6. Don't forget storage and utility requirements

What kind of storage do you need? Include such things as garden sheds, storage of firewood, composters, finished compost and extra garden soil, potting bench and supplies, seasonal storage of yard furniture and barbeque. Be realistic, take a look at what you have stored and stashed around your yard right now, and consider how make room for it in your plans.

7. What about driveways, walkways, and paths?

This is a practical category, which may not be exciting, but is definitely necessary. You should consider:

• how many cars you have (both now and in the future, when Junior buys his first set of wheels).
• where will your guests park?
• how will you or your visitors get from their cars, or the street/sidewalk, to your door?
• do you use the front, back or side door? Is the entryway big enough, and sheltered enough?
• how do you get around your garden areas? Think about both main pathways, and smaller ones that just allow you to get in and weed, water, and attend to your plantings.

8. Think about privacy and security issues

Your privacy needs will depend on how close you are to neighbours, the street, or public areas like parks or schools. How easily can people see into your yard, and how much privacy do you want? Do you want an open yard, where you can see for miles and easily stop to chat with neighbours? Or do you want one in which you can sunbathe, or drink your morning coffee in your housecoat? Or maybe a little of both?

Security issues can include keeping children and pets safely in, and keeping others out. Your need for security will depend a lot on your individual situation. Local bylaws will dictate whether you must have a fence around features like a pool or pond. Local crime rates might dictate whether you need to lock out potential thieves or vandals, and whether it is wise to put valuable features in accessible areas like the front yard.

It is always a good idea to consider safety, as well. Good lighting around paths and doorways will prevent accidents, and deter intruders. Planning plantings that keep the doors clear, and eliminate hiding places near doors and windows is also a good idea. A thick shrub in front of a window hides would-be thieves from observant neighbours, not something you want.

..next..

1. How do I make a garden plan? Do I really have to?
2. Get to know your site
3. Think about the future
4. What do you want to do in your yard?
5. What kind of gardening do you want to do?
6. Don't forget storage and utility requirements
7. What about driveways, walkways, and paths?
8. Think about privacy and security issues
9. Make a wish list
10. Categorize your list
11. Prioritize your list
12. Look at other gardens and yards
13. Make a general sketch of your yard
14. Go through your wish list again
15. Think about the style you want
16. Keep in mind some general design guidelines
17. Start drawing a plan
18. Get to work
19. Further Reading (web links) and References

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