Analyze This!

So, you’ve already drawn a basic plan of your property, either by hand or digitally, and inserted the buildings, streets, parking areas, walkways, patios, flower beds, plants, utilities, soil types, sun exposure, drainage, and any other significant elements you can imagine that make up your garden. This is called site inventory, and it’s the first part of the landscape design process. So, what do you do with all this information?

Analyze them!

Objectives of the Site Analysis

Performing a site analysis is a crucial step in any gardening or landscaping project. This analysis helps gardeners identify the actions needed to solve existing problems and spot design opportunities for new features. The site analysis process builds on the initial site inventory and aims to provide a general plan for improving the garden’s functionality, aesthetics and sustainability.

The main aim of a site analysis is to assess your garden’s current conditions so that you can make informed decisions about future improvements. This involves resolving current problems, identifying opportunities and planning new activity areas and circulation paths. Every garden will have unique challenges and opportunities, which makes it unique.

Gestion de l’eau

You’re probably thinking about the outdoor kitchen you’re planning or the new plants you’re going to add to your garden, but none of that will matter if you haven’t first addressed the water on your property. Rainwater management is probably the most fundamental aspect of site analysis. Whether you have too much water, too little or just enough, almost every property needs a strategy to manage rainwater to prevent flooding, soil erosion and waterlogging.

Some gardens may require systems to redirect water away from your home, while others may benefit from capturing and storing rainwater for irrigation. Identifying areas prone to water accumulation and planning appropriate drainage solutions or vegetation is crucial. This could involve installing rain gardens, swells, dry wells or rain barrels.

Sun and Shade

Balancing sun and shade in the garden is essential for plant health and comfort. Site analysis should identify areas where extra shade is needed, such as seating areas or patios, and those where more light is needed for sun-loving plants, such as fruit and vegetables. Deciding where to plant new trees or shrubs to create shade, or where to clear vegetation to allow more light, will have a significant impact on the garden’s microclimate. This step ensures that all plants receive the right amount of light for optimal growth.

Visual Screens and Privacy

Privacy and aesthetics are often key considerations in garden design. Most landscape design projects include planting to block unwanted views or to create a sense of privacy. The site analysis should identify these areas and propose solutions such as planting hedges, installing trellises with climbing plants or strategically planting large shrubs or trees. This not only improves privacy, but can also add visual interest to the garden. You might also want to open up your view to surrounding elements such as a sunset, a beautiful tree or your neighbors’ magnificent flower beds (why work so hard to build a landscape when you can borrow someone else’s?)

Activity Zones and Circulation Paths

A well-designed garden includes designated areas for various activities, such as eating, relaxing, playing or gardening – whatever you and your loved ones like to do outdoors. The site analysis should highlight potential locations for these activity zones and the circulation paths needed to connect them. This often involves planning new hard features such as patios, walkways and terraces. The analysis must take into account the flow of movement through the garden to ensure that paths are functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Existing Vegetation and New Plants

Many gardens have existing vegetation that may not fit into the new design plan. The site analysis should identify plants that need to be removed or relocated, and areas where new plants will be introduced. This includes the seasonal interest of the plants and their flowering period or maintenance requirements. This is not yet the time to choose plant species and varieties, but rather their function: hedge, windbreak, privacy, color, water management, etc.

Problem Areas

Most gardens have at least one problem area that needs attention. This could be an area with poor soil, excessive shade or a steep slope. The site analysis should document these problem areas and suggest possible solutions, such as amending the soil, installing retaining walls or choosing plants adapted to difficult conditions. Addressing these issues during the planning phase can prevent future headaches and ensure a coherent garden design.

Focal Points and Colors

Adding focal points and color to the garden enhances its visual appeal. Site analysis should identify areas that would benefit from a focal point, such as a particularly striking sculpture, fountain or plant. In addition, taking into account the garden’s color scheme can create harmony and interest. This might involve planting flowers in complementary colors, or using colorful containers and garden accessories. Often, these elements are aligned with your view of the garden from doors, windows or walkways, or from that outdoor sofa you’ve been dreaming of buying.

Practical Elements

Dreaming of flowers and lounging by the pool is great, but if you don’t consider some practical elements, you could end up regretting it. You need to think about where your trash, recycling and compost will be stored, where you’ll keep your tools or how to keep your sectional cousins dry. You might need to add water spigots or electrical outlets, a clothesline, or, in some areas, consider where the snow will fall and where you’ll put it. It’s also worth thinking about where your pets and children will play, and how you’ll keep their bikes out of sight. And think about where your mailbox will be, unless you prefer not to receive mail!

Documenting the Analysis

How do you put it all down on paper? There’s a lot to consider. At this stage, you shouldn’t draw anything in detail, just insert detailed notes and create diagrams illustrating the desired changes. Use circles or shapes to show the location of activity zones, an X to designate a focal point and arrows to show traffic routes. Draw and write on your site inventory, making photocopies or using tracing paper to sketch over your existing drawing. This allows you to start over as many times as you like, or have several layers stacked on top of each other.

Using software or an application allows you to have as many layers as you like, and you can control the visibility of layers to analyze different scenarios or issues. Start with your “base plan” layer, then “site inventory”, then add the “site analysis” layer and draw over it. Layers will come in very handy later on when you start adding more and more information to your layout plan. You can simply activate the ones you need at that time and deactivate the ones you don’t.

The Basis of Your Garden Plan

The initial site analysis provides a basis for the garden design; this is where you decide what you need, want and don’t want, but it’s important to remain flexible. As the design evolves, certain features or locations may change. Ongoing refinement and adjustments during the planning process will help create a well-balanced, functional garden.

With your site analysis in hand, you’re now ready to move on to the exciting stage of creating design concepts. This is when your vision begins to take shape and you can start transforming your garden into a beautiful, functional space that meets your needs and reflects your personal style. Happy gardening!