A landscape design plan provides a clear picture of how an outdoor space can be organised before landscaping work begins. It brings together the property’s layout, garden areas, planting, pathways, outdoor living spaces and other landscape features into one considered plan.

Whether you’re planning a new garden or redesigning an existing backyard, having a detailed landscape plan can make it easier to understand how the finished outdoor space will look and function.

But what should actually be included in a landscape design plan?

From site information and garden layouts to planting and outdoor living areas, here are the key elements to consider.

What Is a Landscape Design Plan?

A landscape design plan is a visual representation of a proposed outdoor space.

It shows how different parts of the property can be arranged and how they relate to one another. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, a plan may include elements such as:

• Garden beds
• Lawn areas
• Trees and planting
• Pathways
• Outdoor entertaining areas
• Screening and privacy planting
• Paving
• Decking
• Retaining structures
• Irrigation
• Lighting
• Existing features to be retained

The level of detail can vary depending on the project. A simple backyard may require a relatively straightforward layout, while a larger property may need more detailed planning.

1. Site Assessment and Existing Conditions

Before creating a new layout, the existing property should be understood.

A landscape plan should take account of important site conditions such as:

• Property boundaries
• Existing structures
• House location
• Existing trees and plants
• Slopes and changes in level
• Sun and shade
• Soil conditions
• Drainage
• Existing paths and outdoor areas
• Access to the property

This information provides the foundation for the rest of the garden design plan.

For example, an area receiving strong afternoon sun may need different planting from a shaded section beside the house. Similarly, a sloping backyard may require a different approach to a level block.

2. The Overall Garden Layout

The overall layout is one of the most important parts of a landscape design.

It should show how the available outdoor space will be divided and how different areas will connect.

Depending on the property, the layout could include:

• Front garden areas
• Backyard spaces
• Lawn
• Garden beds
• Outdoor dining
• Entertaining areas
• Relaxation spaces
• Children’s play areas
• Access paths
• Service areas

The objective is to create a logical relationship between these areas rather than treating every feature as a separate addition.

3. Garden Bed Locations

Garden beds should be positioned with both appearance and practicality in mind.

A landscape plan can show the location and general shape of proposed garden beds, including their relationship with lawns, pathways and buildings.

Garden beds can be used to:

• Define different areas
• Frame outdoor spaces
• Create privacy
• Add greenery around the home
• Provide areas for feature planting
• Soften hard surfaces

The shape of the beds can also influence the overall character of the garden. Straight edges may suit a contemporary property, while curved beds can create a softer appearance.

4. Planting Design

Planting is another major component of a garden design plan.

A planting plan can identify where different types of plants will be positioned and how they will work together.

Important considerations include:

Plant Height

Different heights can be used to create layers, with groundcovers and smaller plants at the front and taller shrubs or trees positioned further back.

Sunlight

Plants should be selected according to the amount of sunlight available in their intended location.

Mature Size

The eventual size of a tree or shrub should be considered rather than only its size when first planted.

Colour and Texture

Combining different foliage, textures and seasonal colours can create visual interest throughout the garden.

Maintenance

Plant selection should also reflect how much ongoing maintenance the homeowner wants to undertake.

5. Lawn Areas

If lawn is part of the design, the landscape plan should show where it will be located and how it relates to other areas.

The size and shape of the lawn should suit the property and its intended use.

For example, an open lawn may be useful for children and pets, while a smaller lawn area may simply provide visual space between garden beds.

The plan can also help determine whether there is enough room for the lawn to be practical without taking space away from more useful areas.

6. Pathways and Access

A good landscape layout should consider how people move through the property.

Pathways may connect:

• The house and backyard
• Front and rear access
• Outdoor entertaining areas
• Garden areas
• Pool areas
• Side access
• Different levels of the garden

The position and width of pathways should reflect how they will actually be used.

A landscape plan can also help prevent situations where paths are added later and end up disrupting planting or other outdoor features.

7. Outdoor Living Areas

Modern gardens are often designed as extensions of the home’s living space.

If you plan to use your garden for entertaining or relaxation, these areas should be considered from the beginning.

An outdoor living area might include:

• Outdoor dining
• Seating
• Barbecue areas
• Covered spaces
• Entertainment areas
• Fire features
• Connections to the house

The plan should consider how these spaces relate to the kitchen, living areas, garden and other parts of the property.

8. Privacy and Screening

Privacy can be incorporated directly into the landscape layout rather than added as an afterthought.

A landscape plan can identify areas where screening may be required because of neighbouring properties, roads or nearby buildings.

Possible approaches include:

• Trees
• Screening plants
• Layered planting
• Fencing
• Trellis structures
• Green screens

The right approach will depend on the property’s orientation, available space and desired level of privacy.

9. Levels and Sloping Areas

Changes in ground level can have a major effect on landscape planning.

For sloping properties, a landscape plan may need to consider how different areas will connect and how changes in level can be managed.

This may involve:

• Steps
• Terracing
• Retaining structures
• Sloped garden beds
• Level outdoor areas
• Drainage considerations

Planning these elements before construction begins can help create a more cohesive outdoor space.

10. Drainage and Water Management

Water movement is another consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked during landscape planning.

The design should consider where water currently flows and whether proposed changes could affect drainage.

Areas to consider include:

• Garden beds
• Lawns
• Paved areas
• Slopes
• Downpipes
• Outdoor structures

Where required, drainage solutions can be incorporated into the overall landscape design rather than being addressed after the garden has already been constructed.

11. Materials and Hardscape Features

A landscape design plan can also identify the materials intended for different areas of the property.

These may include:

• Paving
• Timber
• Stone
• Concrete
• Garden edging
• Decorative gravel
• Retaining wall materials

Using a consistent selection of materials can help create a more unified appearance.

For example, the same or complementary materials can be repeated across paths, entertaining areas and garden borders to visually connect different parts of the property.

12. Irrigation Requirements

If the garden requires irrigation, this can be considered during the planning stage.

Different parts of the garden may have different watering requirements. Lawn, garden beds, trees and feature planting may not all need the same amount of water.

Planning irrigation alongside the garden layout can make it easier to provide appropriate watering to different zones.

It can also reduce the need to make changes to finished garden areas later.

13. Lighting

Outdoor lighting can be incorporated into the landscape plan to improve both functionality and the appearance of the garden after dark.

Lighting may be considered for:

• Pathways
• Steps
• Entertaining areas
• Garden beds
• Feature trees
• Outdoor structures
• Entry areas

Rather than lighting every part of the garden equally, strategically positioned lighting can highlight important features while providing practical illumination.

14. Existing Features to Keep

A landscape redesign doesn’t necessarily mean removing everything that already exists.

A good landscape plan should identify existing features that may be worth retaining.

These could include:

• Mature trees
• Healthy plants
• Existing paving
• Established garden beds
• Outdoor structures
• Existing fencing
• Useful pathways

Keeping suitable existing features can help preserve established character while allowing the rest of the garden to be updated.

15. Future Maintenance Requirements

Landscape planning should consider what the garden will be like after it has been completed.

A beautiful design that requires more maintenance than the homeowner can realistically manage may not be practical in the long term.

Consider:

• How often plants need pruning
• Lawn maintenance
• Irrigation requirements
• Seasonal planting
• Leaf cleanup
• Garden bed maintenance
• Access for ongoing care

Plant selection and garden layout can both influence the amount of work required in the future.

16. A Clear Relationship Between the House and Garden

The landscape should complement the architecture of the home rather than appearing completely separate from it.

Consider the home’s:

• Exterior materials
• Colours
• Architectural style
• Windows and doors
• Outdoor living areas
• Entry points

For example, a contemporary home may work well with a structured garden layout and clean material palette, while a more traditional property may suit softer planting and less formal garden shapes.

The goal is to create a natural transition between the built environment and the garden.

Why Is a Detailed Landscape Plan Important?

A landscape plan provides an opportunity to think through the entire outdoor space before work begins.

It can help you:

• Visualise the proposed layout
• Identify potential design problems
• Plan different outdoor zones
• Coordinate planting and hardscape elements
• Consider drainage and access
• Make better use of available space
• Plan the project in stages
• Create a more cohesive finished garden

Instead of making individual landscaping decisions as the project progresses, a comprehensive plan gives the project a clear direction.

Can a Landscape Plan Be Changed Later?

Yes. A landscape design is a planning tool, not necessarily a fixed document that can never change.

During the planning process, you may decide to adjust:

• Plant selections
• Garden bed sizes
• Pathways
• Outdoor living areas
• Materials
• Lawn areas
• Privacy solutions

Making these changes during the planning stage is generally easier than discovering after construction has started that an important element doesn’t work as expected.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepared landscape design plan should consider much more than where plants will be placed.

It can bring together the property’s existing conditions, garden layout, planting, lawn, pathways, outdoor living areas, privacy, drainage, materials, irrigation and lighting into one cohesive concept.

The right level of detail will depend on the size and complexity of your property, but the overall objective remains the same: create an outdoor space that is attractive, practical and suited to the way you use your home.

If you’re planning a new garden or redesigning an existing outdoor space, you can explore our landscape planning solutions to turn your ideas into a practical plan for your Sydney property

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in a landscape design plan?

A landscape design plan can include the overall garden layout, garden beds, planting, lawn areas, pathways, outdoor living spaces, privacy screening, materials, levels, drainage, irrigation and lighting, depending on the project.

Do I need a landscape plan for a small garden?

Not every small garden requires a highly detailed plan, but even a simple landscape plan can help make better use of limited space and ensure different features work together.

Does a landscape plan include plant selection?

It can. A detailed planting plan may identify suitable plants and their intended locations based on factors such as sunlight, soil, mature size, appearance and maintenance requirements.

Should drainage be considered in landscape planning?

Yes. Drainage and water movement can affect garden beds, lawns, paving and other outdoor areas, so they are useful considerations before finalising the landscape layout.

Can a landscape design plan include outdoor entertaining areas?

Yes. Outdoor dining, seating, entertaining areas and other outdoor living spaces can be incorporated into the overall garden layout so they work naturally with the home and surrounding landscape.