How to create your garden?

To create a garden that meets your expectations, prepare your project well in advance. Think about the structure of your future garden by considering the existing plot as well as the various elements that will make it up, such as the patio, plants, lighting and paths and possibly a vegetable garden.

Consider the situation

To begin creating your garden, start by taking a complete inventory of your outdoor space. First, study the soil carefully, noting its shape, exposure to sunlight, and the nature of the soil.

Additionally, identify fixed fixtures and installations such as patio, driveways, garage, hedges, fences and walls, as well as the placement of decorative features such as ponds or pergolas. Do not forget to inventory the plants already present, note their size, shape and location. Consider hidden features such as lighting, irrigation and drainage.

This preliminary step is essential for envisioning and effectively designing your future garden, whether you’re starting from an already landscaped space or virgin land.

Draw a layout plan for your garden

Now that you’ve taken stock of what’s there, list the changes you want to make and the new features you want to introduce. To help you plan your garden, take a sheet of paper and draw a detailed plan. It will serve as a guide throughout the planning process and optimize the use of available space.

• The first step is to draw the so-called ground plan, the precise definition of the garden’s contours.
• Furthermore, identify and place fixed features such as buildings, patios, walkways and stairs, as well as traffic areas.
• Integrate existing garden elements: trees, hedges and walls.
• Then show all the elements of the garden, whether existing or new, in their exact location on the plan.

Think about how you will keep your future garden clean from the design stage: make conscious decisions to make maintenance a pleasure and not a chore.

Think about circulation in the garden

Your outdoor space should be beautiful and functional. It is better to design a circulation plan from the beginning of the project, to draw a skeleton that connects the entrance to the house with all areas of the garden. Among these access routes, plan for example:

– the main road connecting the entrance to the house at the end of the garden,

– Access paths (gravel, Japanese steps, cobblestones, interlocking cobblestones, etc.) emanating from this main path and connecting the various parts of the garden: terrace, vegetable garden, plantations, hedges, fruit trees, etc. . For these passages or paths, expect a width of approximately 80 cm. You can line them with flower beds or herbs and thus create a pleasant atmosphere for walks in the garden.

Keep in mind that driveways aren’t just for traffic. They also help add style to the garden.

Decide what you want to plant in the garden

To choose the plants to install in your landscaped garden, define your preferences in terms of style, colors and types of plants. Play with shapes, colors and perspectives to create an aesthetic and harmonious space.

What are your maintenance and aesthetic needs and preferences?

• Choose a variety of plants suitable for your garden style.
• Choose the trees you want to plant wisely, considering their mature size, proximity to other species and their effect on the appearance of the garden.
• Why not plant shrubs that have different shapes and heights to add depth to your outdoor space?
• Finally, don’t forget to think about the lawn: it creates a smooth transition between different spaces and is easy to maintain.

If you are having trouble deciding, don’t hesitate to call a professional nurseryman or gardener for advice on what to plant.

Prepare the soil and plant

To prepare the soil in your landscaped garden for planting shrubs or flowers, follow these simple steps:

• Make sure the surface is clean and clear. Remove weeds (weeds by hand or brush cutter), dirt and stones.
• Use a spade or cultivator to plow the soil deeply. This will aerate the soil and facilitate plant root growth.
• Enrich the soil by adding compost, compost, rotted manure or other organic additions. Quality soil provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
• To improve soil drainage in your garden or vegetable patch, you can plant plants that improve the soil and loosen the soil (butternut, canola, fava beans, dandelion, etc.). You can also add gravel or pozzolan (volcanic rock) to help water penetrate more easily.
• Then level the surface of the ground with a rake to get a uniform and level surface. This will make planting and subsequent maintenance easier.
• Before planting, water the area thoroughly to keep the soil well hydrated.

Customize your garden with decorative items

This step will allow you to add a touch of originality to your exterior. It is also an opportunity to express your taste and personality. Choose your objects according to the general style of your garden:

• Garden furniture for patio decoration and outdoor dining
• Bench, hammock or hanging chair for relaxing or reading
• Decorative sculptures for decorating the space
• Sinks, fountains and ponds add a touch of freshness (and provide a watering hole for birds and bats)
• Hanging planters and planters
• A pergola, a parasol or a shade sail to protect you from the sun in the summer
• Design lighting also helps ensure optimal visibility and increased safety after dark, etc.

Place these items strategically around the patio or create focal points in the garden to transform it into a unique and welcoming space.

Water at the right time

Water the plants as needed and adapt to the seasons and weather conditions. It is generally recommended to water when the soil is no longer wet. Check manually. Be sure to check the weather forecast to avoid unnecessary watering if rain is imminent.

In spring and fall, water early in the morning to preserve plant foliage and prevent sunburn. In summer, water in the evening for better water absorption into the soil. Moisten at the base of the plants in two passes: moisten the soil lightly and then water more consistently to ensure good infiltration. It is better to water less often, but more abundantly, to encourage good infiltration of water into the soil.

Take care of your garden regularly

Here are some simple tips for caring for your outdoor space:

1. Remove weeds regularly to prevent them from suffocating your plants. Hand weeding or using mulch can be an effective solution.
2. Prune your trees, shrubs and plants to encourage growth and maintain their shape. Also remove dead or diseased branches to prevent disease and promote air circulation.
3. Clean paths, patios and other surfaces in your garden as you go to remove plant debris, dead leaves, etc. to maintain a clean and tidy environment.
4. Provide your soil with nutrients using natural or organic fertilizers to encourage the growth and flowering of your plants. However, beware of overdosing to avoid an imbalance in the soil.

Designing the garden of your dreams takes time, thought and careful planning. By following these tips and taking the necessary time, you will be able to create a unique and welcoming outdoor space where you can relax in contact with nature.