Winter gives you a great opportunity to plan your perfect garden!

• First, take the time to to sketch your ideas on paper. Use a pencil! Trust me, it is a lot easier to make changes with an eraser than with a shovel. Consider garden views from inside the house, traffic patterns throughout the yard, and also the ways your family uses the yard.


• Next, draw permanent structures such as paths, walls, fences, decks, and gazebos. Do this even if you do not intend to erect them immediately. Remember to reserve space near hedges, walls, and fences for plants that benefit from the extra protection and shade. Keep plants an ample distance from one another and from nearby structures to allow for growth. Give wide berth to new shrubs and trees; when fully grown, they can take up a lot of space.


• Finally, leave open play areas for children and the family pet. It is a good idea to add exercise areas for your pets where they won't trample plants. We all know how frusturating that can be.


• The biggest tip I can give would be to leave yourself room to work!


• If you plan large beds, add space for stepping-stones or a winding path that will allow access to plants in the middle of the bed.