landscape plan

If you are intending to establish a new garden, or taking over and developing an existing plot it is a good idea to see some ideas set down on paper, or on the computer, so that you can more easily visualise how it will turn out.  This is where landscape drawing comes into play and unless you have particular expertise in this field it is advisable to engage the skills of an expert. 

A professional landscape gardener will initially consult you on your requirements for the area concerned, including where you would like the hard-paved and planted areas to be, as well as any special features to be included.  The next stage would be the production of a landscape drawing either on paper, or computer generated, in which case it is quite likely to be in 3D.  This type of landscape drawing is obviously very useful to the client as it gives a far more realistic impression of the desired end result.  You will be able to see the relation between different features of the proposed design, the relative proportions of trees and shrubs and other elements and how your garden will look from different viewpoints. 

Another advantage of computer-generated landscape drawing, whether in 2D or 3D, is that it is relatively easy to make alterations.  The landscape architect or designer can make minor or major alterations to the landscape drawing in the presence of the client, who can then evaluate the changes and make informed choices on what is to be done.  The client may be given a choice of two or three different options and can compare one landscape drawing with another, to see which best suits his or her needs. 

Whatever type of landscape drawing is being used, the next stage, once the ground has been prepared, is to put the design into effect.  Generally speaking, the hard elements will be laid first, and the landscape drawing will prove invaluable at this point in ensuring accurate placement and sizing of the component parts.  The planting will then be added, again with frequent reference to the drawing in order to achieve the desired effect. 

As has been shown, if you are undertaking any significant landscape alteration or development, the use of landscape drawing is an essential part of your planning and will help to avoid any costly or disappointing mistakes.