Landscaping is both an art and science. While an aesthetic landscape can be achieved, a lot of thought and planning has to go in making it functional. The idea is to relax in your garden and not deal with bad drainage that is going to take a toll on your plants.

At the outset, you have to consider who is going to use the garden and the amount of traffic on the property. A complete landscaped garden would be one which caters to all individuals in the family. If you have enough space, create an area for children so that they don't ruin your perennials while playing ball. A space for entertaining guests is a good idea, as outdoor get-togethers can be far more fun than huddling indoor. You can then style your garden around these factors depending upon how much time you can spare in maintaining the garden. It is also very important that you are clear how much resource you are willing to spend on it. It is wise to start the plan on paper, so that you do not err later.

Scale: The scale of structures and landscaping depends on the amount of space you have. So keeping that in mind you can progress planning other elements of the garden.

Structures: What kind of structures do you have space for? If space is not a constraint then you can go for pergolas, arbors and trellises and grow creepers and vines on them to make them look beautiful. You can consider growing Rangoon creeper, the Butterfly vine, star jasmine or Mandevilla. Added to the colorful blooms many of them are fragrant too. Bird-baths take up very little space and it will be a delight to see the birds frolic around them. Stone sculptures add a dash of exotica to the garden. You can scout around for appropriate pieces. Keep place for any garden furniture you want to use. Also decide where you want a pathway so that the turf is not stepped upon too often.

Water Features: Adding a water body adds a new mood to the landscape. Water bodies can range from ponds to water falls to mini fountains. However, all water features require regular maintenance. Ponds will require regular cleaning such as removal of invasive water plants, silt, leaves, algae and other debris.

Rockery: A rockery forms an interesting part of the landscape and cuts the monotony in a garden. A corner could be an appropriate location for it. Use local rocks for the natural look. Make sure at least half the rock is buried under the soil. The gravel can then be added. It is better that you let the rockery settle before any planting is done. For the plants, check out your local nursery for species of plants which are ideal for rockeries. Some of them are acaena, achillea, arabis, dianthus, campanula, small daphnes and mimulus. Alpine plants are a good choice for rockeries.
You can also add berms for a more striking effect in the garden.

Shrubs and trees: After the structures are placed in order, it is time to plant your trees and shrubs and other plants. Proper plant selection is very important. Select trees first and then work around them while planting shrubs and other plants. Plants can be used as screens, for shade, to block out noise other than being ornamental. Planting on impulse should be avoided as they may cause damage to the landscape. Use plants which will thrive in your zone. Attention to color, can give the garden a dramatic effect.

Garden Themes: If you want your garden to have a particular theme, you can start to design with the theme in mind. However, the concept of a theme often restricts what you really want. However, the Japanese garden incorporates most of the principles described above and is a garden in synchrony with nature.

With a bit of planning, you will be on your way to achieve your own designer dream landscape.

If you like Vegetables....These pages might also interest you:

Allium Directory, Amaryllis Directory, Begonia Directory, Crocus Directory, Daffodils Directory, Dahlia Directory, Hyacinth Directory, Iris Directory, Lily Directory, Tulip Directory

Also See:

Allergy Free Garden Design, Choosing Color Combo,Desinging with Seasonal Flowers, Design an English Garden, Garden Design Project, Gardening in Small Spaces, Complete Garden Makeover, Napa Garden Design, Favorite Plants for Landscaping, Perk Up a Flower Bed, Natural Garden Design, Using Pathways in a Garden, Design a White Wonder Gardens, Your Own Outdoor Coffee House, Designing to reduce noise, Designer Lanscape ideas, Do it Yourself Lanscape Design, Garden Design Foundations, Keeping Your Garden Size in Check, Gardening With Little Space, Outside the Box Landscape Design, Side Yard Design Ideas, Stone Patio Design, Theme Gardening, Trends in Landscape Design, What to Plant on a Slope, Winning Landscape Design