How to Draw Up a Project Design

Not surprisingly, many people feel very apprehensive when they are faced with drawing up a project design. Relax! You don't have to be a landscape architect to be able to create a diagram of your project.   Creating a simple diagram of your project can be a fun way to get a better idea of what the end product should look like and may even inspire some creative ideas!   Here are a couple tips to keep in mind:

Plants

The native plant guides on our "How to choose & find native plants" page note all of the characteristics and needs of each plant to help you decide on the following:

•  Decide which native plants to use and where they should be planted

•  Take into consideration what conditions each plant needs - shade plants won't do well in full sun!

•  Plant each type of plant in groups to provide the most wildlife benefit (this is how they tend to grow in nature)

•  Consider spacing: how tall and wide are the plants going to get?

•  Consider bloom time: try to have some color in every season

Habitat Elements

Don't forget about habitat elements! Adding elements like feeders, rock & brush piles, logs, a water source, etc. will make your habitat more attractive to wildlife. Remember that you want people to visit your project too! Visit our Habitat Elements page for ideas and tips.

Remember: This is supposed to be fun! Don't get overwhelmed.

• Consider doing your project in smaller phases instead of tackling a huge project all at once
• Use transparencies to show future phases you are planning

Make a plant map -- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide

Sample wetland design - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Schoolyard Habitat Project Guide



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