Planning a Landscape: A Complete Checklist for a Beautiful & Functional Yard 🌿
Creating a well-designed landscape is more than just choosing beautiful plants—it’s about functionality, sustainability, and long-term success. Whether you're looking for privacy, seasonal interest, a pollinator-friendly garden, or a low-maintenance retreat, proper planning will help you achieve the landscape of your dreams.
Use this comprehensive checklist to guide your landscape design decisions and create an outdoor space that thrives for years to come!
✅ 1. Define Functionality & Style
Before choosing plants and features, consider:
✔ How do you want to use your space? (Recreation, gardening, sports, relaxation, wildlife habitat)
✔ What style appeals to you? (Formal, modern, natural, cottage garden)
✔ Consider Maintenance: Do you want low-maintenance landscaping or are you willing to create a budget and outsource for maintenance?
✔ What is your total budget? Consider working in phases to spread out costs over time, incorporating cost efficient substitutes into your design, or even doing some of the work yourself!
💡 Pro Tip: Find inspiration from photos, visit public gardens, or consult a landscape designer if you’re unsure where to start.
✅ 2. Site Analysis: Understanding Your Property
A successful landscape starts with knowing your lands conditions. Key factors to evaluate:
✔ Soil Type & Drainage – Clay, sandy, loam? Get a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
✔ Sun & Shade Exposure – Track how sunlight moves through your property.
✔ Wind Patterns – Avoid placing delicate plants in wind tunnels.
✔ Cautionary Areas – Identify septic tanks, utility lines, tree stumps, and poor drainage zones before planting.
Need a soil test? Bring a sample to Shannon Garden Center for a FREE analysis!
✅ 3. Define High-Traffic Areas & Hardscaping Needs
✔ Do you need pathways, patios, or retaining walls?
✔ Where will foot traffic naturally flow?
✔ How can plants be used to guide movement?
✅ 4. Choose Focal Points & Key Features
✔ What is the main feature of your landscape? (A pond, specimen tree, sculpture, or garden bed)
✔ What existing features should be removed, enhanced, or worked around?
💡 Pro Tip:Anchor your design around a key focal point for visual interest.
✅ 5. Selecting the Right Plants
Choosing plants that match your property’s conditions will lead to lower maintenance and higher success. Consider:
✔ Diversity – Mix trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals for a layered look.
✔ Seasonal Interest – Plan for year-round beauty with evergreens, flowering plants, and fall foliage.
✔ Growth Habits – Avoid overcrowding by spacing plants properly.
✔ Maintenance Needs – Some plants require more upkeep than others!
✅ 6. Plan for All Seasons
🌸 Spring: Flowering trees (Redbud, Cherry), early perennials (Phlox, Daffodils)
☀️ Summer: Heat-tolerant plants (Coneflower, Lavender, Russian Sage)
🍂 Fall: Foliage interest (Maples, Sumac, Ornamental Grasses)
❄️ Winter: Evergreens for structure (Holly, Boxwood, Spruce)
✅ 7. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Landscaping
✔ Incorporate native plants to support pollinators.
✔ Add bird feeders & water sources for wildlife.
✔ Install rain barrels & drip irrigation to conserve water.
✔ Reduce lawn size to minimize maintenance & water use.
Visit Shannon Garden Center for native plants & sustainable landscaping solutions!
✅ 8. Budget & Phasing Your Landscape Plan
✔ Plan in phases – Install key elements first, then expand over time.
✔ Look for seasonal sales – Fall is a great time to plant & find discounted perennials, shrubs, and trees!
✅ 9. Consult a Landscape Designer
Feeling overwhelmed? A professional landscape designer can:
✔ Ensure plants are chosen strategically for long-term success.
✔ Offer expert advice on hardscaping, plant selection, and site challenges.
✔ Save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes!
📍 Visit Shannon Landscaping & Garden Center for expert guidance and professional landscaping services!
The Right Plants for the Right Place
Knowing which plants to choose for different areas of your yard is essential. Here’s a breakdown of best plant types by function:
🌸 Foundation Plants (Front Yard, Low Maintenance, Year-Round Interest)
Examples: Azalea, Andromeda, Nepeta, Hosta, Holly, Hydrangea, Boxwood
🌳 Privacy Screens & Hedges
Examples: Arborvitae, Lilac, Rose of Sharon, Inkberry, Hydrangea, Juniper
🍃 Groundcovers for Bare Areas
Examples: Phlox, Creeping Juniper, Wintercreeper, Weigela
☁️ Shade-Friendly Plants
Examples: Japanese Maple, Redbud, Arborvitae, Azalea, Hosta, Heuchera
☀️ Heat & Drought Tolerant Plants
Examples: Black-eyed Susan, Coneflower, Russian Sage, Lavender, Switchgrass, Yucca
🌸 Specimen Plants for Focal Points
Examples: Japanese Maple, Weeping Cherry, Flowering Dogwood, Hydrangea, Coral Bark Maple
🦋 Pollinator-Friendly Plants
Examples: Salvia, Dianthus, Speedwell, Coneflower, Nepeta, Butterfly Bush
🌊 Seaside Plantings (Salt & Wind Tolerant)
Examples: Butterfly Bush, Clethra, Rose of Sharon, Yarrow, Echinacea, Monarda
🦌 Deer-Resistant Plants
Examples: American Holly, Boxwood, Andromeda, Monarda, Russian Sage, Maiden Grass
🌱 Small Varieties for Compact Gardens
Examples: Goldcone Juniper, ‘Bollywood’ Azalea, ‘Spilled Wine’ Weigela, Baby Gem Boxwood
🌿 Low Maintenance Landscaping
Examples: Japanese Holly, Juniper, Knock-Out Roses, Spring Grove Arborvitae
📢 Ready to Transform Your Landscape?
At Shannon Lawn & Landscaping, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether you need expert design advice, DIY gardening supplies, or professional landscaping services, we have everything you need to bring your dream landscape to life! Call for a Consultation with our Landscape Designers!
📍 Visit Us: 1111 Honeyspot Rd, Stratford, CT
📞203-375-8240
🌐Shop Online
Start planning today and create a landscape that thrives all year round! 🌱 🌿✨
Take Your Lawn Back With Our Lawn Care & Landscaping Services In Stratford, CT