Whether you’re starting with a blank slate or undertaking a significant overhaul of your current landscaping, there’s a lot to think about above and beyond what plants you like.

You have to consider your property’s positioning, who uses it, themes, future-proofing, and much more. If you’re about to start looking at your options, don’t forget to put thought into the following points.

The Climate

You might think that all you need to know about your yard is its size and what you like and dislike, but that’s not all. Before you even get to that stage, you must consider your regional climate, soil type, and topography.

These points can all contribute to the landscaping features you rely on and even the techniques you use to get the desired result. Use the Bureau of Meteorology for some helpful information on climate zones for temperature and humidity.

With their information, you can determine the plant types to suit various regions, like the cool temperate climate of Tasmania, through to the hot conditions of Western Australia.

Yard Users

The most frequent visitors to your yard can be who you end up catering for in your final design. While you might like a beautiful cottage garden with rare plants, your treasure-hunting hound may see those plans being less than ideal. Cater for your users, and you’ll end up with a practical and functional space.

You might decide to have a lawn area for your pets – which will require lawn mowing, a play area for the kids – which will require safety parameters, and an entertainment area for you and your friends. Making sure everyone is catered for is something to factor into your landscaping plan early on.

Themes

There are few things as challenging as trying to plan your landscape design without a theme in mind. Fortunately, choosing a theme can be made easier when you consider the design of your home.

A new build can pair beautifully with contemporary garden ideas like grasses, rocks, and sculptures. A charming older home with classic features may suit something more whimsical, with curving pathways and big, bold perennials.

Once you have established your preferred theme, you can start looking at specific elements within that theme to suit the look you’re going for.

Plants

Some plants are better suited for some climates than others, which means a lot of thought needs to go into the best plants for your unique landscape design. Pet owners should consider the safest plants for their pets to be around and those that don’t attract wildlife that may be challenged in your property by them.

How much maintenance some plants require may also be worth thinking about, especially as not everyone has the time to while away in the garden daily.

Connecting Spaces Together

Depending on the size of your yard and how many elements you need to add, put time into deciding how you will link each area.

You might purchase paving stones, lay down a concrete path, or use grassy paths to lead the way. Some people also like to create definition by adding tall outdoor potted plants, trellis, and garden feature walls.

There can be more to the landscape planning process than picking outdoor furniture sets and lovely bushes. You also have to consider who lives at your house, the themes that suit, and how you’ll connect it to your home’s design. Don’t neglect these steps before creating the yard of your dreams.