Home » Plants & Animals » Cottage Garden » A Garden Plan That Works - Page 2

A Garden Plan That Works - Page 2

© Barbara M. Martin

By now you are painfully aware of the bad things in your yard. So while you are waiting for the prints, start on the second step which is to measure. Measure the problem areas (you know exactly where they are if you took those pictures like I told you to). A sturdy metal tape measure is handy for shorter runs and a 50 foot cloth tape is helpful for a larger yard. If you are working alone, stick a screwdriver through the end loop and into the soil to anchor it while you run the soft tape.

Use a clip board if you have one and roughly sketch or map any major physical features along with their dimensions. Start with buildings and paved areas and utility lines, move on to details such as doors, windows, lamp posts, electrical outlets, downspouts, and any existing significant or important plants. If it seems like a good idea to move a plant, note that, too. Jot down any possible destinations for that plant while you're at it. Finally, mark on the compass points so you can remind yourself later to check sun and shade patterns. They are very different between midwinter and midsummer!

While you are outside, walk. Walk the area, get to know it better. Feel the soil under your feet and the prevailing wind on your face, enjoy the play of sun and shadow through the branching and bark patterns of the woodies (trees and shrubs) around you, reach out and finger textures of the evergreens, notice the so-called "evergreen" crowns and limp remains of perennials and groundcovers.

Listen to the birds and the rustle of dried stalks and leaves on the ground. Admire the good and take note of the bad and offensive. Make notes so you will remember later when you are snug indoors and far away. Part of the secret to a truly successful garden is planning for all four seasons. So sit a spell and see how yours measures up. If there's no comfy sunspot to sit in then add making one to your list!

Now wander indoors and check the view from windows you look out most often. Make any notes you need to on your trusty clipboard... and begin to consider your options.

This is the first of a three part series.

Part Two Thinking

Part Three Putting It Down On Paper

ALL COTTAGE GARDEN ARTICLES HERE

The copyright of the article A Garden Plan That Works - Page 2 in Cottage Garden is owned by . Permission to republish A Garden Plan That Works - Page 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.