“Site prep is where the magic happens!” – Back to Nature installer
A well-designed landscape considers how people will truly use the space: their activities, needs, comfort, and style preferences. When done right, this planning process takes time and thoughtful reflection.
Winter is the perfect season to look ahead and think about how your outdoor spaces could become more enjoyable for you and the people you care about. If you’re thinking about updates or changes, pour a warm cup of coffee or tea, gather others who enjoy your yard, and explore the questions below. Write down your thoughts—you might be surprised by what you discover!
Questions to consider:
- What do I enjoy doing most in my yard?
- Are there activities I’ve enjoyed in other outdoor spaces that I’d love to be able to do at home?
- When I host friends or family, is there enough space—or do I sometimes wish for more?
- Do my guests seem comfortable outdoors? Could the space be more inviting—such as protection from wind, more comfortable seating, or screening from neighbors or harsh sun?
- Is it easy to move around the yard? Are there steep slopes or areas I avoid because they’re hard to navigate or not useful?
- Do I have practical, well-organized spaces for trash bins, compost, and equipment storage?
- If I have a vegetable garden, could it be more enjoyable or easier to work in? Would better fencing or raised beds help?
- What styles of landscapes inspire me—Clean, tailored, symmetrical plantings? Natural plantings with lots of variety and a loose, romantic feel?Charming cottage gardens? How might I bring more of that style into my yard with plants or built features like arbors, trellises, or edging?
- Does my landscape feel alive? Are birds, pollinators, and butterflies present—and would I like to support more wildlife to make the space feel vibrant?
- Which parts of the yard are difficult to maintain? Are there plantings I should replace or alter to make care more manageable?
- What outdoor maintenance tasks do I actually enjoy?
- How much time do I want to spend on maintenance? (Don’t laugh—many people love pulling weeds or deadheading flowers to unwind after a busy day!)
- Consider the budget you could spend on your improvements. Remember that many improvements can be implemented in phases over several years.
Once you’ve spent time thinking about these questions, gather some inspirational images, and invite us to help you make your new plans a reality! Your dream landscape starts with great planning—and we’d love to be part of that journey!
