Step 1: Assess the Site Before Designing

Before starting, it’s essential to assess the site to understand what you can feasibly do and achieve in your outdoor area. This means evaluating the property’s conditions, including:

• Interaction with climate and weather patterns
• Soil type and quality
• Sunlight and shade patterns
• Wind direction and speed
• Existing vegetation and hardscapes

This information will help you identify potential challenges and opportunities, such as:

• Slopes or drainage issues
• Existing plants or trees that should be incorporated or removed
• Selecting specific plants that thrive in areas that receive full sun or shade

Step 2: Define the Style and Theme for your Outdoor Oasis

Next, determine the desired style and theme for your landscape. 

To create an outdoor living space of your dreams, consider:

• Your personal taste and preferences
• The architecture and style of your home
• The surrounding neighborhood and environment
• Your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space

Some popular landscape styles include:

• Modern and contemporary
• Traditional and classic
• Naturalistic and rustic
• Stylish and elegant

Step 3: Create a Functional Plan to Transform Your Yard

A functional plan identifies the different areas of your yard to landscape and how they will be used. 

Consider seamlessly integrating your landscape into:

• Entertainment spaces, such as patios and outdoor kitchens
• Recreation spaces, such as lawns and play areas
• Circulation paths and walkways
• Storage and utility areas

This plan will help you determine the size and location you need to landscape to compliment any necessary hardscape upgrades.

Step 4: Incorporate Hardscape to Compliment Your Landscape

Hardscapes include patios, walkways, retaining walls, and other non-living elements. Normally, an outdoor transformation includes both hardscape and landscape that create a fluid, harmonious design.

Consider:

• Paver stones for a meandering path, patio, driveway, or entryway
• Dynamic textures and colors that complement the plant and overall design
• Unique installation to add a personalized touch to your outdoor area

Step 5: Enhance Your Landscape With Perennial Plants

Choosing the right plants is crucial to a successful landscape design. 

Consider:

• Climate and soil tolerance
• Maintenance requirements and growth habits
• Seasonal interest and color
• Texture and form

Select a variety of plants can provide year-round interest and texture and increase your home’s appeal, including:

• Trees and shrubs for structure and shade
• Perennials and annuals for color and texture
• Groundcovers and vines for erosion control and interest

Step 6: Add Lighting or a Pergola to Elevate Your Yard

Outdoor lighting can enhance safety, security, and ambiance, while a Pergola can add visual interest and protect you from the elements  – with both enabling you to enjoy your outdoor living space all year round. 

Consider:

• Type and location of light fixtures to create the ambiance you want
• Type and size of pergola to add a unique yet versatile feel to your yard

Step 7: Finalize Your Landscape Design and Turn Your Dreamscape Into a Reality

The final step is to combine all the elements into a comprehensive design plan. 

This should include:

• A detailed sketch or drawing of the design
• A plant list and materials specification
• Installation instructions and timelines
• Maintenance and upkeep recommendations

By following these 7 steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning Outdoor Oasis filled with limitless possibilities that can be enjoyed all year-round. 

Once you’ve locked your landscape design, the next step would be to hire a professional to bring your landscape vision to life.

Black Diamond is an industry-leading hardscape and landscape design and installation company that specializes in stylish & durable paver stones with full landscaping, money-saving synthetic lawns, aluminum pergolas to escape the elements, and fire pits for cooler evenings. We provide industry-leading warranties on all installations and materials. We can also add accent lighting for entertaining day or night, a BBQ island & an outdoor kitchen for summer parties to Make Your Dreamscape a Reality! Contact Black Diamond today for your free basic digital design and estimate or book your appointment now.