Draw the Preliminary Plan

• Before drawing the preliminary design, review your wish list.
• Look at the notes you made about your existing site in Step Three to determine the best locations for each of the features you want to include in the landscape.
• Placing tracing paper over the site drawing will allow you to experiment easily with different design alternatives before making decisions. A sample landscape design is shown to the right.
• Software and online tools are also available to help you during the design process.

Begin by drawing in any hardscape elements you want to include in the landscape. If possible, draw them to scale.

Mark areas where grading and contour changes are to be made.

• Grading may be used to add interest to a landscape and to direct drainage away from hardscaped areas.
• When planning grading and contour changes, make sure that modifications are made in accordance with the rules established by your city for onsite water retention and proper placement of the backflow preventer. If you need clarification, contact your city’s water conservation office .
• Be a good neighbor. Don’t change the grade in your yard so that it redirects water into your neighbor’s yard. Also, avoid making changes that would direct water toward the foundation of your house.
• Consider water harvesting opportunities. You can use existing contours to collect rainwater for use by landscape plants or you can regrade part of the lot to create catchment areas for rainwater. Rooftop runoff can be directed through gutters and channels toward trees and plants.

It is not necessary to make a realistic drawing of each plant. Most landscape architects and designers use symbols such as circles to represent plants on their landscape plans. For each plant, draw a circle in a size that represents the plant at maturity (when it is largest in size).

When placing plants, consider their growth characteristics, as well as their water and sun/shade requirements:

Trees and large cacti, like saguaros, comprise the “backbone” of the landscape since they are permanent and clearly visible year-round. Place trees first.

• When considering placement, be sure the mature tree will fit safely, without interfering with overhead power lines, underground utilities, buildings, and pedestrian traffic.
• Select and place trees to maximize the function you want, such as providing cooling shade, screening for privacy, enhancing views, or framing the corners of the house.
• Locate deciduous trees to shade the east- and west-facing exposures of your home during the summer. This will allow sunlight into the home during the winter when branches are bare of leaves.
• Place large, individual cacti in the landscape to create a dramatic focal point, or mass several plants of one species to serve as a striking groundcover.
• A cactus or several cacti in a colorful container will create a bold accent.

Next, draw in the shrubs. Shrubs can break up large spaces and visually anchor a home to the site. They also can be used to screen out undesirable views, soften the look of walls and fences and filter harsh reflective sunlight.

• Select shrubs with a variety of flower colors and blooming periods to provide seasonal impact.
• Massing several shrubs of the same variety is usually more pleasing to the eye than mixing several different varieties together.
• A more formal look is achieved by using straight or geometric arrangements.
• Select shrubs according to their use and mature size, allowing enough space for their mature height and width.

Groundcovers, vines and accent plants, such as small cacti and succulents, add color and texture to the landscape and provide continuity between major landscape components.

• In addition, groundcovers shade and cool bare surfaces and can be used to temporarily fill in spaces in a new landscape.
• Use vines to soften the look of walls and fences, to screen views, and to create additional shade. Indicate on your plan where you will need to add a trellis or structure to support vines.
• Vines are especially valuable in small gardens because they require little space.
• Add accent plants to create interest and to achieve a unique look. Reserve these elements for those areas you want to emphasize, such as an entryway, a special tree, or a focal point in the landscape.

After placing groundcovers, vines and accent plants, draw in any areas to be used for a vegetable garden or bedding plants.