Site Inventory and Analysis for Water Wise Landscapes (experienced)

The site inventory and analysis are steps in the design process used to assess existing conditions and determine how or if they will or should change. Avoid the temptation to start designing until these steps are completed.

For the more experienced gardener, a thorough site inventory and analysis will provide a solid base for creating a more functional and beautiful landscape.

Inventory

A site inventory is simply a list of elements that currently exist on the property. Elements that exist …

Landscape Design: Creating Unity (experienced gardeners)

Unity in landscape design, is the overarching design principle that is used to create a sense of wholeness or harmony in the landscape.

Using too many individual plants or other objects in the landscape often leads to a cluttered and chaotic effect. On the other hand, too many of the same kind of plant can lead to a boring effect.

What’s the Big Idea? Theme, Story, or Concept

Using a theme or other concept in landscape design can be a …

Residential Landscapes: Opportunities and Constraints for Design

Opportunities and constraints or pros and cons in residential landscapes are identified in the analysis phase of landscape design following a complete inventory  of all elements on the property.

Identify all elements on the property and note them on the landscape or plot plan. Decide what elements should be kept or enhanced and what should be changed or removed. Also, get a sense of how the site “feels”. For instance, the site might feel exposed due to a lack of …

Residential Landscape Design: Keeping a Garden Journal

Keeping a garden journal during the  landscape design process is an excellent way of keeping track of valuable information that will guide future changes and plant choices.

As you progress through the inventory and analysis phase of design, documenting characteristics of the landscape that might influence plant survival can be noted in the journal.

  • Observe soil drainage in the landscape
  • Identify areas in the landscape that are getting too little or too much water (ponding)
  • Pay attention to plants that