Landscaping

Posted on Tuesday 20 February 2007 at 05:22

Last night, I fulfilled my Master Gardener volunteering commitment by teaching a brief bit about landscaping at the local garden club. The club is a body of surprising vitality, comprising close to one-seventh of the town's population. (That's about 20 people, folks.) In my books, it's looking to be a great success.

For those dreaming of yard renovations -- or dreading them -- here's a copy of the notes I gave everybody. We got through about half of them, and then went looking through a bunch of magazines and books I took along. This is just the barest outline of what I talked about, so feel free to lob questions at me if it seems to be lacking.

Landscaping

How do you already use your yard?

1.    Make a rough sketch of your yard and mark what different parts are used for. Go over permanent elements (house, property line, etc.) with pen.

How would you like to use your yard, or how do you see things changing in the future?

2.    On a separate sheet of paper, make a list of changes you’d like to make.

Do you know how to make the changes you want?

3.    Circle things you have time and skills to do. Underline things you don’t. (Don’t eliminate them, chances are your neighbour might have some good ideas that will help.)

Do you know what the permanent costs are going to be?

4.    Consider the costs, not just in time and money now, but time and money for future maintenance.

Go back over your dream list and make a reality list.

5.    Choose the things you really, really want – make priorities.

Choose one thing that needs to be (or can be) done this summer.

6.    Pick your project. Begin thinking about what you’ll need to accomplish it. Do any needed research, make materials lists, draw up rough plans.