal Points

Eyes are drawn to particular features within a garden. Including water features, urns, sculptures, pieces of garden fumiture, trees or flowers.

Putting it all Together

Once all of these points have been considered, you will now be able to transfer all of the design ideas onto paper.  Remember to mark in buildings, and any existing elements retained by your design plans.  Also note the location of any water, sewerage or drain pipes, and power or phone cable obstructions, ensuring to take particular care when working in these areas.  For underground network plans, visit www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au.

Add the major elements of your design, starting with the hard surface areas such as paved areas, then lawns, garden beds, and major features such as trees, water features, and outdoor furniture.  Drawing up plans will help you visualise your new outdoor living area, and allow you to calculate the quantities of materials and plants etc you need to make it happen.