Creating an aesthetically pleasing environment is a key part of landscape design. But it’s just as important for a landscape to be functional as it is to be beautiful. A good landscape designer will consider design principles such as color, form and texture, as well as taking into account how people will actually use the space.

If you’re considering a landscaping project, you should begin by asking yourself some key questions about how the space is currently being used, and how it may be used in the future. You’ll then want to think about how you can build an attractive space that meets those needs. By familiarizing yourself with some landscape design basics, you’ll be able to create a functional and attractive landscape that you can enjoy for years to come.

Evaluating Your Needs

As you begin the landscape planning process, it’s important to consider what needs the space will fulfill. You may consider whether you need space for any of the following functions:

• Entertaining: If you plan to entertain outside, a patio or deck will be useful. Remember to think about where will you put furniture or a grill, or how people will be to move from inside the house to the outdoor area.
• Play area: If you have children, or if children visit your home frequently, you will likely want to include space for them to play outside safely. This may include elaborate play equipment or just a simple turf area.
• Recreation: This could be a pool, tennis court or other area.
• Utilities: When you plan your landscape, remember to include convenient access to utility areas.
• Work: Many people add vegetable gardens, a clothesline, or outdoor workspace to their yards.

Planning Your Landscape

Creating a workable plan is key to a successful landscaping project. Your plan will include the location of property boundaries, existing structures (such as your house) and utility lines. As you develop a landscaping plan, you’ll also be able to experiment with different yard ideas to see what will work with your space. You’ll also want to think about how you can use design principles such as theme, color and proportion to create a coherent look for your space.

As you design your landscape, you may start to think about your outdoor space as another room in your home. Consider how you can use and experience your landscape on a regular basis. Some ideas include:

• Adding a secluded retreat for relaxation and meditation.
• Creating an outdoor cooking area that is an extension of your home’s kitchen.
• Dividing your outdoor space into distinct areas to make it multi-functional.
• Putting in a vegetable garden as a way to make your landscape work for you.
• Using lighting to make a space useable both during the day and at night.