Transforming your outdoor space into a personalized haven is within reach! Whether you dream of a relaxing oasis, a festive gathering place, or a safe playground for your children, this comprehensive guide will take you step-by-step to create the landscape of your dreams.
For help, download our planning Guide "Carry out an outdoor design project" available in PDF format.
Site Analysis: Laying the Foundation for Your Project
Before you start planting, take the time to carefully observe your land:
- Sunlight: Identify sunny and shaded areas throughout the day. This will influence your choice of plants and the location of your living spaces.
- Soil: Determine the nature of your soil (clay, sandy, etc.). A soil test can provide valuable information about its composition and pH, helping you choose the right plants.
- Wind: Identify windy areas to choose resistant plants, consider protection solutions (hedges, windbreaks), protect your most fragile plants, and create sheltered spaces.
- Hardiness Zone: Knowing your hardiness zone will allow you to select plants that will survive the winters in your region.
- Privacy and Views: Assess the need for privacy and identify the views you want to enhance or hide.
- Viewpoints: Enhance pleasant views by integrating them into your landscape design (creating visual axes, openings in the vegetation).
- Drainage: Observe if water tends to accumulate in certain areas. Good drainage is essential for the health of your plants.
Define Your Needs: A Garden in Your Image
Your garden should meet your desires and your lifestyle. Make a comprehensive list of your needs and wants. This will help you determine the location of each element based on your priorities and the characteristics of your land.
- Relaxation and Rest: Create a zen space with shaded areas, soothing plants, a water feature (fountain, pond), and comfortable furniture.
- Receptions and Conviviality: Set up a spacious terrace, an outdoor dining area, a barbecue space, and plan for ambient lighting.
- Games and Family Activities: Install a safe play area for children, a petanque or badminton court, a swimming pool, or a spa.
- Gardening and Vegetable Garden: Plan a space dedicated to growing vegetables, fruits, or aromatic plants, taking into account sunlight and soil quality.
- Storage: A shed to store your garden tools and accessories.
- Fence: To delimit your property and ensure your privacy.
Planning: Draw Your Vision
Get your land plan and draw the outlines of your house, parking, and existing elements.
- Regulations: Find out about municipal regulations regarding the distances to be respected between plantings and the boundaries of your property.
- Circulation: Think about the flow in your garden. Plan walkways and paths to easily access each area.
- Plant Selection: Select plants adapted to your climate, soil type, and sunlight in each area. Don't hesitate to consult BOTANIX's many articles to help you choose.
- Structure: Integrate structuring elements such as trees, shrubs, and hedges to create volume and perspective.
- Colors and Textures: Play with the colors, heights, and textures of foliage and blooms to create an attractive garden throughout the year.
Carrying Out the Work
- Fixed Elements: Start by installing fixed elements (terrace, pool, fence, shed) in accordance with the plans and necessary authorizations.
- Planting: Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials following the recommended planting order (from largest to smallest).
- Finishing Touches: Add the final touches (lighting, garden furniture, decoration) to personalize your outdoor space. Think about outdoor lighting to enjoy your garden in the evening.
Maintenance Tips:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Weeding: Weed regularly to prevent weeds from taking over.
- Pruning: Prune shrubs and perennials to maintain their shape and promote flowering.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize regularly to nourish your plants and promote their growth.
Additional Tips:
- Evolution: Your garden will evolve with the seasons and over the years. Feel free to adapt and modify it according to your desires and the evolution of your needs.
- Professional: If your project is complex, don't hesitate to call on a professional landscaper.
With good planning and a little elbow grease, you will create a garden that reflects you and becomes your daily refuge.
