Not many of us have an unlimited budget for landscape design. Unless you’re Ed Sheeran. Apparently, he’s prepared to spend millions to buy all of the properties surrounding his Suffolk estate, ‘To tidy the place up a bit’. In reality, the rest of us have to be a lot more careful about how we spend our cash. Consequently, that’s why it’s a good idea to narrow down precisely what you want to achieve from a landscape design. You should carefully consider what it is you need, want and like. So, get the family together, and go through this checklist we’ve put together. It’ll guide you through the process. After this, if you want to proceed with a landscape design, we’ll get to the nitty-gritty later.
“A goal without a plan is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Landscape Design Questionnaire
- Which areas would you like to be landscaped? Front, back, sides?
- What services (cables and pipes) do you know about that we should avoid? (Even if you’re not doing the work yourself, it’s a good idea to contact ‘Dial before you Dig’ before beginning any excavations on your property)
- How long do you intend to stay at this property? Importantly, do you want to add value?
- What are your current concerns with your yard? Privacy, style, features, dampness?
- What parts do you want to keep?
- What features would you like to see in your garden? Retaining walls, timber deck, lawn for the kids, veggie garden?
- What utilities do you need? Clothes drying area, shed, carport?
- Do you like any particular theme or style? Australian, Balinese, Mediterranean, Japanese, tropical, cottage, English?
- What landscape features would you love to have? Stone walls, pathways, pergola, entertaining area, pool, BBQ, irrigation, outdoor lighting?
- What’s your preference for landscaping materials? Stone, brick, cement, timber?
- Which plants are your favourite, and which don’t you like?
- How much garden maintenance are you comfortable with?
- What’s your rough budget for landscape design?
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’ll help you focus and begin to make a solid plan. From here, your contractor/designer will be able to get a good idea of your likes and dislikes and be able to put together a thoughtful design and reasonable estimate.
Chat to Solé Structural Landscapes about your landscape design ideas. We have loads of experience and would love to help you get your project happening.
