Right plant, right place – design considerations
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My previous article focused on the importance of conducting a site analysis as a first step when tackling a landscaping project. Next up is the design phase.
You can begin by taking out your trusty measuring tape or, better still for more accuracy, a measuring wheel, and take note of the complete dimensions of the site. Transfer those measurements to a paper or software program design template, and voila! You have the basis for your site plan. Print a few copies, or consider using overlays, for use as you move along in the design process.
Capture all currently-existing hardscape on the plan, such as pavers, septic systems, utility boxes, water features, walkways and other non-living elements that will remain in place, as well as the living elements, or softscape, you wish to retain. For example, you may have a tree in the area that is in the right place for conditions and suits your needs.
Incorporating stay-in-place elements on your site plan will provide a visual representation of the limitations and opportunities available to you, allowing you to work within set parameters as you flesh out your design.
Consider the site's current use and challenges, as well as your needs, wants and goals for the site and capture pertinent points in your plan. Do you have an area that is in close proximity to your neighbor's property? In that case, your goal may be to create a more private setting, one that blocks the neighbor's view. Do you have children? If so, including a play/activity area in your design may be warranted. Do you savor fresh vegetables? Then incorporating a vegetable garden may be of interest to you. Is there an issue with water accumulation in one section of the landscape due to grading or other cause? In that instance your goal may be to “Create a rain garden." If you are looking to attract pollinators and other wildlife to your landscape, planning for a butterfly garden with a butterfly “rest area” and water source such as a birdbath would be an ideal goal.
With a more comprehensive plan of action in hand you can move forward toward completion of a design master plan, including softscape and hardscape placement. While you will want to pinpoint the locations of planned vegetation on the plan, there is no need to annotate the exact species you want to include in the landscape. That determination can be made with further research.
Consider the level of maintenance you are looking to achieve. The following may sound as familiar to you as it does to me. You proclaim to want low-maintenance, drought tolerant plants that are relatively pest and disease resistant, only to purchase plants that prove to be the opposite. One way to reduce the potential for this situation to occur is by doing your homework to gain a better understanding of a given plant's susceptibility to pests/disease, its watering requirements, drought tolerance, light needs, salt tolerance, spacing, wind resistance and pH preference. With your research completed and information in hand, you can move forward with plant selection.
A great guide to explore in your research is The Florida Friendly Landscaping Guide to Plant Selection & Landscape Design. This resource guide provides sample layouts/designs as well as a variety of "goals" that can serve as springboards and inspiration for your own landscape design efforts. The guide also provides considerable information regarding the preferences and needs of a variety of trees, shrubs, ground covers, grasses, palms, ferns, perennials, annuals and the list goes on. The document is an internet search away!
Happy gardening!
Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.