Chances are you make a checklist before just about any “to do” project, whether it’s going to the grocery store or planning a trip across the country. So it just makes sense to prepare yourself similarly for a big project like creating a new natural garden in your back yard.
To create a successful, thriving natural garden, you have to start asking questions from the ground up.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Lush plantings and bright accents are typical of the showy displays seen in many natural tropic gardens.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
No matter what theme your natural garden takes on, finding the right plants and a good site for it are important keys to its success.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
A good garden design checklist of questions (and answers) is an important tool that can help you get your project done right – and as quickly, efficiently and affordably as possible. The following list of questions is grouped into six major categories that should help you make sure you’ve got all your bases covered before you ever dig that first hole.
Planning Your Project
- Where is your garden located, both geographically and within your yard?
- Is your proposed garden next to your home or another structure?
- Do you want to accentuate or downplay the style or color of the structure your garden will be near?
- Are there existing features or plants that should be incorporated or removed?
- What is your elevation?
- Is the site exposed to prevailing winds?
- Is it near an ocean or other body of water?
- Is your garden site level or does it slope?
Determining Your Objectives
- What purpose do you want your natural garden to serve?
- What are the functions you hope to gain from the garden?
- What garden theme best suits you?
- What approach to natural gardening are you taking?
- Will you plant only natives?
- Is your garden (and gardening style) environmentally friendly?
- When do you need/want the project finished?
- How much ongoing care can you provide your garden?
Evaluating Your Site, Timing and Materials
- Is your space wandering and wide, or small and compact?
- Do you want to accentuate or minimize the dimensions of your site?
- Do you have the equipment needed to install and maintain a garden of this size?
- Can you find all the materials locally?
- How and when can materials be delivered?
- How much time will building and planting take?
- Will you need professional services or help in order to complete this project successfully?
- Does your project adhere to local codes?
- Will you need a permit for construction?
Purchasing Plants
- What is your USDA hardiness zone?
- What are the growth habits, seasonal characteristics and care needs of the plants you want?
- Does your site provide the proper growing requirements for those plants?
- Does your site receive partial sun and, if so, is it in early morning, midday or late afternoon?
- Have you familiarized yourself with common garden pests and diseases – as well as what preventive measures you should take – regarding the plants you’d like to grow?
- Are the plants you intend to purchase (at the garden center or nursery) well-maintained, healthy and pest-free?
Preparing Soil, Materials and Tools
- Have you tested your soil?
- What is the quality of your soil?
- Is your soil sandy; hard and compacted clay; or something in between?
- Does your soil drain too quickly and stay very dry most of the time, or does it drain slowly and retain puddles?
- What is your soil’s pH level?
- Have you located all the tools and equipment you’ll need for installation and maintenance?
- Have you located a good local source of building supplies and finishing materials?
- Will your site require any modification?
- Are you adding any special type of irrigation or lighting system?
- Do you plan to install a water feature?
Finding Help
- Does your garden center or nursery have knowledgeable staff able to assist your decisions and answer your questions?
- Have you contacted your local Extension Office for assistance?
- Are there gardening classes available locally that you can take?
Once you’ve got your answers to these major garden design questions, your natural-garden project will be well on its way – and chances are, you’ll have saved yourself some time, money and a few extra trips to the garden center.
