Transferring Your Garden from Paper to Reality

Unless you know the trick, transferring your garden from paper to reality can be a bit of a daunting task. Generally speaking, the trick is to take all the necessary steps. That being said, the trick itself is also a little difficult to define, though there are a few guidelines that you can use to help you not only understand that trick, but to make the whole process as easy as possible. Keep these guidelines in mind not only when you are making the garden, but also when you are making the designs for them.

• Draw to scale. When you are drawing up your final plans, make sure that they are to scale. Many times people forget this aspect of their plans, and end up having to guestimate on the amount of materials needed, and how much the whole project will cost. Having plans that are to scale will allow you to answer those questions, as well as give you a rough idea of how long the whole process will take. While you don't necessarily need to be a great artist to do this, having the items on your plans to scale will also allow you to know whether your plans are even physically possible.
• Don't forget the details. When making your plans, and transferring them, don't forget the little things. This will include doing things like providing ground cover for your hills to help prevent erosion, as well as covering any type of watering devices that you may have installed. If you are planning on planting a few trees, then don't forget the mulch.
• Meld flexibility and strictness. Another common problem that many people make when transferring their gardens from paper to reality is that they are either too strict, or not strict enough. Be willing to change out plants that you may have wanted for something else if you can't find them. That being said, you should never be willing to completely throw out your plans. If you need to make a change, be willing to, but keep in mind that it should only be a minor change.
• Don't be afraid to get help. Perhaps the single largest problem that many people make when working on their new gardens is that they don't know when to get some help. This can be on anything from where they should put the irrigation lines, to how deep they need to plant their trees, to installing their new retaining wall. When, and if, you come across any problems or questions make sure that you are willing to get some help, even if that help is to hire someone to complete the project for you.