Site Plans
6. Large trees and buildings cast shadows in different places at different times during the day.
The Planting Bed Plan
The planting bed site plan uses the hardscape site plan to define current and/or future planting areas.
Using the second copy of your hardscape plan, draw in existing gardens and beds that will be kept as they are. Make a working copy of this plan, and file the original.
Using the copy of your existing gardens and beds plan, doodle around with possible shapes for foundation plantings, vegetable gardens, perennial borders - whatever inspires you. You don't have to take existing shrubs or other plantings into account, UNLESS they are not easily removed for disposal or use elsewhere. In that case, work around them by adding them permanently to your plan.
Foundation planting beds soften the harsh square lines of a building. Try experimenting with curved beds, rounding the corners of the house in at least an 8' circle, bigger if you have the space. Corners are the perfect places for ornamental specimen trees, such as flowering pear or cherry, or stately evergreen. Your plantings should begin at least 3' from the house for easy maintenance and pest control, so draw the beds at least 4' from the house. Make a working copy, and file the original.
The Plant Material Plans
The plant material plans show the locations of ornamental trees and shrubs, perennials and grasses, and annuals and vegetables.
When designing with plants, find out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone number of your location. All of your plants must be hardy for your zone number, unless you want to coddle them.
Go shopping at the best local gardening center in your area. Walk down the aisles and write down the names of the trees and shrubs that catch your interest. Include information on mature height and width, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone range, sun/shade requirements, and of course, price. Also note features such as flower and leaf color and anything else you find attractive (or unattractive). Don't gather information on perennials, grasses, or annuals yet - but by all means look at them and fall in love with them.
Using the copy of your Planting Bed Plan, draw circles indicating your favorite trees and where you'd like them, based on the habits and requirements on your list. Use the Sun/Shade Plan for reference. Then fill in with your favorite shrubs, following their habits and requirements.
Continue making working copies of your
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