Step 1: Gather information
Get measurements of the space, including outbuildings, fences, gates, etc and determine the scale that you will be using. Iphone has a measurement tool that does the job.
Step 2: Site Analysis
Consider Sun exposure, drainage, and access to water. Any slopes should be noted. Find North.
Step 3: Prioritize Uses
Determine the primary use of the garden. Will those changes with the seasons? Is it meant for entertaining? Meditation? Food production, etc.
Step 4: Consider Maintenance requirements
Maintenance may include refinishing decks, benches, and fences, mowing, weeding, watering, mulching and winterizing. You’ll need tools to accomplish these tasks and a place to store them when not in use.
Step 5: Determine Budget
This is the hardest to pin down because the cost varies as much as your imagination. We all start somewhere.
Step 6: Determine needs/wants
Determine what you like about the space. What can you improve? Consider transitions from one space to another. How can you make each area connect? Do you need lighting? Do you want music? Now is the time to start your wishlist.
Step 7: Determine Composition
There are many types of gardens. Some are traditional and others more avant-garde. French chic, cottage and woodland gardens have softer lines where a traditional Japanese Garden may evoke a more angular feel. Choose what feels best to you and consider a Theme to unify the space.
Step 8: Select Plants
This is simple. Select perennial plants that work in your Zone and note the blooming times and mature size of the plants. Annuals can be added to get an early start and fill in areas where the perennials may emerge later.
Step 9: Create Preliminary Design
Using an architecture scale rule, draw a scale representation of the garden space. Add any furnishing, decks, and hardscaping to scale. Note the sun exposure.
Select plants depending on their sun exposure needs. Use circular shapes as plant symbols, and add corresponding numbers to match a Description Key.
Start with the tallest plants first and fill in the spaces between with other medium-sized plants. Ground cover and annuals will fill in the spaces that are left. Modify as needed.
Step 10: Draw final landscape plan
Reproduce your draft and watercolor the final plan.