Knowledge of horticulture is fundamental and integral to successful landscaping and gardening. Having a garden professionally designed ensures that you will maximise your enjoyment of this space, and it is very likely to increase the value of your property. Horticulturalists will often have a background in the natural sciences and will often work in plant nurseries, as botanists, professional gardeners or landscape designers. Consulting a professional in one of these fields is advisable, particularly if you are landscaping a new garden or extensively revamping an existing one. Knowledge of plants and their characteristics is important when planning the layout of a garden. This expertise should include extensive botanical knowledge, including:

• the size mature plants will grow to
• the colour variations of plants throughout the seasons
• the suitability of certain species to the appropriate climate zone
• how plants will react to the local microclimate on your property
• the suitability of plant species to the soil on your property

Having an aesthetically pleasing garden is not that difficult, especially if you follow these simple guidelines:

• research plants and their suitability for your site before purchasing them
• try create a theme by choosing plants of a similar colour and distribute them throughout your garden
• utilise variegated shrubs to maintain interest during winter months when plants will not be flowering
• use environmentally friendly alternatives to pesticides where possible
• use drip irrigation to conserve water