Landscape design process

The five steps of the design process include:

 1) conducting a site inventory and analysis

2) determining your needs

 

3) creating functional diagrams

4) developing conceptual design plans

 5) drawing a final design plan.

• The first three steps establish the aesthetic, functional, and horticultural requirements for the design.

• The last two steps then apply those requirements to the creation of the final landscape plan.

Throughout the landscape design process there are ten important things to consider:

 1. Understand your site for plant selection and activity location

2. Remember the user by considering what you want and need

3. Use a form and/or style theme to help determine shapes and organize spaces

4. Create and link spaces by designating activity areas and linking with elements.

5. Consider the function of plants for both the environment and the user.

6. Structure the plantings by using massing and layering techniques.

7. Highlight important points such as transition areas and focal points.

8. Pay attention to detail in the materials, the colors, and the surface textures.

9. Take time into account for the growth and maintenance of plants.

10. Protect your resources by using sustainable design practices