Gardening

When considering a garden project, homeowners often face a crucial decision: should they opt for a complete garden design from scratch, or should they rejuvenate their existing garden? This blog post will help you navigate this decision, offering insight into the steps involved in both processes, as well as key considerations to ensure your garden project is a success.

Garden Design

You’ll be looking for a garden design if you have a completely unused area that you would like to have transformed into a new garden.

Creating a garden from scratch involves developing a comprehensive plan that aligns with your vision and lifestyle. Creating a garden in an unused space requires quite a bit more work than redesigning an existing garden bed. From the shape and size to what plants need to be added, this option gives you the most freedom to choose something that works for you.

Steps to Garden Design:

• Define Your Vision: Determine the purpose of your garden. Do you want a serene retreat, a space for entertaining, or a play area for children?
• Set a Budget: Research costs and set a realistic budget, considering both design and maintenance expenses.
• Hire a Professional Designer: A professional can help translate your vision into a functional design. Working with a professional landscaper ensures we understand your local climate and soil conditions and can create a design that works best for your home.
• Plan and Design: Work with The Gardener Landscaping to create detailed plans, including plant selection, layout, and maintenance.
• Installation: Once the design is finalized, we’ll bring your vision to life.

Garden Rejuvenation/Redesign

Rejuvenating an existing garden focuses on updating and enhancing the current space. This approach is perfect for homeowners who already have a garden but want to refresh its appearance or improve functionality.

Steps to Garden Rejuvenation:

• Evaluate Your Current Garden: Assess what works and what doesn’t. Identify areas that need improvement or replacement.
• Define Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve with the redesign. Is it about adding new plants, improving layout, or increasing privacy?
• Consult a Professional: Even for redesign, expert advice can help optimize the existing space. A local landscaper like The Gardener Landscaping will understand what thrives in Ontario’s climate.
• Create a Plan: Work with your landscaper to develop a redesign plan that aligns with your goals and budget.
• Implementation: Hire professionals for tasks like pruning, planting, and installing new features.

DO’s and DON’Ts of Garden Planning

DO’s

• DO Define Your Needs: Make a list of what you want in your garden—dining area, play space, greenhouse, etc.
• DO Consider Your Home’s Style: Ensure your garden complements the architectural style of your home.
• DO Research Materials: Look into low-maintenance and sustainable materials like porcelain and composite decking.
• DO Involve the Family: Include all family members in the planning process to ensure the garden meets everyone’s needs.
• DO Plan for Lead Times: Garden projects can take time. Be realistic about timelines, especially during peak seasons.

DON’Ts

• DON’T Design for the Designer: Provide your vision but trust the designer’s expertise to create the best layout.
• DON’T Ignore Budgeting: Have a clear budget in mind and communicate it to your designer.
• DON’T Expect Instant Results: Gardens take time to mature—up to 3 years for most perennial plants. Be patient and plan for phased implementation if needed.
• DON’T Overlook Maintenance: Consider the ongoing care required for different plants and materials.
• DON’T Be Unrealistic: Avoid comparing your project to TV shows where budgets and timelines are often not reflective of real-life scenarios.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Believe it or not, getting started is the hardest part. Below are some questions we like to ask our clients to help them align with what they need for their homes.

• What is the primary function of my garden?
• How much time and effort can I invest in maintaining the garden?
• What is my budget for this project?
• Do I want a space for entertaining, relaxing, or both?
• What styles and materials appeal to me?
• How much privacy do I need in my garden?
• Are there specific plants or features I want to include?
• How do the existing elements in my garden influence the new design?
• What are the long-term goals for my garden?

Having the answers to these questions before booking your free consultation will ensure the process of bringing a professional on board is seamless.

By following these steps and considerations, you can make an informed decision about whether to design a new garden or rejuvenate your existing space. Both options can transform your outdoor area into a beautiful, functional extension of your home.