4 questions to ask yourself before planning your landscape design
In 2022, homeowners and landscape professionals are focused on transforming backyards into an extension of their home. Outdoor living has grown in popularity and elevated to more then just planting flowers and adding patio furniture to your deck for late night drinks with the neighbours. Planning your outdoor oasis is an exciting step to take yet can seem overwhelming and challenging. There is an extensive list of decisions and steps that are needed to take your backyard from basic to oasis; bridging indoor and outdoor living. Let’s get started!
Here are 4 questions to ask yourself to begin your backyard landscape.
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What outdoor experience are you looking for?
This is the first and most crucial question to ask yourself to begin the planning process, what type of experience are you looking for? Are you looking for a space to relax, entertain, play with your kids, cook, or even garden? The answer to this question will help dictate the concept, design elements and materials needed.
When considering the purpose, also take in account those who will be using the space, young children and pets will be a large consideration in your design. The purpose of this space and how it will be used day-to-day will help to create the foundation and over all design plan for your outdoor space.
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What features are a must have?
Now that you have considered the purpose behind your design, you can begin selecting features that are a must have to achieve the desired experience. Looking to cook and entertain? Then an outdoor kitchen area and fire pit would be required. Desiring relaxation and solitude? Consider privacy screens, lots of flowers and trees, and a water feature.
There are endless possibilities you can include in your design to obtain your custom outdoor experience which can start to look overwhelming and expensive! When tackling this step, make a list of desired features from most important to least important to help visualize and then you can adjust to accommodate budget and a more realistic list.
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What is your style?
Gone are the days of identical backyards with the same original square deck in the same light grey paint. Your home represents your unique style and so should your outdoor space. Top designers will tell you to bring your individual style to your backyard the same way you would for the inside of your home. More homeowners are opting for a cohesive style transition between the interior and exterior design for an overall more luxury look.
Are you a garden lover looking for a natural and cobble stone look? Or maybe you are more modern and minimalist with lots of white shades, stone materials, and contrast textiles. Which ever design style suits you, make sure you choose features and materials that suit your experience and individual design for unity between your home and outdoor space.
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How much maintenance do you want?
Full luxurious gardens full of fresh fruit and colorful flowers are breathtaking, however, they are a lot of work! Consider your day-to-day life, priorities, and the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to upkeeping your landscape. This question is very important as it will help you choose the appropriate plant and softscape materials that will contribute to the enjoyment of your space.
Perhaps young children and pets will be an active component of your outdoor space and with a busy household and other commitments, consistent outdoor maintenance seems next to impossible. This does not mean you cannot have a beautiful garden and a lush green lawn. To accommodate your needs, consider perennial arrangements, low light or high light plants depending on the amount of light your yard gets, and artificial grass. Artificial grass is a great way to have a consistently beautiful lawn free from pet stains and wear and tear of children. Regardless of your maintenance commitment, there are options for all levels that will accommodate both your design and lifestyle.
The beauty of outdoor living spaces is completely customizable and can be tailored to any budget, size, lifestyle, and experience. From young families looking for a place for kids to run and play while the parents enjoy cocktail BBQ evenings on the patio, or a place for you and the hubby to relax and garden on Saturday afternoons; the possibilities are endless!
At Rockland, we are committed to working with you to help bring your dreams of outdoor living into reality. Contact our team and begin planning your landscape design.