Making A Garden Plan

All of us end up revamping our landscape or garden at some point, whether it’s because plants died and need replacing, we’re having hardscape installed, or a flowerbed has become overgrown and needs an overhaul.

Here’s where a written landscape plan is invaluable. If your needs involve significant hardscaping like laying pavers or excavating a retaining wall or pool, you will want to hire a professional. But for simpler garden makeovers, drawing up your own plan is easy, costs nothing and is exceedingly helpful.

This article covers two types of plans: A simple sketch that anyone can do, based on my own plan to refurbish my front bed. And a much more complex plan intended for large properties, or just for fun.

Plein Air Painting at Longwood – The Ultimate Garden Immersion

Longwood Meadow Garden

Once a year in autumn, Longwood Gardens’ Continuing Education program offers a one-day en plein air art class in their incomparable meadow. (En plein air is French for “in the open air”.) These outings are always fun and a bit of a thrill for me. The abundant wildflowers, the other artists, the atmosphere generally, the resulting art – it’s all quite inspiring.