Small Garden Design Ideas



Small garden design ideas are not easy to find. A small garden design is different from other garden designs. Space plays an important role in small garden design ideas. The garden should not seem very populated but at the same time it should provide a complete whole to the home.

It should not be a separate entity but act as a complete unit with the house. Garden design ideas for small area generally aim to dress up the house more than formally plant trees. It can also be a peaceful area where you can rest during the evenings.

Since space is a constraint, you can make the use of curves to make the area look bigger. Curves made in a series of networks make the small space garden look bigger. All you need to do is connect those curves. Parallel curves can also be used and they help to give the impression that the space of the garden is larger than it actually is.

You can use Blue Salvia to connect three planting regions. Once you have made the garden you can shade it form the main street. For this purpose you can use a variety of plants including the Yaupon Holly. This provides a bit of privacy to your small garden.

But only trees and the size of the garden are not enough. Textures can also play a big part in expanding the size of a small garden. Though you can choose your own texture, you may also use brick for the patio area, natural stone for the walking area and a crushed rock that contrasts with the surroundings for the rest of the area.

But what if weeds strike? To combat this, you have to make use of a professional weed barrier. This ensures that weeds do not come near to your happy protected place.

These are some of the garden design ideas. The ideas above can be used to create the ideal environment for a small garden but that does not mean why you should not use your own ideas. You can also seek professional help for better small garden design ideas to help you out with the setting of your garden.


Garden Design Ideas For a Beginner



If you haven't got green fingers, don't really have a clue about DIY and need some help planning your new garden, here are some garden design ideas to consider.

The most important part of any garden design is the initial planning. Get this right and everything else becomes far easier. Get it wrong and you're left facing an uphill struggle, having to solve all kinds of problems along the way.

Start by wandering around your garden and jotting down the things you like about it and the things you're not so sure about. What do you want to change? Are your changes realistic? Are they easy to do? Do you have the time and money to invest? All of these questions need to be considered and answered before you do anything else.

Once you've got passed the initial review, list all of the essential items you want or need in your garden design. Then start sketching out a rough outline of where you want everything to be positioned. Once you've planned somewhere for all the essentials, you can start adding the other more luxurious or personal items to your design. However, don't fill your garden with all kinds of things to start of with as you'll end up with a cluttered and busy design. Unlike interior design, it is a good idea to the skeleton of your garden designed and built and then add to it gradually over time.

To move your sketch up a level, use garden design software which can be downloaded from the web for free. This will give you far more in-depth ideas about what you can achieve with your garden and what the finished product will look like.

Once you think you've got your design worked out, stay online and use the internet to get prices on all the new things you need for your garden design. You'll probably find the choice available to be far wider. Even if you prefer to visit high street shops, the web is a great place to look for ideas and get inspiration.

Hopefully these one or two garden design ideas will give you a starting point to build on and help you plan the garden of your dreams.


Garden Design Ideas To Give Yourself Some Quiet Time



Feeling too much stress? Do you need a place to unwind and gather your thoughts? This is one of the absolute best garden design ideas and it has the power to change your life.

Meditation Garden:

It does not matter where you live or how big your yard is. You can still reap all of the great benefits of a meditation garden. There are a variety of different meditation garden design ideas that you can use to bring peace to your day.

Here is a great design idea for a small back yard that will work anywhere. Of course the reason for having a meditation garden in the first place is to give yourself a place to sit down and meditate, or at least to think quietly and enjoy the surrounding environment. Everything that goes into your meditation garden should be connected to those ideas.

The first thing you want to think about is a nice sitting chair, bench, or swing. Maybe get in touch with your inner child by hanging a swing from an outstretched tree limb. You can also get a beautifully designed bench. Just go with whatever makes you feel best.

You can use your own personal garden design ideas to choose what you want. The next thing you want for your meditation garden is a water feature. This is great for relaxation, and it will attract peaceful little critters and flying friends to share in the beauty of your garden.

Consider a small pond or maybe even a fountain or bird bath. Another fun thing to add to your mediation garden is a Koi Pond. Any of these would be a great addition to your meditation garden. Place your water feature in an area where you can see it from your 'sitting' area.

Then, you will want to surround the water feature with smaller, beautiful plants of your choice. To add even more to your meditation garden, consider adding some stepping stones from your sitting area leading to your water element. That makes it much easier to walk around barefoot.

You can then use taller plants and flowers behind the smaller ones. Use your imagination and creativity when it comes to your garden design ideas. You will love having your very own place that is peaceful, beautiful and calm.

Discover even more great design ideas at Garden Design Ideas. There you will also find fantastic deals on Garden Decor and Garden Tools to turn your ideas into reality.


A Few Tips About Garden Design Ideas and Plans



The way that the costs are going today it's no surprise that we are constantly worrying about what's in our food. From toxins, to additives, to chemicals. It's not too hard to get the hang of it, and when you finally come up with some garden design ideas, you will find that the whole process is actually quite rewarding.

First off, when you are doing your garden design plans is to create a list. This list will contain the names of the herbs that you use most often. When you are just starting out you might want to go with simple herbs such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppermint. If you wish to grow indoors, then rose geranium and lemon verbena will do the trick.

The next step in your garden design plans is to visit a nursery near you. Here you can buy herb plants. While you are here, make sure that you ask plenty of questions. For example, ask how much water and light they're going to need, as well as the soil variant required. Another thing that you will really need to check is whether or not the plants you have chosen are pet friendly. You can read books on this, or call your county to ask.

Big City Herbarium

There is always a way to grow your own herbs, even if you happen to reside in a small apartment. All you need to do is obtain the right potting soil and some fertilizer, making sure that the fertilizer is organic. In addition to this you will need some containers, preferably eight inches by eight inches. Make sure that the trays can drain properly, and to accomplish this you will want to make sure there is a layer of gravel in the trays.

To encourage growth and survival, your indoor herbs need to be watered twice every week. There are some herbs that will need to be replaced each year, and then there are some that will reseed, which are known as perennials. Remember to keep your plants well groomed, as doing this will keep your herbarium looking great.

When making your garden design plans, try to remember that herbs require anywhere between five and eight hours of sunlight. If you can, put your plants near a southern or western window. Of course not everyone will have the right window for this, and if that is the case, then an energy efficient grow light is necessary. Yes, these lights are expensive, but they will pay for themselves in the long run. You can also purchase indoor greenhouse kits which will retain heat and humidity.

Gardens in the Great Outdoors

Designing an outdoor herb garden will require some precise measurements. Take a look at the space you have to work with. What kind of space do each of your herbs require? Keep in mind that culinary herbs must have five hours of sunlight in order to thrive.

Next you need to work on your garden design plans. Using graph paper you can make a diagram of the overall garden space. Remember that there are some herbs which will be extremely tall while others will not grow tall at all. Make sure that the tall plants are placed in the rear so that smaller plants will obtain the right amount of sunlight. These are a few things that you will need to do with your garden design ideas to make sure that the garden turns out well. If you need more hints and tips you can always turn to the internet or other gardeners!

One of the greatest garden design ideas is to put the plants in a crescent shape, putting the smallest of plants out on the tips. The closer you get to the center the larger the plants would be. If you want to get really creative, you can put a fountain within the crescent.

One of the better garden design ideas is to put the herb garden next to your kitchen door. Having the ability to just walk out and get what you need from the garden is great.


Growing Innovative Garden Design Ideas



A garden is medicine to the sore eyes and with proper planning the garden design ideas can help create a paradise. An awkward shaped garden can be converted into a most beautifully laid out garden.

Garden design ideas help to hide the weak points by covering them up with ingenuity. The awkward shape can be made to look like its been made that way by cleverly planning the spaces. Some amount of physical labor is needed, but that's the price one has to pay to create something so beautiful and wonderful.

A sloping garden is a perfect example of how to use garden design ideas. Using the garden design ideas broad stone steps can be carved out making it look like its part of the scenery. The steps could lead into a small sit out with a bench or maybe even a play area for the children with a sand pit in one corner.

A lawn can be laid out on the slope to avoid soil erosion. The lawn needs no additional maintenance other than the routine mowing and watering. Some flowering plants can be planted along the steps like a boundary. In case you feel you cannot devout so much time for nurturing flowering plants, then low maintenance green ferns and other such plants can be planted.

The garden design ideas can help give some ideas as to how to place lights to create maximum effect. Such sloping gardens are the perfect place for parties and family gatherings.

Another awkward shape for a garden is the L-shaped garden. This type of garden needs proper planning for optimum utilization of the space available. Using the garden design ideas, the garden can be created.

One side of the L-shape can be used for creating a play area for the children. Maybe even a shed can be made there to store the garden tools and other items. Or the area can even be used to create a small green house. While on the other side of the L-shape, plants can be planted along the boundary. This will give it a neat appearance. A small lawn can also be developed.

For a tapering garden, the garden design ideas have ingenious ideas like using diagonal patterns for creating a flower bed. Towards the narrower side, make the flower bed so that this defect in the shape gets covered up. Or use up the narrow side to make a shed.


Growing Innovative Garden Design Ideas

A garden is medicine to the sore eyes and with proper planning the garden design ideas can help create a paradise. An awkward shaped garden can be converted into a most beautifully laid out garden.

Garden design ideas help to hide the weak points by covering them up with ingenuity. The awkward shape can be made to look like its been made that way by cleverly planning the spaces. Some amount of physical labor is needed, but that's the price one has to pay to create something so beautiful and wonderful.

A sloping garden is a perfect example of how to use garden design ideas. Using the garden design ideas broad stone steps can be carved out making it look like its part of the scenery. The steps could lead into a small sit out with a bench or maybe even a play area for the children with a sand pit in one corner.

A lawn can be laid out on the slope to avoid soil erosion. The lawn needs no additional maintenance other than the routine mowing and watering. Some flowering plants can be planted along the steps like a boundary. In case you feel you cannot devout so much time for nurturing flowering plants, then low maintenance green ferns and other such plants can be planted.

The garden design ideas can help give some ideas as to how to place lights to create maximum effect. Such sloping gardens are the perfect place for parties and family gatherings.

Another awkward shape for a garden is the L-shaped garden. This type of garden needs proper planning for optimum utilization of the space available. Using the garden design ideas, the garden can be created.

One side of the L-shape can be used for creating a play area for the children. Maybe even a shed can be made there to store the garden tools and other items. Or the area can even be used to create a small green house. While on the other side of the L-shape, plants can be planted along the boundary. This will give it a neat appearance. A small lawn can also be developed.

For a tapering garden, the garden design ideas have ingenious ideas like using diagonal patterns for creating a flower bed. Towards the narrower side, make the flower bed so that this defect in the shape gets covered up. Or use up the narrow side to make a shed.

A beautiful garden is a labor of love. But even love sometimes needs able guidance and ideas. Using the garden design ideas has helped many such gardening enthusiasts to change the way their gardens look. Read about many more such innovative and inspiring ideas at Garden Design Ideas

Garden Design - Garden Design Ideas

Selecting plants:

Take a look at as many pictures as you can, so you can have best ideas of what type of garden design you need for yourself. Few trees have a strong rooting system and could harm the underground drain water system and the basis of the house. Trees should be planted at a perfect distance from the home. As long as domestic gardens are concerned, they need to be planned well. Be aware of selecting plants instead of randomly picking these up and regretting latter.

Depending upon the length of the backyard garden you can choose the type of trees and plants of different shapes and heights as they only help in developing the look of the garden. Your garden is one space where you relax and seek peace, so make sure to plan it appropriately.

L Shaped Garden

The problem with L-shaped gardens is that the slimmest a part the 'L' can usually be wasted space. Use and try it to tuck away things you do not want to view from the patio, such as the shed and bins or a play area. Keep the remaining of the garden easy and divided the straight lines with a curved patio, lawn and borders to make the most of the area and give it a relaxed feel.

Tapering Garden
The good design for the tapering garden uses strong slops to trick the eye. The primary border comes in to the center of the garden, while the lawn widens as the garden limits, balancing the tapered shape. The shed hides behind a water characteristic at the far end, creating the narrowest part of the garden a good spot.

Tuscan Garden
Iron wrought benches can also help you get a Tuscan garden design, as well as terra cotta planters. From inexpensive and good ways to get Tuscan garden design is to try terra cotta plant containers instead of containers created from other materials. If the pattern is like old vases, then that is still better.

A Few Tips About Garden Design Ideas and Plans

The way that the costs are going today it's no surprise that we are constantly worrying about what's in our food. From toxins, to additives, to chemicals. It's not too hard to get the hang of it, and when you finally come up with some garden design ideas, you will find that the whole process is actually quite rewarding.

First off, when you are doing your garden design plans is to create a list. This list will contain the names of the herbs that you use most often. When you are just starting out you might want to go with simple herbs such as parsley, rosemary, thyme, sage, and peppermint. If you wish to grow indoors, then rose geranium and lemon verbena will do the trick.

The next step in your garden design plans is to visit a nursery near you. Here you can buy herb plants. While you are here, make sure that you ask plenty of questions. For example, ask how much water and light they're going to need, as well as the soil variant required. Another thing that you will really need to check is whether or not the plants you have chosen are pet friendly. You can read books on this, or call your county to ask.

Big City Herbarium

There is always a way to grow your own herbs, even if you happen to reside in a small apartment. All you need to do is obtain the right potting soil and some fertilizer, making sure that the fertilizer is organic. In addition to this you will need some containers, preferably eight inches by eight inches. Make sure that the trays can drain properly, and to accomplish this you will want to make sure there is a layer of gravel in the trays.

To encourage growth and survival, your indoor herbs need to be watered twice every week. There are some herbs that will need to be replaced each year, and then there are some that will reseed, which are known as perennials. Remember to keep your plants well groomed, as doing this will keep your herbarium looking great.

When making your garden design plans, try to remember that herbs require anywhere between five and eight hours of sunlight. If you can, put your plants near a southern or western window. Of course not everyone will have the right window for this, and if that is the case, then an energy efficient grow light is necessary. Yes, these lights are expensive, but they will pay for themselves in the long run. You can also purchase indoor greenhouse kits which will retain heat and humidity.

Gardens in the Great Outdoors

Designing an outdoor herb garden will require some precise measurements. Take a look at the space you have to work with. What kind of space do each of your herbs require? Keep in mind that culinary herbs must have five hours of sunlight in order to thrive.

Next you need to work on your garden design plans. Using graph paper you can make a diagram of the overall garden space. Remember that there are some herbs which will be extremely tall while others will not grow tall at all. Make sure that the tall plants are placed in the rear so that smaller plants will obtain the right amount of sunlight. These are a few things that you will need to do with your garden design ideas to make sure that the garden turns out well. If you need more hints and tips you can always turn to the internet or other gardeners!

One of the greatest garden design ideas is to put the plants in a crescent shape, putting the smallest of plants out on the tips. The closer you get to the center the larger the plants would be. If you want to get really creative, you can put a fountain within the crescent.

One of the better garden design ideas is to put the herb garden next to your kitchen door. Having the ability to just walk out and get what you need from the garden is great.

Garden Design Ideas - Landscaping Gardens Using Less Grass

Water shortages in dry climates are forcing home gardeners and professional landscapers to reduce the area of the garden taken up by the lawn. The trouble is that nothing that can replace a lawn in the field in which a lawn works. Young children cannot play as safely on hard paving, you can't really play soccer on wooden decking, and it's hardly practical to lie down on a bed of ground cover plants, as one would on grass.

Yet a garden whose area is 90% grass, is as unviable as it is unsustainable in dry and semi arid regions such as the Mediterranean, much of the American west, Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East. The only way forward is to rethink the garden's design concept, by moving away from large open spaces, to smaller, more intimate ones. Here are some means by which the problem can be approached.

Enlarging the Shrubberies

The width of the shrub and bush border can be enlarged at the expense of the lawn. The usual habit of planting shrubs in a thin line at the lawn's edge, results in a lack of proportion between the two spaces. A wider border on the other hand, creates more depth and perspective. Most shrubs can be grown consuming at least a quarter of the water required by grass, and some plants such as Junipers, Leucophylum, or Pistachio, on a lot less. Think of the saving when the 50cm strip at the lawn's edge is replaced with a bold space some 2 meters wide.

Designing with Ground Cover Plants

Water conserving plants of prostrate habit can form a transition area between the lawn and the shrub border. These can create a satisfying link to the trees and shrubs, especially if their leaf texture is similar to that of the tall plants. For example, Asparagus densiflorus "Sprengerii", associates beautifully with Junipers, Melaleucas, and other thin-leaved bushes. Low-growing species of Cotoneaster combine well with roses and other shrubs and trees from the rose family, such as apple, plum, hawthorn, and pyrocantha. Transition areas of ground covers could reduce lawn space by over 20%.

Adding Seating Areas

Adding a seating area of decorative paving stones or wood decking brings different parts of the garden together, and makes for a more interesting and usable space, than the patio, lawn, border formula of the common suburban plot. A seating or paved area is of course a space that consumes no water.

What about Artificial Grass?

Simply replacing the lawn with fake grass, however convincing the new products are in visual terms, is not likely to achieve satisfying results in the long term, mainly because plastic cannot replace either the smell or touch of grass. However, artificial turf could be a satisfactory medium in a highly stylized, contemporary, garden design, which is minimalistic, austere, and angular in character.

Contemporary Garden Design Ideas

Contemporary garden design can be a tricky business if you don't know what you're doing, so here are some ideas to help you decide whether to proceed with your planning.

The fundamental ideas behind a contemporary garden are that it should be low maintenance, neat and tidy and usable all year round, even when the summer months are long gone.

To ensure a low maintenance garden that doesn't require hours of back-breaking labour every year, consider minimising the amount of plants, flowers and lawn space you include in your design. All of these things add to your workload and make your garden feel like a job rather than something to be enjoyed. Contemporary gardens usually have large decking or patio areas that do just this and look just as good.

The other problem with more traditional gardens is that your enjoyment of the space is heavily affected by the elements. For example, if it has been raining, you still won't want to set foot on your lawn even if the sun has come out. In the winter months, plants and flowers die and the traditional garden isn't as a appealing, meaning you can go months without enjoying your own outdoor space. By using contemporary decking or patio layouts, you can sit out in your garden all year round.

If you're worried about turning your garden into a concrete jungle, don't be. Contemporary gardens don't have just have to be about removing as much greenery as possible out of the space. Potted plants, hanging baskets and trees can all be used to create a tranquil, organic environment with significantly less work to do.

Hopefully these contemporary garden design ideas have helped you understand the concept a little better and given some valuable incite.

Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden is either to do as little as possible to it -- maybe a lawn surrounded with flowerbeds -- or to add too many hidden corners and details, which might work well in an enormous plot, but won't make the best of an average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with a layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correct the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layout can make the awkward shape an advantage, using odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels to define areas of the garden.

We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come up with three solutions for three classic problems: a sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot. Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden, where possible, by using similar shades to unify the different elements such as decking, paving and walls. As for budget, we've suggested where you can make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plan that's best for you.

Designs For A Sloping Garden

Make the most of a sloping garden by creating different levels, each with its own purpose. This design has an area right next to the house for outdoor dining and a barbecue. Then, wide steps lead down (or up, depending on which way your garden slopes) to an area with built-in seats (with lift-up lids for extra storage) and a water feature, or sandpit if you have children. The last level includes a play area and lawn, plus a shed and compost heap. Hardy plants that don't need lots of water, such as osteospermum, are great for a low-maintenance garden. Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting up to once a week in high summer, but if you choose raised borders planted with hardy perennials, such as hosta and astilbe, they won't need much care or constant maintenance. Add splashes of colour with drought-resistant osteospermum and gazania. How can I cut costs? Shifting earth and shoring up the terraces can be quite costly. In a gently sloping garden, save money by just decking over the top of the old surface, and swap raised planters for pots (which you could always add later when you've saved up).

Designs For An L Shaped Garden

The trouble with L-shaped gardens is that the slimmest part of the ?L' is often wasted space. Try and use it to tuck away things you don't want to see from the patio, such as the bins and shed or a play area. Keep the rest of the garden simple and break up the straight lines with a curved patio, borders and lawn to make the most of the space and give it a relaxed feel.

Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need cutting in summer, but if you use bark chippings the kids' play area will be maintenance-free. For borders, choose long-flowering, care-free perennials, such as yarrow, bleeding heart and black-eyed Susan. How can I cut costs? This garden shouldn't be expensive to create or maintain, as long as you keep the borders quite narrow. You can make them seem deeper, though, by planting evergreen climbers, such as Clematis armandii.

Design For A Tapering Garden

The best design for a tapering garden uses strong diagonals to trick the eye. The main border comes into the middle of the garden, while the lawn widens as the garden narrows, balancing the tapered shape. The shed hides behind a water feature at the far end, making the narrowest part of the garden a useful spot.

Will it take much looking after? In the summer the lawn will need cutting once a week and the plants in the borders will need regular watering. Put down a weed-suppressing membrane (from garden centres) to cut down on the amount of weeding, then plant the border with ground cover plants, such as geraniums or catmint. Geraniums, in particular, provide good ground cover and colour through the summer. Use tall pots planted with grasses for an eye-catching display. How can I cut costs? Replace the pots with tall plants set into the ground -- bamboo would be a good choice because it's evergreen and makes a good screening plant. Making the lawn area larger and the border narrower will also save money.

The Best Garden Design Ideas for Any Budget

Good garden design starts with making a list of all the factors that you need to consider before spending any money. The main features and factors to take into consideration include the size of your garden, the location and the access that the land has to both direct sunlight as well as natural shade. Then you also need to take a look at the natural gradients of the land, drainage, entrances and exits as well as such elements as stair, steps and walkways.

The best garden designs offer different vantage points around the location and take you on a journey of discovery through light and dark, from open spaces to foliage filled areas. You need to think about the most advantageous vantage points such as kitchen windows, patios or decks as well as entrances. Each of these areas should incorporate a specific focal point, but it is important to remember that less is often more when it comes to landscaping your garden. Look at the size of the area you want to design and understand that a large fountain is not going to work in a small courtyard, yet a small koi pond may lend itself well to a leafy, shaded space.

Garden design is not only about making your garden more attractive, but is also important in making it more functional. When you decide to design your garden, think about the different types of areas that you want to incorporate and who will be using those areas most. If you have young children, then patios or decks could be ideal in keeping them safe, but railings will be required. Water features need to be kept to a minimum and little areas with grass for exploration may be important too.

Having access to software that will help you with your visualization of the area could save you a lot of money. This also helps to scale the garden correctly and will also assist in budgeting your garden through the best selection of plants and pavings. As with indoor decorating, you want to have a theme that carries through your garden. Choosing wooden sleepers and complementing them with rattan furniture is made a lot easier when you can actually see the end result in a 3D format. You should at all times try to keep a particular style in your mind so that it all works seamlessly with each other.

Finally, the choice of plants will ensure that you have a decent amount of foliage both through the summer and the winter. Incorporating vegetable plants in between your flowering plants means that you´ll not only have a great looking garden, but that you can save on your grocery bills too.

Josie Duval has her own garden design and landscaping business. If you want to enjoy the outdoors then you will definitely benefit from a little backyard landscaping.

Herb Garden Design Ideas

Your herb garden should be functional and attractive. If you visit other people's gardens, it should help you with your own herb garden designs. There are several important things to decide before you plant your first herb.

Research the plants you are thinking of planting. This will help you understand what types of pests you may be attracting to your garden. Each plant's susceptibility to stagnation and decay when it is transplanted should be another concern.

You must determine what you hope to accomplish with your design. Do you want herbs primarily for medicinal reasons, or are you planting them for seasonings in your food? You can grow herbs of both types, but you will need to plan your garden design accordingly.

How much produce do you need to harvest from the garden? Is the beauty of the garden more important than the actual produce it yields? The answers to these questions are determined by your interests, and you should design your garden with these answers in mind rather than simply duplicating another garden design you have seen.

The herb gardens of centuries past were designed for the necessary functions of life. The garden yielded plants for medicines, seasonings, and dyes. These gardens were sometimes community gardens, and had to cater to several families. Those designs might be different than yours, especially if you just want the garden for the blooms and fragrances.

The amount of space you have to dedicate to the garden will have an effect on the design. If you have plenty of space, you may choose to have every conceivable type herb you can find. However, if space is limited, the garden may be limited to a handful of varieties. The wonderful thing about herbs is the limited number of plants you will typically need for any one item.

How will your garden relate to other landscape features in your yard? Can you plant your herbs in partial shade due to existing trees and plants? What existing landscape features, if any, are you willing to change to accommodate your new garden? Will some of the plants you want to use be a stark contrast to plants that are already there? Are some herbs incompatible with your existing plants?

Where you plant may be dictated in part by the herbs you have chosen. Although some herbs can be grown in shady areas, some require full sun. Some herbs bush into plants and pretty much stay where you put them, while others shoot out runners and want to go everywhere. Keep in mind how the garden will change after you've planted it. Decide what changes you are willing to allow.

Don't be afraid to alter the garden after you plant it. After your original plan is implemented, things may transpire later that make that plan obsolete, or at least not in your best interests. You can relocate plants or have them removed if your interests change.

Freely use your imagination when designing your herb garden. There is no right or wrong place to put your herbs, as long as they get enough water, required sunlight, and proper drainage. Your herb garden designs should be your own and not mandated by the wants and needs of someone else.

So You Have A Facebook Page - Treat It Like A Garden and Watch It Grow



Many business owners with a sincere interest in taking advantage of 'social media' have signed up for a Facebook Page for their business, only to discover that simply having a Page and making infrequent posts is not enough.

Social media, like any marketing strategy designed to grow your business, is only as good as the time, attention to detail and follow through invested. And a social media marketing campaign, won't make up for poor products, unmet promises and disappointing service.

That said most small business owners take pride in working hard to provide good products and services to their clients. For these businesses, social media can offer a gold mine of opportunity. It can help strengthen relationships with existing clients and introduce us to new potential clients that may not even know we exist.

With social media, as with most things, success rarely comes overnight. And, it is not a 'build it and they will come' scenario. It is more like a garden that takes regular work and tender loving care to produce good results. Like a garden, you need to:

1. Get the soil ready for planting the seed:

Create your Page and Name it - so you're easy to find in Facebook search.
Create a distinct User Name - this is the URL or web address that you will use on promotional material, business cards, etc. Having a distinct URL that is consistent with your website and other social networking sites, where possible, makes it easier for people to remember how to find you online.
Add your business info (About, Description, Mission, etc.)
Add a Profile Picture - logo or photo - (180 x 180px) - this is what will show up beside any of your posts to easily identify your business
Add a Cover Image (851 x 315 px) - this image adds to your branding by allowing you to post a good size image to the top of your Page. There are some restrictions as to what you can post, such as: no price, purchase or discount info; no contact info, such as websites, email or street addresses; no references to user interface elements such as 'Like' or 'Share'; no calls to action, such as 'Get it now' or 'Tell your friends'.

2. Plant the seed:

Tell people "We're on Facebook... 'like' us and stay connected".
Use email, Twitter, LinkedIn, your website, print material... anything and everything to get the message out.

3. Water it:

Post at least once a day six days a week. Better yet, post twice a day at least 4 hours apart. (Facebook is not like Twitter and posting too often is frowned upon by most followers.)
Make sure your posts are items fans will find helpful, shareable and interesting. These types of posts are most likely to engage your fans.
Use images, photographs and links to video where possible.
Include links back to your website where at all possible. (Your website is the hub of your online presence.)
Pay attention to what people are and are not connecting to. (Don't judge this too quickly - check out the Facebook Insights to get a sense of what people are interested in.)
Invest 15 to 30 minutes each day in posting, responding and analyzing.

4. Fertilize it:

Look for appropriate opportunities to engage with fans. Respond when people comment on or share your posts.
Post intriguing questions.
Handle negative stuff openly, promptly and graciously.
Have a Cover Image that makes your page standout when people visit your business on Facebook.
Add additional information to the Custom Apps areas. These allow you to provide additional information (similar to pages), specials, your Twitter feed, etc. for people to click on and find out more. The apps are placed to the right of the 'Photos' and 'Likes' icons beneath your Cover Image.

5. Weed it:

Do a regular inventory of your site, and your business.
Is there anything that needs to be done differently, anything you're not doing that you could do to help build your online presence and fan base?
The new Facebook Insights feature has a wealth of information that can help with this process.

6. Be Patient:

Seeds don't bloom overnight. So too with Facebook. It takes a while for the network to build.
If you do your part in time you will see results. But in order to see results you have to do the work, be persistent and give it time.

7. Enjoy it:

Enjoy watching your fan base grow and contribute to great earned word of mouth advertising that helps build your business.

Give your social media strategy, and in this case Facebook, the attention it needs and deserves to achieve the results you are working towards. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day!

Sue is the owner of 911SmalBiz, a social media and internet marketing organization with a passion for helping small businesses increase their impact, expand their market share and improve their bottom-line.