To create a garden that meets your expectations, prepare your project well in advance.
Think about the structure of your future garden by taking into consideration the existing land as well as the different elements that will make it up, such as the terrace, plants, lighting and paths, and possibly a vegetable garden area.
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Take stock of the situation
To get off to a good start in creating your garden, start by carrying out a complete inventory of your outdoor space.
First, study the land carefully, noting its shape, exposure to sunlight and the nature of the soil.
Next, identify fixed equipment and installations such as the terrace, driveways, garage, hedges, fences and walls, as well as the location of decorative elements such as ponds or pergolas.
Don't forget to inventory the plants already present, noting their size, shape and location.
Consider buried features such as lighting, watering and drainage.
This preliminary step is essential to imagine and effectively design your future garden, whether you start from an already landscaped space or a virgin plot.
Draw the plan to organize your garden
Now that you have taken inventory of what exists, list the changes you want to make, and the new elements you want to introduce.
To help you plan your garden, take a sheet of paper and draw a detailed plan.
It will serve as a guide throughout the planning process and will optimize the use of the available space.
The first step consists of drawing what is called the ground plan, precisely delimiting the contours of the garden.
Next, identify and position fixed elements such as buildings, terraces, walkways and stairs, as well as traffic areas.
Integrate existing garden features: trees, hedges and walls.
Then represent on the plan all the elements of the garden, whether existing or new, in their precise location.
Think about how you are going to keep your future garden clean from the design phase: make conscious choices so that maintaining it remains a pleasure and not a chore.
Think about circulation in the garden
Your outdoor space should be beautiful and functional.
It is better to design a circulation plan from the start of the project, drawing a skeleton that connects the entrance to the house with all areas of the garden.
Among these access routes, plan for example:
- A main path connecting the entrance to the house at the end of the garden,
- Access paths (gravel, Japanese steps, slabs, interlocking paving stones, etc.) starting from this main path and connecting the different areas of the garden: the terrace, the vegetable garden, the plantations, the hedges, the fruit trees, etc.
Allow a width of approximately 80 cm for these passages or paths.
You can line them with flower beds or herbaceous plants to create a pleasant atmosphere for walking in the garden.
Keep in mind that driveways aren't just for traffic.
They also help to add style to the garden.
Decide what you want to plant in your garden
To choose the plants that you will install in your landscaped garden, define your preferences in terms of style, colors and types of plants.
Play with shapes, colors and perspectives to create an aesthetic and harmonious space.
What are your needs and preferences in terms of maintenance and aesthetics?
Opt for a variety of plants suited to your garden style.
Choose the trees you want to plant wisely, taking into account their mature size, their proximity to other species and their effect on the outlook of the garden.
Why not plant shrubs, varying the shapes and heights to bring depth to your outdoor space?
Finally, don't forget to think about the lawn: it creates a fluid transition between different spaces and can be easily maintained.
If you have difficulty deciding, do not hesitate to call a professional nurseryman or landscape gardener who will advise you on what to plant.
Prepare the soil and plant
To prepare the soil in your landscaped garden for planting shrubs or flowers, follow these simple steps:
Make sure the surface is clean and clear.
Remove weeds (weeding by hand or brush cutter), debris and stones.
Use a spade or tiller to plow the soil deeply.
This will aerate the soil and facilitate the growth of plant roots.
Enrich the soil by adding compost, fertilizer, rotted manure or any other organic amendment.
Quality soil provides plants with the nutrients they need to grow.
To improve the drainage of the soil in your garden or vegetable patch, you can plant plants that improve the soil and unclog the soil (buttercup, rapeseed, fava bean, dandelion, etc.).
You can also add gravel or pozzolan (volcanic stone) to make the water penetrate more easily.
Then level the ground surface with a rake to obtain a uniform and flat surface.
This will make planting and subsequent maintenance easier.
Before planting, water the area thoroughly to ensure the soil is well hydrated.
Personalize your garden with decorative objects
This step allows you to add a touch of originality to your exterior.
It’s also an opportunity to reflect your tastes and personality.
Choose your objects according to the general style of your garden:
Garden furniture to decorate the terrace and eat outside
A bench, hammock or hanging chair to rest or read
Decorative statues to dress up the space
Basins, fountains and ponds add a touch of freshness (and provide a watering hole for birds and bats)
Hanging planters and pots
A pergola, a parasol or a shade sail to shelter you from the sun in summer
Designer lighting also helps ensure optimal visibility and increased safety after dark, etc.
Place these items strategically around the patio or to create focal points in the garden to transform it into a unique and welcoming space.
Water at the right time
Water according to the plants' water needs and adapt according to the seasons and weather conditions.
In general, it is recommended to water when the soil is no longer wet.
Check manually.
Remember to check the weather forecast to avoid watering unnecessarily if rain is imminent.
In spring and fall, water early in the morning to preserve plant foliage and avoid burns caused by the sun's glare.
In summer, water in the evening for better water infiltration into the soil.
Wet at the base of the plants in two passes: lightly moisten the soil, then water more consistently to ensure good infiltration.
It is preferable to water less frequently, but more abundantly to promote good infiltration of water into the soil.
Maintain your garden regularly
Here are some simple tips for taking care of your outdoor space:
Remove weeds regularly so they don't smother your plants.
Manual weeding or the use of mulch can be effective solutions.
Prune your trees, shrubs and plants to encourage their growth and maintain their shape.
Also remove dead or diseased branches to prevent disease and promote air circulation.
Clean paths, terraces and other surfaces in your garden as you go to remove plant debris, dead leaves, etc.
to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
Provide nutrients to your soil by using natural or organic fertilizers to encourage the growth and flowering of your plants.
However, be careful not to overdose to avoid imbalances in the soil.
Designing the garden of your dreams takes time, thought and careful planning.
By following these tips and taking the necessary time, you will be able to create a unique and welcoming outdoor space, where you can relax in contact with nature.