1. Observe the Conditions and Needs of Your Property

A SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPE...

...depends upon knowing your property, lifestyle choices, and preparing an overall program before thinking of specific plants. Like a successful home, landscapes have spaces and circulation that need to be designed to fulfill certain functions and style, so they will flow and connect together.

When it comes to landscapes we look at our climate for sun and shade patterns, seasons of heat and cold, and we study our topography to understand drainage and enclosure. We also look at how our property is organized and faces our neighbors and streets, and where there are opportunities for different outdoor activities and uses.

Whether you have moved into a new home or have lived for many years in your current one, the success of your landscape reflects how well you make observations and see the opportunities and constraints you want to address.