Your dream garden in eight steps

Creating the garden of your dreams means either calling on the services of a landscape professional or diving headfirst into the project yourself.

Of course, landscaping a yard requires a great deal of time, but it is definitely a great opportunity to let your imagination run wild.

Before you get down to work, here is a list of all the necessary steps to follow to turn your dream into reality.

1. Planning is vital

Use your survey or certificate of location to check the site for any easements.

Take note of hours of full and partial sunshine, undesirable views, which corners to highlight and which to hide.

Find out about current municipal regulations concerning landscaping. Have your soil analyzed, locate the areas that are exposed to wind, and determine your hardiness zone.

2. Identify your needs

How will you use the space? Do you want to install a pool or a spa?

Do you need space for a children’s playground? Fairy doors and garden sprites capture the imagination of children big and small when strategically placed near the base of a tree or near the entrance to a magical child’s garden. These wee folk were spotted in the Pioneer Co-op Home Centre. Would you like to create a water garden or a dining area? Hang a hammock or plant a vegetable garden? Think carefully about all your needs.

3. Make a plan

Using a pencil, eraser, and graph paper, draw a scaled plan of your property. Include the house, shed, pathways, driveway, and any trees and shrubs you want to keep.

Then add all the elements of your new layout, taking into account the vegetation and structures you wish to include. Don’t be afraid to sketch out a variety of plans; it’s easier to make changes on paper than it is once the work has started.

4. Choose your plants with care

Before buying anything, take the time to make a list of all the plants you have chosen, including the hours of sunshine they need and the care they require. Be sure to consider the size of the vegetation once it has reached maturity — this is especially important if you want to

plant trees and shrubs.

5. Spread out the work

Spread the work out over more than a year so that your project doesn’t develop into a source of stress. Give priority to the jobs that require qualified workers and any machinery (pool, water garden, parking area). Establish a realistic timetable that takes your budget and your time availability into consideration.

6. Consult the experts

Landscaping is an investment that could increase the value of your property. Don’t hesitate to consult an expert if you have any questions. It is better to spend a few dollars straight away rather than have to redo already completed work.

7. Stay in control

From the moment your garden starts to take shape, you will have to start maintaining it. No-maintenance gardens are a bit of a myth. Weeding, watering, and pruning can take either a few minutes every day or a few hours once a week —so, don’t wait for the work to pile up. Learn to delegate; family members can contribute to yard upkeep, and gardeners can be hired for weeding and for bigger seasonal jobs.

8. Enjoy it

The last rule is definitely the best: have fun! Make the most of your dream yard and enjoy your favorite pastimes there. You deserve it!