1) Planning only the “first impression” : Front yards give curb appeal; back yards give personal enjoyment. Plan for both.

2) No natural shapes: The architectural features of the property will have plenty of hard edges and 90 degree angles. Create a relaxing, naturally shaped landscape with undulating curves.

3) Forgetting basic design principles and elements: Without a cohesive plan, even lovely plants create hodge-podge.

4) Putting King Henry in front of the log cabin: Plan your landscape to compliment the style of your home, and your style of living.

5) Not discussing what is important in the landscape to each family member: The family does live there; create an enjoyable yard for everyone.

6) Not admitting the time you have to care for it:  There are low maintenance landscapes, or elements that can be very attractive if you don’t have time for heavy upkeep.

7) Not reading the mature size, water needs, and soil needs of a plant:  No one needs a King Kong monster towering over the garden in a few years; plan for proportion of the mature sizes with other yard elements.  Also, compare the plant ’s water and soil needs with those of your yard.  You want healthy plants once you’ve invested in them. 

Omitting exterior lighting: Install entry lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting for a well-balanced, pleasing look in the evening.

9) Planting skimpy, small plants to save money:  Plant cost effectively by staging the project over a few years if necessary. Purchase the trees & shrubs in the early stages, using a big enough sized plant to enjoy in a year or two.

And remember–if your surroundings don’t fit “you”  like a favorite shoe, you need a little redesign!  –Sharon Breay,    Does the Shoe….FIT? design programs & workshops