Creating Elegant Outdoor Living Areas
With Landscape Design Plans
Landscape design plans are the foundation to any attractive and functional outdoor design. These plans take into account every single detail of your yard, including the size, the shape, and the terrain, and have all the information needed to create the perfect landscape design according to your specifications.
There are several types of landscape design plans. The plans your outdoor area requires will depend on the various types of features you would like in your yard. Most landscape designs begin with a topography or plot plan, and most include a concept plan as well as a hardscape plan planting plan. Irrigation, drainage, and lighting design plans are also popular and often required. Below you will find examples of landscape design plans designed by one of our association members for a small project . The scale of this project makes it ideal to illustrate some of the layers involved in a landscape plan set and may help generate ideas that you can use on your landscape project. If you need more landscape ideas consider downloading Ideas 4 Landscaping by Helen Whitfield. Many of our visitors have been very satisfied with the quality and amount of information received. The material Helen offers is great for those wanting to do-it-themselves or need to prepare creative ideas prior to meeting with a landscape professional. Keep in mind... nothing comes close to a well thought out design by a seasoned landscape professional to create your perfect garden space. You can conveniently find a landscape professional in your area by going to our popular
member directory.
Landscape Plot Plan
Plot plans, or topography charts, are the basis of all other types of design plans. These plans must be drawn to scale and typically require the services of a land surveyor. Your plot plan should include at least the following elements:• Property boundaries, as well as fences, walls, roadways, and other existing hardscape features. • Water features within the landscape, including ponds, streams, and swimming pools. • Structures on the property with details regarding electrical outlets, access to water, and features that could obstruct the outdoor design like air conditioning units and decks. • Terrain features of your outdoor area, including slopes and grades, hills, and areas with poor drainage. Plot plans can be used to develop other types of landscape design plans and can help you decide what changes or additions may be needed to create the ideal design. Trees, shrubs, and plants already growing in your yard can be noted, making it easy to determine which vegetation to keep and which to remove. These plans can also be used to place shade trees, walkways, and to designate specific living areas. Placing these items becomes very easy if using a
good 2d design software like this.
Site Plan
The site plan or sometimes referred to as concept plan consist of the preliminary illustrations that bring everything together within your landscape design. This plan typically are drawn in scale, offer full color or black and white, highly detailed layouts, and may include photographs and specifications of selected plant and hardscape materials. Your landscape site plan is an essential tool for generating and solidifying ideas. Generally, the plan is a CAD rendering but can also be hand drawn. And because it is drawn to scale it can be used to provide estimates for construction.
Landscape site plans displaying the most spectacular outdoor spaces are usually created by a professional. With modern CAD technology, it is possible to get high end concept plans and complete landscape designs starting with our free
consultation service.
Click here to view examples of color-rendered site plan views.
Elevation Views
The elevation plan gives a front-on view of various structures within the landscape design. These plans can assist in understanding what key landscape features would look like from a 2D perspective. Details associated with the items like garden walls, outdoor fireplaces, pool walls, patio structures and gazebos can be clearly viewed. Here are examples of elevation drawings taken from our landscape design plans.
View examples of color-rendered elevation views.
Hardscape Plans
Your hardscape plans include the unnatural elements of your outdoor space. Fencing, decks, and outdoor buildings can all be included in these plans, as well as walkways, driveways, and even
outdoor kitchens.
Hardscape designs include both functional and decorative outdoor features. Retaining walls and
patios
are common examples. Materials such as brick, stone, concrete, and metal are typically used to construct these outdoor elements. Your hardscape plans will reflect the overall theme of your landscape design and should be carefully drawn to scale. It is important to add these elements to your master landscape design plans before planning vegetation, water features, and other design options. Color and texture should be an integral part of your hardscape as well.
Landscape Planting Plans
Plants and vegetation are an essential part of an attractive landscape design. The planting plans give detailed information with the specific locations and requirements for all plant materials within your outdoor space, including
flower beds,
hedges and trees.Planting designs hold specific information for installation, like both scientific and common names for the plants within the plan as well as precise characteristics including size, shape, color, and quantity. This information is generally contained within a legend and the plant locations are usually noted with a matching symbol.
There are a few things to consider before creating your planting plan:• The type of vegetation you choose will depend on the amount of sunlight and shade, the soil and climate, and how much time you would like to put into your garden. • Trees can add a vertical angle to your landscape design plans. • Shrubbery can be used for privacy and fencing, while colorful flower beds are wonderful accents.
Learn more about landscape planting plans.
There are many different elements involved in creating complete landscape design plans. Some are essential parts of any outdoor design, like a topography plan and planting design, while others are an added convenience that increases the beauty and value of your estate.
Because creating quality landscape plans are so crucial to the outcome of a successful project, we highly recommend hiring seasoned professionals. We have some of the very best landscape architects, garden designers and
contractors
in your local area. Simply browse through our
Member Direcotry
to choose from our select list of architects, contractors and other landscape related professionals.
Click here to learn more about landscape design plans.
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International Landscape Association Consisting of Landscape Architects, Contractors and Industry Related Professionals
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