This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Do you dream of a green corner of paradise of your own in which you can bask for hours without too much effort? Whether it’s large or small, whether it’s an entire piece of land, a balcony or a terrace, know that with good planning and a little imagination (as well as a few tips and tricks ), you will be able to make your wish come true, no matter where… Follow the guide!
1. Vocation
Determining the vocation of the site allows you to maximize the space you have and avoid unnecessary inconvenience and expense. Whether you are designing a balcony or a backyard, you must take the time to clearly define your priorities:
- What are the main needs that your new landscaping will have to meet?
- How many people will use the premises on a regular basis?
- Do you want a dining area, a small bistro for an aperitif, a relaxation area for reading, a lounge to receive guests, a spa, etc.? ?
2. Exhibition
It’s no secret that plants need light to thrive. By observing the path of the sun at different times of the day (8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) using photos or sketches, you will be able to define the role of each area of your layout and select the plants adapted to the conditions of your environment.
3. Regulations
Many municipalities have regulations related to landscaping. Before starting certain horticultural work, contact your municipality so as not to violate the regulations in place. Here are some examples of restrictions that may be imposed:
- height of the hedges in the backyard and in frontage not to be exceeded;
- distance to be respected between an inert element and the adjoining property line;
- watering ban;
- holding a permit for certain works;
- clearance of traffic lanes.
4. Choice of plants
After evaluating the sunshine, set off to discover the plant world. Visit your garden center on several occasions throughout the summer. This will help you create a garden that you can enjoy in all four seasons. Trees, shrubs and flowers are the basis of all gardens. They form the skeleton that will give movement and permanence to your layout. Avoid combining too many colors and varieties in the same bed and make sure you have a visual appeal for each season (e.g. early spring flowering, successive blooms throughout the summer, flamboyant foliage in the fall or persistent fruit through winter).
5. Children and pets welcome
Adapt outdoor living areas so that they can meet the needs of children, young and old. Allow them to move around easily and play in peace. The same goes for dogs and cats, because even if you try to get them used to your new environment, they will tend to stick to their old habits.
6. Pots, furniture and more…
Adding furniture adapted to your needs as well as the size of the allocated space, ornamental or vegetable pots or any other decorative or utilitarian element will personalize your project and reinforce its theme. The choice of resistant materials that will last over time is to be prioritized. Here, quality takes precedence over quantity.
7. Privacy of the premises
Even on a balcony, it is possible to protect the premises from prying eyes. Opt for vegetated or inert screens that meet your needs. Climbing plants attached to trellises or a fence are very effective and take up less space than a hedge of evergreens or shrubs. Removable screens are very useful to preserve the privacy of the terrace or balcony.
8. Dare to be original
Do not hesitate to personalize your corner of paradise. Sculptures, stained glass, frames, mirrors, furniture, colorful decorative accessories, everything finds its place outside, even garden gnomes! It is a question of integrating them well into the decor and respecting the existing theme. Invite birds and pollinators, create scented areas, in short, let your imagination run wild… This garden belongs to you.
9. Make ecology and maintenance rhyme
Opt for ecological products, safe for the environment and living beings. Prefer natural fertilizers to synthetic fertilizers and stop fighting against nature. Select plants that are drought resistant and adapted to your climate (hardiness zone). The right plant in the right place, again and again.
10. Time allotted to gardening
When planning, it is important to take into consideration the time you will have to allocate to the maintenance of your project. For novices, start by making small plots; this will make it easier for you to calculate the maintenance time. Be realistic and honest with yourself.
Happy gardening season!
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.