Landscaping a new garden is a creative project that can bring lots of enjoyment and satisfaction. However, if you’re a beginner to landscaping it can seem daunting. From deciding which plants to put in your new garden to picking the right equipment—where do you even start?
Researching landscape design ideas is a good first step and getting professional advice is useful if you’re an absolute beginner to gardening. If you’re removing big tree stumps or transplanting full-grown trees, you’ll need to consider crane hire Melbourne rental companies have to offer. That’s right, cranes could be something you’ll need to factor in for big landscaping jobs!
Keep reading for more tips on how to successfully landscape your new garden as a beginner.
5 Tips for Landscaping a New Garden – A Beginner’s Guide
1. Decide on a Landscape Design
Deciding on a landscape design from the beginning prevents you from making costly mistakes that need undoing further down the line. Will your garden be a play space for your kids or do you envisage a magical woodland? Do you prefer a rose garden full of lush shrubbery or are you going water-wise with plants that can handle the hot Australian climate?
Picking a landscape design allows you to determine where features such as pathways and garden sculpture should be situated, what flower beds need to be dug and what plants to choose. You’ll know exactly what needs to be done, plus what equipment is required to get the job done successfully.
2. Get to Know the Space Before Landscaping
If the space you intend to landscape is new to you, get familiar with it. This involves knowing where the sunny spots are, and which parts are exposed to wind and drainage lines. Getting to know the space before landscaping prevents disastrous mistakes such as putting shade-loving plants in the hot sun.
Furthermore, studying the weather patterns at different times of the day and year prevents you from placing permanent fixtures such as playing equipment or a gazebo in the wrong location.
3. Use the Right Equipment
Landscaping tools and equipment make light work of tasks that can be difficult to do otherwise. Essential tools for a new garden are:
- Lawnmower
- Hand tools such as spades, rakes and hoes
- Trimmers and chainsaws
- Edgers
- Wheelbarrow
The bigger the landscaping project, the more powerful tools and machinery you’ll need. This could include budgeting for crane truck hire to remove dead trees or stumps from the property. Safety equipment is essential for these jobs, so do invest in items such as goggles, face masks, gloves and headgear. Safety is as important as efficiency.
4. Tackle Small Landscaping Projects First
Taking on small landscaping projects first is recommended for beginners to gardening, especially if you’re doing the makeover all on your own. If the outside space is large, break it up into smaller portions and complete a landscape design for each location. This way you can learn along the way, make fewer mistakes with each section and eventually making changes won’t be as overwhelming.
Starting small allows you to develop a landscaping plan throughout all the individual projects. Yes, you’ll have a master landscape design to work from with a general idea. But you may realise that it needs changing once you get started. That’s how experience will help you plan better.
Also, take your time and enjoy it!
5. Think Eco-Friendly
Unfortunately, climate change has increased the temperature in countries such as Australia while also affecting rainfall patterns. This has an impact on how you landscape your garden. Does it work with the climate, rather than against it?
Creating an eco-friendly garden is one way to accommodate for these changes in climate. So, when planning your new garden consider the following environmentally-friendly tips:
- Plant waterwise plants to reduce water consumption
- Reduce lawn coverage by adding more paving
- Install rain harvesting tanks to use for watering the garden
- Use rock features to create focal points
- Pick eco-friendly garden furniture
There are many other benefits of having an eco-friendly garden including visits from beneficial creatures such as butterflies and bees. You’ll save on costly water bills by reducing irrigation needs or using rain harvesting tanks and you’ll spend less time mowing the lawn! That’s enough motivation to try it, right?
Final Thoughts
Landscaping a new garden can be challenging if you’re a newbie to gardening. However, following some basic landscape principles and having the right equipment will get you off to a great start. Preparation is always key for any new project and getting advice from the experts will ensure you pick the right design for your garden space.
Starting small, going eco-friendly and hiring machinery are useful tips you shouldn’t ignore when tackling a landscaping project as a beginner. It also means you can enjoy the process and celebrate a job well done when the project is completed!