It is always important to know your garden's purpose, because how you intend to use it will determine what is designed. This checklist is meant as a guide. Your answers to these questions will be very helpful for both you and your landscape designer
- What is the main purpose of your garden?
- Designed to sell?
- Outdoor dining/entertaining - how often and how many people?
- Meditation/contemplation?
- Hobbies - what types?
- Games/sports - what kinds?
- Do you intend to spend time in the garden and if so when? What time during the day? When the sun is out or at night?
- Do you prefer open exposed spaces or enclosed sheltered area?
- How would you like to move through your space?
- Does the garden get sunlight between 9am to noon, noon to 3pm or after 3pm?
- What is the home's architecture like? Are there any architectural elements that might look nice repeated in your garden?
- What is your favorite color?
- Are there any landscape elements that you like?
- Are there any landscape elements that you dislike?
- Are there any landscape elements that you would like to keep?
- What do you like least about your home's exterior space right now?
- Do you have any HOA restrictions?
- How much are you willing to allot for the creation and maintenance of you garden?
- Will the design be done by you or are you going to hire a landscape designer (recommended)?
- Will the installation be done by you or are you going to hire a licensed landscape contractor (recommended)?
- What is your budget?