How to use this resource
- Read it on screen, or print it (Cmd/Ctrl + P) or save it as a PDF straight from your browser — nothing is gated and no sign-up is needed.
- Use it before speaking with professionals, to organise your thinking and arrive with clear, specific notes.
- Copy it by hand into a notebook if you prefer — the structure matters more than the format.
- Treat it as a planning aid, not a contract or a substitute for licensed professional advice.
Outdoor zones
Dining, lounging, play, planting, storage — and where each sits.
Planting areas
Plan around sun, soil and the upkeep you'll do.
Hardscape
Patios, walls, edging and other built surfaces.
Pathways
Drainage
Have it assessed and designed by professionals.
Lighting
Outdoor electrical work goes to a qualified electrician.
Privacy
Maintenance level
- Lower-maintenance priority
- Willing to do regular upkeep
- Irrigation considered
Materials
Questions for professionals
Frequently asked questions
Questions about this resource
Where do I start with a landscape project?
Decide how you'll use the space and divide it into zones given sun, shade and access. Material and planting choices come after the layout, not before.
Why does drainage need a professional?
Because water that isn't managed undermines hardscape, planting and structures over time. Drainage should be assessed and designed by qualified professionals as part of the plan.
Can a yard be maintenance-free?
No outdoor space is truly maintenance-free. Thoughtful material and planting choices make it lower-maintenance, which is what the template helps you plan for.
Keep planning