Start- New Garden

(Question)

I would like to redo my backyard and I don’t even know where to start. Where can I get information on what to plant and how to go about it?

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting Toronto Master Gardeners.

How exciting to be redesigning your yard. It can be a daunting task but there are things you can do to educate yourself and places to go for advice and help.

An excellent place to begin is to walk around your community to see what others have done with their lawns. By looking at what they have planted and how they have designed their yards you can begin to see what styles you like and what appeals to you. It is also valuable to note what yards you are not attracted to and which plants are not what you are looking for. By visiting local nurseries, you can see what is available and what types of colours and plants appeal to you.

When a new design is created you need to consider what the health of your soil is, what light will be available and what is the micro climate of your space: is there good drainage, is there a heavy snow fall, is there excessive wind. You will also need to consider what structures are in the area including building, pools, play areas, and pet areas. You also need to consider who will be using the space and what do you want from the space.

The best resource for information and for help achieving the new design is the professional organization Landscape Ontario. I have include a link below for you to review.

Good luck on this exciting project.

https://landscapeontario.com/