Go forth and measure

It's a lovely, milder day today with temperatures just above zero. I have promised my chiropractor that I would not over-exert my shoulder so I am temporarily sidelined from working on the front porch. What a perfect opportunity to prepare a lesson plan for my students, which I am happy to share with all of you.

This is really all about the initial planning. When we're designing gardens and outdoor spaces there is a long list of questions that we need to ask in order to get things right. You'll need a measuring tape, a level, a notebook, and a camera for taking pictures. Before and after photos are not only a fun keepsake to leave for the grandchildren, but they are incredibly handy when you are working inside away from the project.

Here is a list of features that you should take note of...



The practical:

• Size of your property - enlist the help of a husband, friend or small child to help you hold the tape measure

• Property lines -VERY IMPORTANT...always plan on staying inside your property line by at least 4-6". If you have a fence or hedge directly on the line your neighbour now shares ownership and could tell you to take it all down. Very sad, but it has happened.



Designer Susan Welti, Foras Studio

• Style of your house


• Sun/shade exposure


• Exposure to winds


• Water restrictions: well or city water, rain and weather patterns


• Drainage...are you flooded every spring, does water run toward the house


• Depth and quality of existing soil


• Grade: are you level, sloped, bumpy (sudden grade changes)


• Existing features that cannot be changed: trees to keep, utility poles, fire hydrants etc.


• Borrowed views - a beautiful forest, rolling hills, a water view, or perhaps a tree in your neighbour's yard


• Views to be hidden - this is usually the next door neighbour


• Utilities ( below ground or above): hydro, gas, phone, water, septic, well...these need to clearly marked, always call before you dig so you don't accidentally blow up your neighbourhood


• Accessibility - wider pathways and raised beds can be incorporated for anyone in a wheelchair or with mobility issues


• Dogs - do you own very big dogs that like to dig, or tiny dogs that could get caught up in the barberry


• Allergies to pollen or bees (this will affect plant choices)


• And perhaps one of the hardest questions of all - how much is your budget

The Emotional:

• Use of space...an area to entertain, a play area for children, a dog run, a secret garden, a vegetable garden, a cutting garden, a pond, a pool, a fire pit, a clothesline, an area for storage, garbage bins, recycling bins, the composter...you may need just one or all of those things


• Desired building materials: natural stone, gravel, cedar... 


• Favourite plant materials


• Do you want it all done now, or can you work with a five year plan


• How much time do you want to spend in the garden - do you look forward to planting, pruning and weeding a la Martha Stewart or do you dream of low maintenance 


• Is this your dream home or are you planning to move in a few years

I know it all seems a little dry, but answering the above is so incredibly important to creating a successful final product and a very happy you that is thrilled to wander around outside, glass of wine in hand, patting yourself on the back for a job well done!

By the way - always check into your local building codes which can dictate how high a fence can be for example, or regulate the construction techniques for retaining walls.

I hope the sun is shining where you are...have a beautiful day!