Landscape project planning can save money and time

As I am writing this column, I am also glancing out my window and watching the snow fall. This kind of weather seems to be a downer for many gardeners because they can't go out and dig in the dirt. If you are one of these gardeners, I suggest you use this time to plan that landscape project you want to work on when the weather breaks.

Project planning at this time will do three things. First, it will get your mind on the landscape project and away from the weather. Second, it will save time when you are actually doing the project. Third, it will make sure that when you are done with the project it is as beautiful and functional as you hoped it would be.

Suppose you want to landscape the front of your home. Start by taking several pictures of the front of your home from different angles. Then take measurements of the front of your home. You want to create an architectural drawing to scale of the area you want to landscape.

You may want to make several copies of the drawing so you can come up with more than one design that might work.

Next, go to your local garden center and look for plants that might fit your design idea. You should keep in mind mature plant size, foliage color and texture. You also should consider bloom color and bloom time.

David Lincoln poses for a photo with a landscape design he made with colored pencils.Fred Lynch

In addition, different plants have different sunlight requirements. You need to make sure you place plants in your design so shade-loving plants get shade in the afternoon, while sun-loving plants get as much afternoon sun as possible.

After you have made an inventory of plants you like, along with their growth characteristics, place the plants on your scale drawing to determine how many plants you need and where they are going. You may want to make two or three drawings just to play with the concept.

If all of this sounds too complicated, take the pictures and measurements to your local garden center and ask if they have a landscape designer who will be able to help you. The landscape designer should know plant characteristics, plant compatibility and how they can be mixed and matched to get the most pleasing look. In addition, they will know which plants require the least amount of effort to keep them looking good for the long haul.

Not only will the landscape designer help you pick out the plants to place in your landscape, but they also will tell you how to plant them, when to plant them and what to use when planting. Perhaps this will save you time and money in the long run.