Landscaping For Dummies. Lance Walheim

Bricks Gravel Stone Sand Pavers Fencing Lattice Trellis Arbor Outdoor furniture Composter Lighting Pots/other containers Watering gear Irrigation system Tools

      Stick to the steps in the following sections as you create your shopping list.

      Step 1: List plants and determine their cost

      Identify the plants you want to use in each section of the project, and then determine how much they’ll cost. Collect prices by shopping nurseries and garden centers or ask a nursery to give you a quote on the whole shebang. Doing it in person is more fun but obviously much more time-consuming. Online shopping, or perhaps making a couple phone calls, may do the trick.

       Check size; little plants are always cheaper than the same one in a larger size.

      Step 2: List and calculate the supplies

      List the supplies you want to use in each section of the project and calculate how much you need, making sure you’re as specific as possible.

      You may be in the market for anything from landscape fabric to mulch and topsoil to gravel, but you have to know a bit more about your needs or wishes. Refer to the measurements you took.

       To calculate, start by making a rough sketch of the dimensions of a specific project, such as a flowerbed. Length and width are definitely always required. How deep do you want to lay down mulch and topsoil, 4 inches? 6 inches? (10.1 cm? 15.2 cm?) Multiply these three numbers together to get the desired volume. You’ll want to convert the resulting number to cubic yards because that’s how these materials are typically sold.

      As for other supplies, more simple math may be needed. Take landscape fabric, for example. Will you buy one large piece, or (perhaps unwieldy) roll and then cut it into sections? Consider also how thick you want that landscape fabric to be. It comes in different weights; heavier ones are, of course, more expensive.

      Don’t stop at “I need gravel.” After you determine the volume needed, realize that gravel comes in different-size stones (the grades are numbered), which can affect how much you ultimately purchase. You may need a reconnaissance visit to the supplier to view the various options and help you make up your mind.

       Order a bit more than you think you’ll need (you can save or store any excess). Your salesperson can assist you. Most suppliers and contractors recommend +10 percent extra.

      Step 3: Get hardscape estimates

      This includes brick, pavers, concrete, and other hardscape materials. Don’t walk into a home-supply, hardware store, or lumber yard unprepared. When they ask, how big your proposed patio is, don’t just offer a sketch. Come prepared with its dimensions. You can do the calculations or go online