Wednesday, June 6, 2007

The Development of a Landscape Plan

The landscape plan should start with a survey of existing conditions.  Part of that survey are the answers to the questions posted in the last section.  Continuing the survey requires paper and pencil.  I have always used graph paper with a scale of 1"=8' or 1"=10'.  Each square on the sheet of paper will equal one foot.  Acquiring a plot plan will give you the measurements on where the house sits on the property and the boundaries of the property.  If a plot plan is not available, a very good tape measure is your best friend.  Once you have a drawing of where all of the existing buildings sit on the property it is time to discuss the division of the property.  The property should be divided into three distinct areas.  Those areas are the entrance development, the work unit and the livable garden area.

 

The Entrance Development

Most entrance developments are influenced by the neighborhood in which the house is located.  Most homes are landscaped as not to be too radical.  It's nice to be different but not too different.  The entrance development should allow the house to blend in with nature and give visitors a favorable impression.

The Work Unit

The size and shape of the work unit will vary depending on the families requirements.  The work unit is where the clothesline, compost pile, wood storage, vegetable garden, potting yard, lath house, greenhouse, cold frames and anything else associated with maintenance of the house and grounds.  It is possible that the work unit may not even be needed.

The Livable Garden

The livable garden is just what is says, the area for outdoor living.  The variations possible are unlimited.  They depend only on the family requirements and good taste.  This area is the most difficult to plan and requires the most discussion.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

ok adding this to my alerts also:)

Deb