Plan First, Plant Last

In a world that moves fast, it’s easy to jump ahead—to grab a shovel, head to the nursery, and plant away. But creating a thriving landscape takes more than good intentions. It requires pause, vision, and preparation. We always say: 90% of the work is prep — planting is the reward at the end.

Whether you’re working with a brand new home site or an existing space, thoughtful planning will save you time, money, and effort. Good gardens are built on intention, not impulse.

Live In Your Space First

If you’ve just moved into a new home, we suggest you hold off on planting for a full season — or even two. By simply living with your space, you’ll uncover insights that guide better decisions. The land has its own rhythm. Your job is to listen first, then respond.

Know Your Surroundings

It’s important to understand the conditions surrounding your home. Are you in the Shrub Steppe or on the river's edge? Within the forest, or the bustling town? By noticing, understanding, and accepting your natural landscape your efforts will not be wasted and the rewards will be great.

Some Things to Consider:

  • How will you and your family use your outdoor space? What do you want from your landscape?

  • Framing or obscuring unwanted views

  • Track wildlife activity

  • Dream big, be practical

  • Know your water budget

Shaping Your Space with Hardscape

Plants are only one part of a landscape. Before planting anything, take a good look at the bones of your space.

  • Consider berms — they have many uses: Creating planting areas, blocking unwanted views, and providing a sense of being "in" the garden, not on top of it.

  • Could a winding path or stepping stones enhance your walk through the garden? Or, is a more direct path needed?

  • Where are your outdoor rooms? Sitting areas, firepits, outdoor dining rooms…

  • Aesthetics meets function; consider privacy screens as an instant and attractive way to hide/frame views.

Investing time in the hardscape—the non-plant elements—sets the stage. Done well, it brings structure and longevity to your garden. It’s far easier to adjust soil and layout now than after the plants are in the ground. And remember: without a good rock, a garden is just a place of growing.

Find Inspiration

Every beautiful landscape starts with a vision. Visit nurseries, flip through garden books, explore design websites, or walk through a neighbor’s yard. Take notes on:

  • Plant combinations you love

  • Color schemes that speak to you

  • Shapes, heights, and textures that catch your eye

Wild Hearts Nursery is here not just to sell you plants—but to inspire. Read plant descriptions, ask questions, and talk through ideas with us. We’re always happy to help!

Prep Is Everything: Set the Stage for Success

Picking out the plants and planting may be the fun part, but it all comes down to how you prepare your space. Planting is the icing on the cake. Taking in the considerations above will help your space come together smoothly and with great results.

Take Time to Make It Your Own 

Every garden is personal. It’s okay to borrow ideas, blend styles, and above all, create a space that feels like you. A well-loved, well-considered outdoor space doesn’t happen overnight—and it doesn’t need to. There's a Chinese proverb we often reference, "Garden finished, life over."

In the end, we hope your garden enhances your home, that it’s settled in the surrounding landscape, and especially that it reflects your vision, your needs, and your joy.

Let’s Grow Together!

Have questions? Ask away. Whether you’re unsure about soil prep, staking, compost choices, or plant selection — we love to share our gardening insights.