Here at Snips spring is an exciting time of year. It’s the beginning of a new season with new hires and new clients. It’s also the end of the cold snowy dormant winter and gardens start to come back to life.
Spring is when hours of brainstorming and preparation is put into practice in order to create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces. Proper planning is essential to create a space that is functional, practical and suits your lifestyle.
Outdoor Project Planning
Here are some great questions to ask yourself if you want to take on any outdoor project this season.
Who will be maintaining the property and what level of maintenance is anticipated?
If you are taking care of your property, are you an avid gardener or what some would call a "blackthumb"?
What style is your home, decorating or like?
Here are a few types of garden styles:
- Formal Informal
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Cottage/Muskoka
- Wildflower/English Garden
- Natural
- Woodland
Choosing the Right Style for your Outdoor Space
Is there a variety or specific colour theme or specific planting type (eg. evergreens, perennials) that you like or are working with?
What purpose(s) or function(s) are required?
- Entertaining
- Staycation
- Curb Appeal
- Privacy/Security
- Accessibility
- Short or Long Term home
Think about your wish list of Features/Structures:
- Pergola
- Gazebo
- Outdoor Kitchen
- Swimming Pool
- Hot Tub/Spa
- Decks/Patios
- Water features
- Shed
- Greenhouse
- Playstructure
- Vegetables/Herbs
- Pond/Waterfalls
- Outdoor - lighting
- Driveway
- Walkways/Pathways
- Fences/Screens
- Containers/Planters
- View from inside/outside house
Ask yourself about Lifestyle and Hobbies:
- Children
- Pets
- Birding
- Art
- Photography
- Cuisine
- EcoFriendly
- Retirement
Are there problems or corrections needed?
- Drainage
- Slope
- Curb Appeal
- Privacy/Security
- Pests/Diseases
- Mature/Overgrown Plantings
- New Build/No Landscaping
How much is your budget for the project or what do you anticipate the costs will be?
Will this be for a long term or short term investment?
Proper Planning can Result in the Backyard of your Dreams!
Your home and landscape is an important investment and with proper planning, construction and landscape practices you can take your property's potential to the sky's limit. I encourage clients to take the time research and scope out their neighbourhood for inspiration if they need help define their style and wishes. There are many great internet tools to use for inspiration and ideas. If you are overwhelmed, don’t know where to start, or need help with planning, I highly recommend you hire a reputable professional. Whether large or small in size, your project can achieve better results with proper planning. A tailored landscape plan to suit your life is a great investment and can really make a difference in the outcome of your project.
The snow has melted, the sun is shining and the grass is getting greener. That means it’s time to put on my Welly boots, go outside and start soaking up the excitement spring brings.
Happy Spring and Happy brainstorming and planning!