If you’ve bought a house that needs some major work done, then it’s likely that the outside space will need a lot of landscaping work done too. A major landscaping project can be difficult to plan. Many people head straight to the garden center to start browsing their options, but creating a plan beforehand can make the task much easier. Use these tips to help you develop an effective plan and create a beautiful, cohesive landscape.

1. Know your yard. Consider the climate you have, the topography of the garden, and the soil type that you have to work with. Remember that the specific conditions you have to contend with can create a microclimate based on how much sun and shade that the garden gets. These microclimates can be broken into four main categories: full sun, partial shade, shade, and deep shade. Take note of what your landscape has and use this information to choose the best plants for the space. The topography of the site is important too. How will the water drain? What equipment will you need to deal with the soil and land? Look at professional kit from sites like https://cbeuptime.com/products/blowers/positive-displacement-blowers/. 
2. Think about who will use the garden. Who will be using the yard and how often? Do you have children or pets? Do you want to have a space for outdoor entertaining? You can create different zones for different uses using planting and hardscapes like fencing. Put in walkways to move people from one zone to another. Think about what your maintenance style and budget are. Will you hire a gardener or do it yourself? Do you enjoy garden work, or do you want something easy to care for? 
3. Think about themes. A theme can help to unify your landscape and guide you in selecting your plants and materials. A theme could be as simple as using consistent shapes throughout the yard, or as complex as creating an Italian inspired garden. When choosing your theme, start by looking at the architecture of your home. Aim to complement the lines and style of your home, as the yard should be an extension of the home. A theme will help you to choose and place plants, decorations, hardscapes, and structures. Do you want neat, geometric shapes? Do you prefer softer lines and a more natural feel? Do you want to use only specific colors? 
4. Create and link spaces. To get the most out of your outdoor space, think of it like another room. Your home has well-defined and planned rooms, so your garden should too. Use your materials to help you to create different ‘rooms’ in your garden. How will you link these spaces? How will you encourage people to move from one outdoor space to another? Create openings and pathways that invite exploration. 

Planning before you start a landscaping project will help you to create a functional and beautiful outdoor space, that complements th