Starting Your Garden Design: How to Do It Step by Step

Dreaming of a beautiful garden but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Many people want to (re)design their garden but get stuck when it comes to making a plan or choosing the right elements. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In this blog, you’ll discover how to successfully design your garden — from preparation to finishing touches — with practical tips, smart insights, and a clear step-by-step plan.

Looking for inspiration or want to pick garden accessories already? Check out our garden furnishings collection for stylish and functional solutions.

Why Preparation Is Essential

Designing a garden is an investment in your comfort and property value. Proper preparation prevents mistakes and ensures your garden will be durable, low-maintenance, and functional. Without a plan, you risk wasting materials, redoing layouts, or seeing plants fail.

Step 1: Define Your Garden’s Purpose

Before starting, decide what you want your garden to be. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do you want a space to relax, play, garden, or dine?
• Will you include a terrace, vegetable garden, or pond?
• Should the garden be child- or pet-friendly?

List the functions and priorities. This will guide your choices during construction.

Step 2: Analyze Your Garden and Surroundings

Take time to observe your garden. Measure dimensions, check height differences, and track sun exposure throughout the day. Consider wind, shade from buildings, and whether the soil is wet or dry. These factors determine your design possibilities.

Step 3: Create a First Sketch

You don’t need to be a landscape architect to sketch a plan. Use graph paper or tools like Garden Planner or SketchUp. Draw to scale and mark zones for:

• Terrace or seating area
• Paths and walkways
• Lawn, borders, or planting areas
• Storage or carport

Think about sightlines: what can you see from inside your home? A clear line of view creates calm and space.

Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget

Garden projects cost money — how much depends on your choices. Create a budget in advance, divided into categories like:

• Earthworks and foundations
• Materials (tiles, wood, gravel, soil)
• Plants
• Lighting and accessories
• Furniture or coverings

Allow 10–15% extra for unexpected expenses.

Step 5: Prepare the Soil

A healthy base is key. Remove old roots, stones, and debris. Consider a soil test (pH, nutrients, structure). Loosen the soil, enrich with compost or humus, and ensure proper drainage. Use weed fabric or edging where needed.

Step 6: Start with Hardscaping

Begin with the “hard” elements of your garden, such as:

• Terrace or decking
• Garden paths
• Fences or walls
• Sheds, carports, or pergolas

These structures form the framework of your garden. Ensure solid foundations and good drainage.

Step 7: Install Utilities

Before planting, plan for electricity (lighting, pumps), water lines (irrigation), and drainage. Lay cables and pipes neatly underground in protective tubing with markers.

Step 8: Select and Plant Vegetation

Consider in your planting plan:

• Sun/shade per area
• Height and spread of plants
• Evergreen or deciduous
• Flowering times and color combinations

Plant in layers: trees and shrubs at the back, perennials in the middle, groundcovers in front. This adds depth and structure.

Step 9: Add Lawn or Artificial Grass

Do you want a lawn? Choose between seeding or sod. Sod gives quick results but is pricier. Seed is cheaper but takes longer. Artificial grass is low-maintenance but less natural. Always prepare a flat, nutrient-rich base.

Step 10: Add Lighting and Accessories

Good lighting creates ambiance and safety. Combine functional lighting (along paths, entrances) with mood lighting (tree spots, LED strips). Consider planters, rain barrels, decorations, or an outdoor fireplace.

Step 11: Place Furniture and Furnishings

Now the fun part: furnishing your outdoor space. Choose furniture suited to your style and space. Folding or multifunctional pieces are useful in small gardens. Don’t forget umbrellas or coverings for shade and rain protection.

Step 12: Plan Maintenance

Every garden requires upkeep. Make a plan: weeding, pruning, fertilizing, mowing, clearing leaves. Choose low-maintenance plants if you have little time. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Common Mistakes in Garden Projects

• No plan: Starting without a design or vision.
• Wrong plant placement: Sun plants in shade or wet spots with drought-tolerant species.
• Poor foundation: Sinking terraces or unstable fences.
• No drainage: Puddles on the lawn or near the house.
• Underestimating costs: Running out of money or cutting corners.

Why Choose Doika as Your Garden Partner?

At Doika, we help you create a comfortable, stylish outdoor area. We offer not only products but also advice and inspiration. You’ll find:

• Garden lighting in various styles
• Mailboxes, rain barrels, and storage solutions
• Functional, compact garden furniture
• Accessories for a complete outdoor setup

All our products are high-quality and suitable for long-term outdoor use. Our team is ready to help you — from design ideas to product choices.

Conclusion: Start with Vision, Work Step by Step, Enjoy

The question “How do I start designing my garden?” is easier to answer with a clear plan. By defining your needs, analyzing your surroundings, and carefully following each step, you’ll create a garden that brings joy for years. Think functionally, choose quality, and plan for maintenance.

Ready to start your project? Explore our garden furnishings collection and get inspired by our smart solutions for any outdoor space. Need help? Our advisors are ready with personal advice.

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