Garden Design Phases from Vision to Reality – Designing a Dream Garden Online

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of designing your garden or unsure where to start, this story might be just what you need to spark some inspiration.

Let me tell you about Helena. She had an incredible east-facing property—a whole hectare around her summer cottage—with a stunning shoreline, wooded edges, and so much potential. But with such an ample space, she wasn’t sure how to organize everything into a cohesive plan.

Following these steps, Helena’s garden went from a loose idea to a finished garden. You can also create a garden that feels as effortless as it is beautiful.

1. Needs and dreams

When Helena reached out to me, we decided to tackle her garden design online. This flexible approach allowed us to collaborate deeply, even though we weren’t in the same location.

She shared with me her expectations for the garden, her preferences, and her dreams and ideas. Before beginning any design work, it is essential to know what you need and want from your outdoor space. Knowing what you like and how you want to spend your time in the garden is a solid starting point. Also, knowing any possible restrictions is vital. 

2. Look at the big picture: Placing the activities on site with the needed space dedicated to them

Our first meeting was all about looking at the big picture. We mapped out key areas: where the herb garden could go, the best spot for an orchard, and how to weave in a meadow that would feel both natural and intentional. And the large flower bed with narrow paths where Helena could walk barefoot like Tasha Tudor in her garden. The shoreline, large open space, and wooded areas became the guiding elements, giving us a framework to work from.

Between our first and second meetings, Helena took some time to reflect and consider the spatial layout we had planned for her garden and get familiar with how the different garden areas could connect. By the time we met again, she was ready to move forward in planning her garden in more detail.

3. Hardscaping materials and detail

During our next session, we focused on choosing hardscaping materials and structures. We chose wooden raised beds for her kitchen garden. For the summer cottage and its site, the combination of natural stone with gravel was a great and flexible choice to use in multiple ways. We also refined her other ideas in real-time to make everything flow seamlessly together.

 Later, Helena told me that seeing the design evolve while we discussed gave her so much confidence in her plan and its implementation. Honestly, moments like that are why I love what I do!

4. Planting Design

By the time we had our third meeting, Helena was ready to move forward with planning the planting areas, flower combinations, and details for implementation. Together, we created lists of plants, trees, shrubs, and perennials. These lists became her blueprint for placing orders and coordinating with the contractors she’d hired locally.

Helena said something during this stage that really stuck with me. She said, “Having the recordings of our sessions and the plant lists made it so much easier to come back to the plan we had created and communicate the design to her contractors.”

5. Landscaping the Garden

Now, her garden is a harmonious blend of functional spaces and natural beauty. From the orchard to the planting beds to the wildflower meadow, every detail reflects her vision and fits perfectly into her property’s unique character.

What I love most about Helena’s story is that it shows that designing your dream garden is possible, no matter where you start or how big your space is. When you design your own garden, it is important to follow the same order as we did in Helena’s garden. With a clear vision and a plan, you can create and build your outdoor space one area at a time. Every effort you make moves your outdoor space one step closer to your dream garden.

You might have been planning your own garden and sketched a master plan to make all your garden dreams happen, but you aren’t sure about the layout or placing the activities on your site to create a balanced composition and perfect flow. If you would like a professional second opinion on your plan before building your garden, I’d love to help. My Garden Plan Power Hour is all about helping to turn your ideas into a beautiful and functional master plan that feels uniquely yours—harmonious, beautiful, and perfectly in tune with your life.

So, what does your dream garden look like? And if you’re ready to take the first step, click on >>THIS LINK<< to learn more about my services and how I can help you.