Phasing in a landscape means installing it in stages rather than all at once. There are several advantages to retaining the landscape plan as you conceived it originally. First, you can install each phase of your landscape with the knowledge that, eventually, you will have exactly what you want. You also will be able to concentrate on installing high quality plants and materials during each phase. You won't have to cut corners or settle for something you don't really like. Phasing in your landscape also gives you some extra time - to install the components of each phase carefully and properly, to
pre-shop for items to be installed during the next phases, to learn to maintain the existing components of your landscape and, of course, to save up for the supplies and materials needed for future phases.
Don't Let Phasing In Faze You
Review your landscape plan. Identify the essential elements on your plan and label them with a 1 to designate first priority. Repeat this process for second, third and fourth priority items. During the process of prioritizing landscape elements, consider those elements that will be the easiest to add or move and those that will be the most difficult. Ask yourself questions like, "Will I be willing and able to move this play structure or add this planter later?" Identifying and prioritizing these elements accordingly will help to ease installation of items earmarked for future phases.
