There are six essential survey questions I ask my clients before beginning any design project. I find that these can help focus priorities and hone in on likes or dislikes—all before digging a single hole for a plant. Below are the questions I ask and why each is important to the success of a new space. Read more about Stacie’s garden designs and plant recommendations here.

1. What should stay, and what should go?

Take an honest and careful look at the existing plants on your site. Consider their health and age, and from there ask yourself whether they should be kept, rehabbed with pruning, or removed altogether.

2. What type of soil do you have?

Certain plants thrive in different soils. If you’re planning to add a variety of plants, you may need to amend your soil beforehand or select different candidates if they’re not suited to your sandy, claybased, or acidic soil.

3. How much sun and shade do you have?

It’s so important to observe the light in a proposed new garden area throughout the entire day, and if possible, throughout multiple seasons. Take notes on which spots are mostly sunny, totally shaded, or fall into a shadowy range. Then select plants accordingly.

4. Who is this garden for?

If the answer to this is “me!” then decide how you plan to use the landscape (just gardening, for backyard cookouts, bocce tournaments, etc.). Also, factor in your age and how long you plan to live there. These are all important things to know before laying out a garden that will truly accommodate your lifestyle.

5. How will you navigate throughout the space?

Multifaceted landscapes are sometimes easier to envision as a series of garden “rooms.” Each distinct area should be connected to the next in some clear way. And remember, the size of the room should accommodate its purpose (e.g., if it’s a dining patio for your family, be sure there is room for a right-sized table and several chairs).

6. Who will maintain this garden?

Consider accessibility and plant choices, which will dictate the labor needed to care for this landscape.

Listen to Stacie discuss her design rules of thumb in this episode of Let’s Argue About Plants:

Stacie Crooks is a landscape designer and educator in Edmonds, Washington. She has extensive experience designing in urban neighborhoods.