Plan the Plan (and the Gardening Itch)

My plan this week was to continue on the theme of project planning. You didn’t think I’d leave it with “Easy as 1-2-3” did you? The beautiful weather has diverted my attention a little as I’m starting to get the gardening itch, so I’m switching things up to make the point.


For a little background let me tell you that I have a Certificate in Horticulture and even though I mainly work on IT projects, I continue to consult with homeowners for curb appeal and DIY landscape solutions.

How does this relate to project planning? Do you remember my very first blog about everything in my life is a project? Please allow me to show you!

This year I hope to have two landscape projects to complete. The first is a slight enhancement of my back yard landscape and the second is a more complex job at the cottage. Now is a perfect time to start these projects because I simply cannot run out and start digging. Every gardener knows that the landscape is an evolution, more importantly you need to know that the bones of the landscape must be carefully planned. This sounds similar to a software project doesn’t it?

Now is a perfect time of year to start the planning. First, I need to know what I need to plan such as the design and the supplies I need to create the new gardens. Next, I can break these two items out a little further. Remember, I’m still thinking of planning.

What do I need to plan for in the Design process?


1. size of the new gardens
2. shape of the new gardens
3. how they will be blended into the existing landscape
4. structure (hardscape and foundation plant material)
5. plant selection

What do I need to plan for to actually get the work done?


1. hardscape (stone, soil, mulch, materials for physical structures)
2. timing (when do I need materials during construction)
3. plants, also known as softscape (which plants, when can I plant them)
4. can I do all the work or will I need to hire someone
5. alternates – what happens if the materials I have planned are not available when I need them, what happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate on the days I’m hoping to work? Risk planning – yes it has to be done for landscaping.

Now you can see how Step 1 of my planning process can be used for more than complex “business” projects. Planning the plan does not have to be a drawn out process, you simply need to think about the things you need to consider when creating your plan.