1. Sketch out your existing yard, including the intended planting area, decks, trees, slopes, fences, walkways...etc.  Don't worry if your drawing isn't suitable for framing!  Make sure you have actual dimensions and note them in the sketch. 
2. Plan trees first, as they provide focal points for your yard or garden.  You may want shade trees that provide colorful foliage in fall, or elegant flowering trees, usually smaller, that bloom in the spring and summer.
3. Next come the plants that give year-round structure to the garden, such as large bushes and shrubs.  Garden art, pathways, and low walls or borders of brick, stone or wood, can also provide structure, especially in a garden's bare months.
4. Now incorporate the decorative flowering shrubs and grasses.  These might be used to screen plain garage walls or compost heaps, as dividers between the garden segments. or as attractive accents to the frame of the garden.
5. Finish off with perennials, bulbs, and annuals.  In the typical border garden bed, perennials give the garden shape, with bulbs providing early spring color and annuals the later spring and summer accents.  Note varieties, colors and bloom times in your sketch.

The Moore Team

480-545-1043

www.tonymoore.com