If you're planning a new garden, redesigning a tired space, or simply planting a few borders, the best garden design advice I can give you is this:
Don’t rush to plant. Spend time observing your garden first.
Getting to know the space as it truly is, rather than how you wish it was, will help you avoid costly mistakes and create a garden that works with nature, not against it.
If you're not sure where to start in your garden, I have put together a Free Guide: First Steps to Planning Your Garden, you can download it here for Free
Here are the three most important things to observe in your garden before planting a thing.
1. Track the Sunlight Throughout the Day
Spend a day noticing how the sun moves across your space. Morning light, afternoon exposure, and shade can vary dramatically, even in a small garden.
Ask yourself:
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Where gets full sun for most of the day?
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Which areas are shaded by walls, trees or fences?
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Is that sunny patch still sunny in autumn?
Most plants are labelled with their ideal light conditions. If you plant a sun-lover in a shaded bed, it will never thrive. On the other hand, shade-loving plants can struggle in exposed areas.
Understanding your light levels is one of the most important factors in choosing the right plants for your garden.
2. Notice the Wind
Wind is often overlooked until it damages plants, dries out the soil or ruins a carefully placed seating area.
Pay attention to:
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Which direction the wind usually comes from
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Whether some areas feel more sheltered than others
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Whether there is a need for windbreaks or screening
In Ireland, prevailing winds tend to come from the southwest. Knowing this helps you decide where to position raised beds, hedging, or structures, and whether to choose wind-resistant plants in exposed locations.
3. Look at Drainage and Soil Moisture
After it rains, go outside and observe:
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Where does water collect or linger?
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Which areas drain and dry quickly?
This tells you where the soil drains well or poorly. It is essential for choosing the right plants for each spot. You may need to improve the soil in some areas, or embrace damp ground by planting moisture-loving plants like Iris sibirica or Primula japonica.
Good garden drainage means healthier roots and less maintenance in the long run.
Bonus Tip: Sketch Your Observations
Even a rough sketch of your garden can help you record how light, wind and moisture vary across the space. It doesn’t have to be technical, but it becomes a useful plan and makes plant shopping more focused and less overwhelming.
Need Help?
If you would like help interpreting your observations or turning them into a real planting or layout plan, I offer Online Garden Consultations designed to give you clarity and practical next steps.
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