Valuable tips for arranging a summer cottage

 Every gardener who has acquired a plot for his own use for the first time is immediately overcome with questions about the arrangement of the garden plot. Where to begin? What details should you not overlook in the first place? What if it doesn't work?

If you are purposeful and not afraid of physical labor, then arranging the site with your own hands is quite possible, you just need to act in order, develop a clear plan of action.

Planning, zoning and arrangement of a garden plot

First of all, you need to know as much as possible about the site. The fundamental parameter, of course, is the soil. It is necessary to determine the type and quality of the soil, to think whether it is suitable for the crops that you would like to grow in the future, is it worth enriching it with some additional materials, or will it only make it worse?

An important role is played by the question of how deeply the groundwater lies underground - in the case of too close location, crops will be flooded in those periods when they do not need it at all. In this case, you will have to pay attention to drainage.

When it becomes clear with the soil, it is necessary to determine the location of most of the outbuildings. Of course, something can be changed later, but the main structures should be in place. Residential buildings, veranda, garden, vegetable garden, outdoor shower or sauna - depending on the size of the plot. Be sure to mark general routes so that you can move around the garden with comfort, it is not recommended to use straight lines, as practice shows, this responds with discomfort and lack of any aesthetics. The features of the terrain of the site are also taken into account when zoning, do not forget to think over the direction of the drainage ditches, if, as mentioned above, groundwater runs close to the site.

Training

So, the plan is drawn up on paper. It's time to bring it to life! There are times when the former owners of the site sell it already in an extremely neglected state, before not observing it, not weeding it and doing nothing to improve it. Here comes the moment when you just need to work with your hands:

Be sure to take out and dispose of any debris on the site.

Dig up the ground carefully for further buildings and plantings.

It is advisable to destroy perennial weeds in advance, if any.

Once the basic cleaning has been completed, you can start laying paths for movement, arrange paved areas, preferably using the same material. Also, if you want to make your work easier, you can just “mark” the paths using ordinary stones. From the outside it will look pretty nice, despite all the simplicity and uncomplicated design. Many are limited to a base covered with fine gravel or, say, pebbles, which is also the best option. But still, if you plan to put a high load on the paths, it is better to play it safe and use hard material.

Construction

Construction is the most costly and time-consuming stage of the site development plan. Of course, in most cases, territories with already built houses, baths, verandas and so on are sold for sale. However, there are exceptions. What if you wanted to demolish an old house due to its decay and build a new one? Maybe you don't like the location of the veranda?

This means that you should thoroughly prepare, calculate the investment and start work either yourself, or seek help from specialized construction companies. Be prepared for the fact that most large buildings need a pit, the excavated land will have to be distributed throughout the site. Think about this moment in advance.

In case you began to think that the site is too open, be sure to plan the construction of a perimeter fencing system that suits you. This can be supplemented by planting trees with dense foliage or shrubs.

Arrangement of a garden plot: Planting plants

Finally, the most enjoyable and fun part is choosing and planting plants. In view of the fact that it seems difficult to manage something global in a season, the first reasonable step in this matter will be planting trees, and only then everything else. You need to start small, gradually planting, equipping the beds, observing the norms of plant care.

For greater aesthetics and a beautiful appearance, you can organize flower beds with flowers that will become the highlight of your site. Some of their types are presented below:

- A flower border, most often arranged along the paths, undersized flowers, most often of the same variety and color, are ideal. Be careful when adjusting the distance from the path, otherwise you may inadvertently damage the plants when walking.

- A mixborder is like a flower bed of completely arbitrary plants, often consisting of several types of plants. It looks fresh and colorful, gives free rein to imagination to every summer resident to show his design taste.

- Vertical flower bed, more difficult to care for, but not at all inferior in appearance. Several types of plants can be used at once for original contrast

The key to a good summer cottage is a competent layout, a desire to work with your hands to achieve the desired result and knowledge of your business.