Transforming your outdoor space can feel overwhelming, but with proper garden redesign planning, you can create the landscape of your dreams. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revitalising an existing garden, following a systematic approach will ensure your project succeeds both aesthetically and functionally.
Assess Your Current Space
Before diving into exciting garden layout ideas, take time to thoroughly evaluate your existing landscape. Walk through your garden at different times of day to understand how sunlight moves across the space. Note areas that receive full sun, partial shade, or remain in shadow throughout the day. Document existing plants that you want to keep, structures that need removal, and any drainage issues or soil problems that require attention.
Consider your garden’s microclimates, slopes, and exposure to wind. These factors significantly influence plant selection and placement decisions later in the landscape design process. Take photographs from multiple angles and create a simple sketch of your current layout, including measurements of key areas and existing features like trees, pathways, and structures.
Develop Your Design Concept
Consider how you want to use your outdoor space, begin developing your overall design concept. Consider themes that resonate with your personal style and complement your home’s architecture. Whether you’re drawn to formal symmetry, naturalistic plantings, or modern minimalism, consistency in style creates visual harmony throughout your space.
The landscape design process involves creating functional zones within your garden. Designate areas for different activities such as dining, relaxation, gardening, and circulation. Think about sight lines from your home’s windows and how different areas connect to create flow throughout the space.
Plan Your Plant Palette
Selecting plants forms the heart of any successful garden redesign planning effort. Choose plants suited to your climate zone, soil conditions, and maintenance preferences. Consider seasonal interest by incorporating plants that provide colour, texture, and structure throughout the year. Evergreen plants provide winter structure, while deciduous varieties offer seasonal change and often spectacular fall displays.
Layer your plantings with trees providing overhead canopy, shrubs creating middle-height interest, and perennials and groundcovers filling lower levels. This approach creates depth and visual interest while maximising your garden’s ecological benefits. Native plants often require less maintenance and provide valuable habitat for local wildlife.
Address Practical Elements
Successful garden layout ideas always incorporate practical considerations alongside aesthetic elements. Plan pathways that provide logical circulation throughout your space while considering materials that complement your overall design theme. Ensure adequate lighting for evening use and safety, particularly along pathways and near seating areas.
Water access is crucial for plant establishment and ongoing maintenance. Plan irrigation systems or ensure hose access reaches all planted areas. Consider drainage solutions for areas that collect water, as poor drainage can kill plants and create muddy, unusable spaces.
Call the Professionals
Professional garden design tips emphasise phasing your project to spread costs and labour over time. Consider seasonal timing for different aspects of your project and understand that a new garden requires patience, as landscapes need time to mature and reach their full potential.
If you need a professional garden landscaper we recommend Acres Ahead. They’re based near Calne and serve the surrounding area including Bath, Chippenham, Melksham, and Devizes. Acres Ahead provide all a range of services including garden landscaping, paving & patios, decking, planting, ponds and water features.