Developing a concept and planting plan

Developing a Garden Concept

A garden concept is the overarching idea that guides the design of a garden. It might be a theme, a particular style, or the integration of certain preferred elements.
Creating an efficient concept involves understanding the client’s requirements and preferences, along with an assessment of the site conditions.
Focal elements such as statues, significant trees, or water features around which the design can be developed, should be identified.
Consider the intended use of the garden - will it be used for leisure, for growing vegetables, as a space for kids to play, or perhaps as a wildlife haven?
Consider the adhering to one of the established garden styles, like modern, cottage, Zen, or Mediterranean. The style chosen should be suited to the environmental conditions and client requirements.
The concept stage also might include preliminary sketches or more formal conceptual designs that visually communicate the intended style or theme.

A planting plan is a detailed diagram that shows where each plant should be placed within the garden. It specifies the types and quantities of plants to be used.
The type of plants selected should reflect the earlier site analysis examining soil condition, light exposure, and moisture availability.
Plant choice should match the aesthetic of the chosen garden style and should suit the local climate and soil conditions.
Consider using groupings of similar plants to create an impact or use complementary plants to achieve a balanced, harmonious effect.
The overall colour scheme should be planned. Some designers like to use cool tones for a relaxing effect, while others use hot, vibrant colours for a more energetic space.
The planting plan should also take into account the growth rate and mature size of the plants to ensure proper spacing and reduce future maintenance.
Consider also the plants’ bloom time, height, and foliage texture to create a visually appealing, year-round landscape.
Think about the maintenance requirements of the selected plants. Highly maintained plants may not be suitable in a low maintenance garden.

Transfer the rough sketches from the conceptual stage to a more detailed, scaled drawing.
This master plan will clearly illustrate all the elements of the garden: hardscape features, planting areas, and other vital components.
Include labels and a legend for clarity. Annotations can also be used to describe material choices or plant selections.
Prepare a plant list to accompany your planting plan. This lists all the plants to be used in detail, including their quantity, common and botanical names, size at planting, and planting instructions.
Lastly, refine the drawings in terms of line quality, presentation style, and clarity. Remember, the easier it is to understand, the easier the plan will be to implement.