HERITAGE HAUNTS: To Design Or Not To Design? Part 1 - That Is The Question & Part 2 - There Is Only One Answer.
- k-england
- Nov 1
- 4 min read
The LTP! Archives are edited by Cathy Tylka and Karen England. These articles are by Pamela Homfelt, originally published in Let’s Talk Plants! as a part of a yearlong series called Successful Drought Tolerant Gardening edited by Cindy Sparks. Part 1 appeared in September 2009, No. 180, and Part 2 in October 2009, No. 181. Republished together November 2025.
To Design Or Not To Design? That Is The Question
These days almost everyone is redesigning landscapes for one reason – to conserve water.
We know that the lawn is the biggest water user and have chosen not to spend our water there. Would you remodel a kitchen without the benefit of some serious planning, either by yourself or by a professional designer? No!
Now your questions arise:
How do I want to create a water saving landscape: simply take everything out and lay down gravel, create a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen, or create a magnificent Mediterranean garden?
Other questions might include:
How can I turn this big blob of former lawn into garden?
Where will my children play if we remove the lawn?
My front entrance is unwelcoming. How can that be remedied?
We need space to hang out in the back yard. We love to entertain. How can we do that?
My current landscape is a maintenance nightmare. How do I prevent that from happening again?
How can I pick a theme: e.g., formal/casual, Asian/Mediterranean, contemporary/cottage
Our front yard is really big but wasted, kind of like our living room, we never use it! What to do?
What should stay and what should go? Where do I begin?
Asking and answering these questions is the first step to designing an aesthetic, functional garden that matures with grace and serves your needs. Are you starting to see how designing and planning can enhance your results?
After answering the questions, creating a plot plan is the next critical step.
With a picture of the house and elements you want to keep, you will see the canvas evolve. To draw a scaled plot plan (like the one shown here) you will need a measuring tape (50' or longer), a scale ruler and grid paper or a computer.
A scale of 1" = 8' or 1/8 scale is most common.
Measure from the corners of the house to place it on the property.
Place all elements to remain, patios, shade structures, etc.
Draw all existing trees and plants to scale, using a circle the actual size of the drip line.
The bottom of all slopes, called the toe, is designated by a dashed line.
Be aware of local area setbacks. A few basic design tips to get you started.
All hardscapes should begin and end in relation to an architectural feature. This is most often a corner, but it could be a window or door. Hardscape should look as if it were designed at the same time as the home.
For small spaces avoid numerous small elements. Clutter will make the space look and feel even smaller.
Generally, straight geometric lines work best in small spaces and more organic, curved lines enhance larger areas.
End Part 1.
To Design Or Not To Design? There Is Only One Answer.
How do I choose a theme for the garden?
Choose a theme that complements the architectural style of your home.
Once the theme is set, carry it through with all elements of the project: house color, landscape materials, plants choices, furniture, objects d’ art etc.
How do I transform the former front lawn?
Design a courtyard to give an unused area a practical purpose, create an impressive entrance, provide privacy, and eliminate the need for side gates. You can form courtyard walls using hedges, masonry, lattice or other fence material.
Often the home’s entrance is hidden and unwelcoming. A walkway from the street to the front door allows visitors to approach through the garden not the driveway. A walkway needs no irrigation and divides a large garden bed into smaller more manageable beds. With sufficient setback you can swell the path to accommodate a birdbath, fountain, planting, boulder grouping, or object d’art.
Consider a dry lake or a streambed; a lake is simpler to accomplish and may fit your landscape better. When grading use the soil from the lake crater to form raised areas for elevation interest.
Many landscapes lack sufficient ‘family room/entertaining’ space. Consider expanding your patio with complementary landscape material. Pavers are very versatile in color, shape and style. Maybe an entirely new secondary ‘family room’ is the answer. Floors of dg, pavers, brick or flagstone on a sand and gravel base can be built by the do-it-yourselfer. Add shade trees, possibly a shade sail/tent and a quiet retreat replace the old high maintenance lawn.
•Creating a children’s garden can be a lot of a playhouse peeking above large flowering shrubs.
• A gazebo also serves as a children’s sanctuary yet transforms for adult use.
How do I arrange the plants?
Use the principles of flower arranging when designing your planting beds: color, texture, form and balance.
If seen from 3 sides place tall plants in the rear, medium at each side, specimen in the middle and filler/groundcover as needed.
If viewed from all sides place tall plants in the middle, medium/filler plants all around with specimens forming a triangle.
Research plants for mature height, width, growth pattern and water needs. To achieve a low maintenance garden, it’s imperative to choose the right plant for the job.
One more question: Are you comfortable doing your own landscape design? If you’re creative and able to envision possibilities, the answer is yes. If you’re detail-oriented, struggling to see the big picture, you might consider a professional to achieve a garden compatible with your lifestyle, budget and taste.
Be aware: creating a new garden takes time and patience; immediate gratification wastes time and money. Planning and research save time and money from start to finish.
End part 2.
