The next step in home landscaping is to plan for the needs of yourself and your family. List your needs. Consult each family member and consider there needs in your plans. These needs may include a driveway and turnaround space, off-street parking, play space for children, an outdoor living area, a vegetable garden, privacy from certain areas, windbreaks, etc. There are usually several ways of satisfying every need, and you must decide on the most appropriate one for you. The most satisfying landscapes are both practical and beautiful.

Study your site. The piece of land you live on is generally referred to as the site. Ideally the selection of the site, placement and design of the house and the landscape development should all be done at the same time. Selecting a site without having some idea of the type of house and landscape development you want would be difficult.

Go back to the base plan you prepared in step one. Look closely at the problems and opportunities of your particular site. Tape a piece of tracing paper over the plot and prepare a rough sketch:

• Indicate major views from the inside looking out as well as the view on the site itself. Determine whether they are good or bad (for example: a direct view of the neighbor's trash or an open field of wildflowers).

• Show exposure to summer breezes as well as winter winds. Also, indicate where you need shade.

• Indicate drainage patterns and slope of the land. Also, note any problems such as areas where water stands or needs to be redirected.

• Note the soil type and approximate depth, and have your soil tested. (For further information on soil testing procedures, contact your county Extension office.)

• Remove your tracing paper rough sketch and record this information as neatly as possible on your base plan.

Diagram and place space needs. Again, tape tracing paper over your plot plan and go back to your list of needs from step two. Place needs and activities where they can serve best and provide enough space for each need. (For example: and outdoor living area should be of sufficient size for the use it will receive.) Rather than decide upon the shape of a lawn, terrace or parking area at the beginning, let these forms develop from and reflect the needs listed in the beginning.

To continue with the homeowner's landscaping guide, go to home landscaping areas.

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