There is a lot of information to be learned about any particular yard, and the homeowner is often the person who knows the most about the site. This month's feature article moves on to drawing up a plan of existing features. If you read the last article in much detail, you'll see quite a bit of overlap, but now we'll be concentrating on getting the important stuff on paper.
If you don't have any graph paper lying around, you'll need to get some
because you'll want your drawing to be to scale; usually 1/8"=1 foot or 1/4"=1 foot will do the trick. Accuracy is important, so that later in the design process you don't misjudge the amount of space that's available for planting.
Now, if you're concentrating only on the front yard, for instance, everything might fit on one sheet of paper. However, if you're designing a large space, you may have to use more than one sheet; if so, you'll want to tape them together or provide a point of reference on each, so you'll know how they work together.
Get out your measuring tape, along with a friend or family member, and start measuring! Start with the house, marking down the measurement of each wall, making sure you measure each nook and cranny for maximum accuracy. Also, measure the width of doors, windows, porches, patios, etc., and note their placement relative to the house.
Next, mark existing property lines, easements, utility lines, sewer lines or septic tanks, existing pavement, walls, fences, nearby neighbors, drainspouts, A/C units, existing plants and their size, sheds, kennels, etc. Any existing feature you see in your yard should be placed on this drawing.
Okay, grab another piece of paper (you'll be tracing, so you don't need graph paper). Lay this sheet over your graphed drawing. Using arrows and other pertinent symbols, note the following:
- seasonal winds (particularly NW winds that hit the site)
- North arrow ~drainage patterns (if water collects somewhere, try to correct it first; if you can't, note it on your drawing)
- slopes (top and bottom; how steep?)
- shade/sun
- noise sources
- traffic pattern
- good/bad views
That's great; you're off to a wonderful start.
