For many homeowners, designing a landscape in Calgary can be difficult if they don’t know where to start. Having a basic understanding of what you need to do, and how you can do it, can make the experience less daunting. 

This how-to guide for beginners explains the essentials you need for your landscape design in Calgary.


6 Steps To Landscaping Designing in Calgary


1- Determine Your Landscape Needs and Wants

Make a list of your needs and wants, not just for the present but also for the future. For example, do you have kids and want them to play in open spaces? Or do you want a quiet place to grow your vegetables? Do you enjoy a patio for the BBQ season or a hot tub for winter nights? Are you a private person, and looking to create a secluded, peaceful space? Consider what you would like to include in your landscape design and make a list of everything you want.

Then cut it back. 

Narrow your list down to a certified selection that you would LOVE to have instead of just having it for its sake. Compile it with your needs, and you’ll have a substantial foundation of what you would like for your landscape design. 

Tip: Consider what you already have and build upon it. Slight additions can make incredible impacts on your design. Example: hiring Calgary deck builders to upgrade your current patio. Instead of knocking it down.  


2- Calculate Your Budget 

You won’t be able to design your dream landscape if you don’t have the budget to back it up. Do your research to see the average price of products and services, so you have a rough idea of what you expect to pay. Crunch your numbers and see what you can achieve within your price range while comparing it to your list. You might have to remove a few things if you can’t afford it. 

Tip: Remember to add another 20% extra on top of your funds as you might it for emergencies or if you need to pay more than expected. 


3- Sketch it Out Multiple Times  

This is the fun part: sketch out your design. All you need is a basic diagram to see how you can align out possible patterns and allocations. Consider everything in your sketch: your needs and wants, open spaces, garden patches, plants, pool, patios, fountains and any other landscape construction required. It is also advisable to visualize how the colors, shapes, textures, and patterns work together so you can make your landscape flow as one. 

Put it all together on your basic sketch and take a step back to see it. See what you like and what you don’t – and then sketch it again. 

You might go through several sketches before you get to the final design that you like. But there is no rush as it’s better to take your time to get it right than wrong. 

Tip: Try to keep your measurements as close to real-life as humanly possible so that you can get a real feel for your landscape design in Calgary


4- Decide if You Hire a Landscaping Company in Calgary  

Depending on your requirements, budget, and timeframe, you have to consider whether hiring a professional landscaping company in Calgary is worth it. In most cases, for more extensive and complex projects, having an expert on the scene can be beneficial. With their experience, access to tools and planning, they can execute your design and take the pressure off your shoulders. 

Smaller, less expensive and complicated projects – for example, projects requiring no additional water lines or electrical connections – can be handled on your own. 

Tip: Don’t forget about maintenance. It’s vital to ensure your landscape is always looking its best, as it enhances curb appeal and property value. Getting consistent professional property maintenance in Calgary can achieve that. 


5- Be Open to Change

Unless you’re strongly devoted to something, expect that changes might occur while the design is built. You might not want something once it begins to form in real life or want to make small changes around the plan. Whatever it is, it’s okay to change your design as it’s being constructed. 

Tip: Just make sure that is not an expensive part (like saying no to a patio when it’s being constructed). Once you’ve committed to large projects, it’s a waste of money to change it. 


At Making a Difference Landscaping inc. we understand the importance of creating spaces that resonate with our clients. Whether you want us to help you achieve your landscaping vision, or you want us to provide quality maintenance to the result of your hard work, please don’t hesitate to give one of our specialists in Calgary a call to discuss any of your questions.