Digital Landscaping Guide - 15 Steps to Getting Planting Right

15 Steps to Getting Planting Right

A long-term approach to planting that grows into itself

Planting is often the most misunderstood part of a garden. Chosen well, it gives structure, balance, and seasonal depth. Chosen poorly, it quickly becomes crowded, high maintenance, or short lived.

This guide sets out the 15 planting principles we use at Crafted Landscapes when creating gardens designed to mature well. The focus is on planting that supports the overall design, suits the site, and improves with time rather than overwhelming it.

Rather than offering plant lists or trends, the guide looks at how planting behaves. Scale, spacing, repetition, and seasonal change are considered alongside maintenance and long-term performance.

The aim is to help you make planting decisions that feel calm, considered, and resilient.

What’s included

• A clear 15-step framework for planting design
• Guidance on spacing, scale, and maturity
• Planting as structure rather than decoration
• Advice on reducing maintenance through planting choices
• A long-term view on growth and seasonal balance

Who it’s for

• Homeowners planning a new garden or redesign
• Anyone struggling with overcrowded or unruly planting
• Clients preparing to work with a landscape designer
• Those who want planting that improves with time

What’s different

This guide does not focus on plant lists or visual trends. It focuses on how planting behaves over time.

The principles are based on real gardens and long-term growth, not how plants look at the point of purchase. The emphasis is on scale, spacing, and structure, so planting supports the design rather than overwhelming it.

The result is planting that feels calmer, lasts longer, and becomes easier to live with as the garden matures.

Format

Digital PDF download
Instant access after purchase or signup

Important note

This guide is provided for information only and does not replace site-specific structural or safety advice. Every site is different.

If you require tailored guidance, our DIY Consultation & Build Support service is available.