Introduction
Create a General Landscape Plan
Complete a Thorough Site Analysis
Define Planting Areas
Principles of Design
Elements of Design
Plant Selection
Installation
Landscaping With Native Plans
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You can divide use areas into three major categories. Note: There
are no distinct boundaries on these areas, and they will frequently overlap in
terms of function and appearance.
- Public areas-These are usually associated with the front of your landscape.
The primary function of these areas is to provide an aesthetically pleasing entrance
to your home.
- Private areas-These are the areas used for recreation, family activities,
and entertaining.
- Service areas-The areas are reserved for the vegetable garden, composting,
pet and livestock areas, storage sheds, woodpiles, and other utilitarian functions.
They can resolve multiple problems by overlapping with areas that are difficult
to maintain, have limited access to water, or have poor soil.
For more discussion on identifying use areas, see the following University of Missouri site: muextension.missouri.edu/xplor/agguides/hort/g06901.htm.
Image courtesy of Gizmo Creations
Define Planting Areas
Plot planting zones based on water needs or plant maintenance requirements.
- Hydrozone, or group plants with similar water needs in the same areas. To conserve water, do not mix plants that have low water requirements with plants that have high water requirements.
- Reduce maintenance activities by grouping plants with similar maintenance
requirements together. In general, perennials, shrubs, and trees generally require
less frequent maintenance than annuals. For a detailed descriptions of low maintenance
landscaping principles, see the following publication: www.ag.uidaho.edu/mg/publications/CIS1054.pdf.
- Design planting areas to meet the objectives of your landscape plan. Consider
the need for privacy, security, wildlife attraction, etc.
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