1. Guidelines for landscaping a garden
1.1. Site overview
The first stage in any landscaping project is to inspect the site and then to draw up a well-thought-out, comprehensive plan. This is why it is always advisable to seek the help of an expert – a landscape designer or landscape architect – who will be able to come up with the best solution. The key thing during their visit to the site is for them to see its potential, including its strengths and weaknesses, and to think about possible ways your dreams can become reality. Without this insight into the true state of affairs at the site, it is impossible for the designer to come up with a realistic plan that meets your requirements and fulfils your wishes. It is the only way to ensure that the garden will be your favourite place to while away the hours.
One of the most important factors when it comes to deciding which plants to have is the sun. A landscape designer will map sun exposure so as to determine which the sunny and shady parts of your garden are. Of course, if youre lucky, your garden will be south-facing and will get sunshine all day long, even in the evening. When deciding where to plant shrubs, trees and flowers, care must be taken to ensure the plants receive enough light and heat, but that the sun does not burn them.
1.2. Landscape plan
For any landscape designer, coming up with a landscape plan involves harmonising the wishes of the residents and their lifestyle with the opportunities provided by the site itself. We recommend writing down or sketching out your ideas when it comes to what youd like to have in your garden. Gardens are such flexible spaces and can be used for so many different purposes – rest and relaxation, games and other leisure activities, and of course it is always a good idea to take into account the needs of any children and/or pets.
1.3. Landscaping to match the style of your house
It goes without saying that the garden and your house should represent one harmonious whole architecturally, stylistically, and aesthetically speaking, while still being functional and practical. Materials, features, shapes, and colours need to be harmonised to ensure a logical connection between the exterior and interior of your home. Not every design style is suitable for every home and while beauty and comfort are vital, so too is preserving traditional values and the natural environment.
2. Flowers, fruit, vegetables – landscape plan
2.1. Arranging the outdoor space according to purpose
When planning the outdoor space, you need to consider which features you would like to have closest to your house. Traditionally, of course, we have two separate areas – the area in front of the house and the area behind it. The driveway and garage or parking space are usually located in front of the house, while the patio, play area, and vegetable and fruit patches are found in the back garden. Some features like flower beds are usually found in both. However, there are no strict rules – it depends on your wishes and preferences. Landscaping the exterior means planning the entire living space around the house and all these features are functionally and/or logically related to it. Any landscape plan almost always involves flowers, shrubs, and trees, so you should think about the species that you like and that could thrive in your garden.
2.2. Planning an outdoor space for rest and relaxation
It goes without saying that the primary purpose when designing a garden is actually to provide a place where people can spend time relaxing in an environment that pleases all the senses. It is usually the area immediately next to the house that is the focus of attention as an extension of the living room or dining room. If the patio or terrace is directly accessible from the living or dining room, it allows residents a convenient, unbroken link between the exterior and interior. Of course, if space allows, this area can be completely separate and further away from the house; again it depends on logistics and what you want from your outdoor space.
Naturally, no outdoor space can be fully enjoyed if you are worried about the weather. This is why there needs to be adequate protection against the elements – a garden pavilion or a covered summer kitchen or patio are recommended in this regard. Pergolas, covered by creepers or some other plants which create shade, can also provide a great place to relax. The most important factor when planning such spaces is the orientation of the garden. In reality, this means that this space for rest and relaxation should be south-facing, so there is always enough light and warmth for a pleasant stay throughout the whole year or at least the majority of it. In fact, any quality landscape planning project will divide up the different areas of the exterior according to orientation.
2.3. Planting: flowers, fruit, vegetables
Flowers, fruit and vegetables can be planted around the exterior of the house depending on the taste of those living there. Most plants love light and heat and should be planted on the sunny side of the house, but there are also those that prefer shade. It never hurts to have an outdoor tap or some other source of water near to where your plants are. Flower beds are usually situated closer to the house, somewhere that can be seen from the kitchen or living room windows or the balcony, patio or terrace, so you get the full benefit of the various colours and scents. If you choose to have a vegetable patch, try to make sure it is as difficult as possible for pests to access. This can be achieved by putting a fence around it or fine woven netting.
3. The most important elements when planning a garden
3.1. Planning: paths
Paths are an important element of any garden as they provide the link between the individual areas. The layout and direction of the paths should be such so as to ensure functional and meaningful communication throughout the entire exterior space. This is why they are most often placed in such a way that they show the boundaries between the different parts of the garden, such as the lawn and flower beds or the vegetable garden and trees. In smaller gardens, avoid having the path leading directly down the middle because it will only serve to make the space look even smaller than it already is.
3.2. Themed corners
Depending on your preferences, landscaping can also mean creating themed corners that will provide each member of the family with his/her favourite place. This might be a place for a fire pit or barbeque, a pond, a swimming pool, a yoga pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, and the like. For example, you can create your own personal relaxation corner with a coffee table, armchair or bench and scented flowers or a reading corner where you can immerse yourself in your favourite book in the shade of a magnificent tree. The possibilities for this kind of landscaping are endless, limited only by the available space and your budget.
3.3. Lighting
Lighting is also an important element that must be included in any detailed landscape plan. This primarily applies to the driveway, paths, the patio, and, possibly, the garage and a sports court. There is no need for the lighting to be complicated or expensive. For example, a single light on the patio will be enough for you to be able to sit there long into the night. You should also keep in mind that bright lights can disturb your neighbours and attract unwanted insects.
4. How much does it cost to landscape a garden?
The price of a professional landscape plan at a scale of 1:100 for landscaping a garden ranges from NGN200,000 to NGN1,000,000 depending on the size, number of elements, and requirements of the client.
5. How much does planting cost?
If you decide to leave planting to the experts, there are many professionals who offer such a service. Of course prices vary. Planting first requires a site visit from the expert. It will take an hour or two for them to inspect the site and for you to come to a preliminary agreement. The cost of landscaping, i.e. planting and other work, depends on the complexity of the project, the volume of work, the size of the plot, and the plant species you choose.