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APLUS LAWN CARE · #1 05-15-2013, 10:52 AM

This is my first landscape design... I am in zone 5. I am looking for all the landscape designers to critique my work. Please don't bash me but I would appreciate any help.

Kiril · #2 05-15-2013, 11:57 AM

You need to start over, paying particular attention to the following.

1) proper hydrozoning.
2) proper choice of planting materials for location (mature size with respect to building, hardscape and other plants)
3) proper grouping and placement with respect to maintenance, mature size, exposure requirements and visual aesthetics.
4) river rock for mulch .... not a good idea.

With respect to the paper design

1) Dimensioning needs work
2) No legend, scale, or north arrow
3) No breakdown on plants .... needs both scientific & common name, and ideally specifics on each (ex. characteristics, management requirements, etc.....)

In all honestly, it just looks like you randomly picked and placed some plants .... and IMO the finish product will not look good, both initially and over the long term.

APLUS LAWN CARE · #3 05-15-2013, 01:58 PM

Thanks for the advise. I will do some editing on it tonight. Like I said, it is my first design so I knew it would leave a lot to be desired. As for the plan, it is just a rough draft I will add a legend and etc before I finalize it.
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Grant11 · #4 05-17-2013, 12:28 AM

A few quick tips... Don't have so much space between plants, when they grow in they can touch each other- it will look good. Don't plant everything in straight lines. Think odd numbers, instead of planting one, plant three or five. Layering is important too, short plants up front, larger in back. Makes it interesting. And I would stay away from the straight bed edges- think curvilinear.
I like the way you blue printed out the house, that should be a sufficient pallet for showing your plans. I would label the plants as letters and have them go to a key. And when you draw the lines to label the plants, use straight lines. Use different symbols for different plants.
Good luck you got this

exmarkking · #5 05-17-2013, 07:24 AM

Also keep in mind the different seasons. I didn't look closely at your plant selection but I see people all the time design stuff with no evergreens. What do they think its going to look like in the winter when everything is dormant? Keep in mind textures, colors, size, exposure to sun/shade. Grouping are good with odd numbers.
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APLUS LAWN CARE · #6 05-17-2013, 05:34 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice, I have applied some of the advice to my plan but I have taken it all to heart. I really appreciate all the help. Here is the updated design that will be presented to the client.