Planning a landscape design

• observe the area in which you want to grow your garden
• Is the area shaded or sunny
• take a soil sample
• design with plants that are right for your zone climate
• consider the location and not only what is growing above ground but what is below such as trees, pipes, electrical wires, etc.
• consider plants based on how much maintaining may be needed (Some may want a plant which requires little maintenance, others may want to prune and cut back the plants between seasons)
• Look at the growth rate of the plants being used.  Some plants may be slow or fast growers and block out other plants.
• Consider a natural garden