Planning a garden

The questions to ask and the choices to weigh before a garden begins.

Theory and discussion only · Community education, not accredited training

Key takeaways

01Start with what you want from a garden and how much time you have.
02Notice sun, shade, shelter, soil and water before choosing any plants.
03A simple pencil plan helps you see how everything fits together.

In this course

01What do you want from a garden?

Food, flowers, shade, privacy or a place to gather
How much time you can give each week
Who will use the space, and how
Plants or garden traditions you remember and love

02Reading a space: sun, shade and shelter

Full sun, part shade or full shade
Which direction strong winds come from
Warm spots near brick walls or paving
How the light changes between seasons

03Soil and water: what to consider

Soil varies from place to place. Some is sandy and drains quickly. Some is heavy clay and stays wet. Some spaces have no open soil at all, so pots or raised beds may suit better. Think about where water will come from, how far away the nearest tap is and whether rain could be collected.

04Choosing plants to suit a space

How much sun or shade it needs
How big it will be when fully grown
How much water it needs
Whether it suits your climate zone

05Drawing up a simple plan

Draw the boundaries and fixed features first
Shade in the sunny and shady areas
Add paths, seating and planting areas
Use pencil so you can change things

Talk it over

What would you most like a garden to give you or your family?
What gardens do you remember from other places you have lived?
What makes an outdoor space feel pleasant to spend time in?
What might stop a garden plan from working, and how could you plan around it?

Reflect

Describe a garden, big or small, that has meant something to you.

If you could plan one garden space now, what three things would it include?