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Questionnaire
The following questionnaire will assist you with the design and planning of your yard or garden. You will be asked several questions about the preferences, wants, and needs that may be necessary to incorporate into your design. Not all questions will apply, but most will give you food for thought. Print and use it as a reminder or guide for your project. If a landscape professional will be involved, supply him or her with a copy.
1.
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List plants you wish to keep out of your garden (poisonous, thorny, or allergy causing).
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___________________________________________________________
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2.
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List plants you want in your garden (color, fragrance, or shade).
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3.
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Do you prefer bold, bright colors (red, yellow, white, purple, or pink)?
If yes, do you have specific colors in mind?
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4.
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Do you prefer softer, muted colors (silver, blue, yellow, peach or, lavender)?
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5.
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Do you prefer colorful foliage (red, bronze, blue, gold, or variegated)?
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6.
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Do you prefer flowers or foliage? A little of both?
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7.
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Is it important to coordinate the plants with the interior or exterior color scheme
of your home? If yes, what are the dominant colors?
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8.
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Are cuttings for flower arrangements important to you?
If yes, is fragrance or color more important?
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Do you want or have any of the following features?
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WANT
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HAVE
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9.
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Arbor (lattice attached to the house).
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_____
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10.
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Pergola (arbor with an open roof).
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_____
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11.
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Trellis (a lattice screen).
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_____
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12.
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Containers/pots.
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_____
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13.
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Rocks/boulders.
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14.
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Water feature (pond, waterfall, pondless waterfall, or birdbath).
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_____
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15.
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Sculpture (gazing ball, sun dial, or statues).
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_____
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16.
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Gate.
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_____
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17.
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Outdoor Lighting.
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18.
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Quiet area for reading or napping.
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19.
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Private areas for reflection or sunning.
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20.
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Active play equipment (swing set or trampoline).
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_____
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If yes, what would you like?
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21.
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Passive play equipment (sand box, etc.).
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_____
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If yes, what would you like?
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22.
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Lawn for heavy use.
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For visual enjoyment only.
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What size lawn do you want?
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(800 square feet is typical)
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23.
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Walkways that double for play areas.
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(tricycle, skating, etc.)
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24.
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Pool, hot tub, fish pond.
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25.
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An outdoor sink for clean up.
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26.
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Area to prepare meals outdoors.
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27.
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Electricity.
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28.
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Areas for vegetables, herbs, or fruit trees.
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29.
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Compost bin.
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30.
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Decking.
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If yes, how large? _________
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31.
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Patio area.
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_____
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32.
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Outdoor sound system.
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33.
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Outdoor heating or cooling.
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If you have outdoor furniture, note the shape, material, and quantity.
Table:
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Round
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Square
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Rectangle ____
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Picnic Table/Benches:
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Number
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Color
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Chairs:
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Number
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Color
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Benches:
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Number
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Color
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Lounge Chairs:
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Number
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Color
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Lawn Chairs:
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Number
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Color
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Wood
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Iron
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Plastic
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Design questionnaire courtesy of Linda Engstrom, APLD.
| 1. | Are you part of a homeowners’ association? Most homeowners’ associations have covenants, codes, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Obtain the latest copy to learn how they may affect your garden plans. |
| 2. | Does the property have any easements and/or deeded rights-of-way attached to it? Most properties have easements for utilities and/or phone lines. These may restrict what can or cannot be done to a particular area. Be aware that a tree, fence, shed or garden placed in the wrong spot could result in removal if easement access becomes necessary. Obtain a plat map from the city or county building or planning department that delineates these areas on your property. |
| 3. | Do your plans include building a structure or creating a pond in your yard? Ask your local building department if there are permit requirements and/or restrictions concerning ponds, sheds, patios, etc. before you begin construction. |
| 4. | Who provides your water? If you use a public source of water, know where the meter box is located and be sure it remains clear of plants or hardscapes. |
| 5. | The same rule applies to all utility meters; keep them clear of obstruction. |
| 6. | If you have a well, know where your pump and wellhead are located. Avoid planting trees or shrubs with invasive roots around the equipment. |
| 7. | Do you have a septic system? Know the location of the tank, the main line leading to the house, and the leach field. Your county may have guidelines for plants that will not harm your septic system. |
| 8. | How do you plan to water your garden? An automatic irrigation system with a timer will save you countless hours of watering by hand. If you already have a system in place, check to see if it needs repair or upgrading. |
| 9. | Do you have any medical conditions (allergies to plants or insects) that should be considered? If yes, consult your doctor to obtain a list of plants to avoid. |
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