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Example of a planting plan showing quantity and common name of plants with neatly drawn leader lines. Ground cover areas are shown as masses using hatch marks. Note that like plants are connected together with total number marked next to plant name. |
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A plant schedule showing the symbol used on the planting plan, the common and botanical names, quantity to be planted, size purchased and instructions on how far apart to plant (O.C. or on center, indicates planting distance from trunk to trunk or central stem). Source: Landscape Design Advisor |
What is a planting plan?
A planting plan is a construction document that shows the location, quantity, and other characteristics of vegetation to be planted in the landscape. It should be easy to read and understand.
Once the inventory, analysis , size and shape of use areas, paths and all other features have been determined, the planting plan can be created. Specific plant species selection is the last element to be determined.
Choosing the right plants
Choosing which plants to use can be overwhelming. First determine where the plant will go, its size and form, pattern, texture, and color of the plants to be used. This will help narrow down which species are adapted your area. Make sure that plants are appropriately hydrozoned for the conditions on the property and the local climate.
Plant Information
Midwest:
Indiana - General Plant Information
Minnesota - Plant Elements of Design
Southeast
Florida - Educational Services
West
California - Plant Selection
Idaho - Plant your Landscape: Plant Selection
The final plan should be to scale and show all of the areas on the property, including buildings, existing vegetation, other structures, and utilities. Steps to creating a planting plan include the following.
There are many different ways to represent plants on the plan. The key is to keep the plan as easy to read as possible so that there is no confusion as to where the plants should be placed and how many should be planted. Every plan should have the number of plants listed next to the plant name.
Write out the name of the plant or use symbols or abbreviations and link them to a plant schedule.
What is a Plant Schedule?
A plant schedule may be included with the plan. The plant schedule is a table that lists elements useful to the planter and can be used to identify plants from the plan. Items that should be included are common name, botanical name, quantity, size of materials purchased, and sometimes mature spread and price. Comments about the specific plant are sometimes included. The plant symbol can be included in the plant schedule as well.
Steps for creating a planting plan
1. Create a base map showing existing structures, vegetation, utilities, slopes and drainage, and property lines
2. Create an overlay using tracing paper on the base map or plan that shows all of the desired spaces such as vegetable garden, patio, walkways, lawn and other areas
3. Work with different shapes to create the best spaces
4. Show all of the planting beds and their final shapes
5. Show all hardscape elements
6. Show existing vegetation to be saved and label as such
7. Draw plants where they will go on the base map, keeping in mind mature size
8. Clearly label the plant species by writing the names and quantities on the base map
9. Use a different symbol for each species
10. Use relative sizes for the symbols (for example, show trees larger than shrubs)
11. Show the symbol at mature plant size at the right scale
Additional Resources:
Midwest
Missouri - Developing the Landscape Design
Mississippi - Home Landscape in Mississippi
Southeast