How many people dream about a professional writer?  Professional Writing is any writing that you are being paid for.  It can include fiction writing, a bestselling book, articles in a magazine, articles in a newspaper, blogs for companies, newsletters and so on. However, many people will write for sheer pleasure.

Many people have a passion for writing and a dream to earn their living from writing; but in reality, many professional writers struggle to achieve their dream. Even some famous authors actually had to self-publish initially. For example –
Beatrix Potter – The Adventures of Peter Rabbit
James Joyce – Ulysses
John Grisham – A Time To Kill

Other authors who have self published include Mark Twain, George Bernard Shaw,  Anais Nin,  Rudyard Kipling and Edgar Allan Poe.

Finding a publisher can be hard. Alex Haley received 200 rejections for “Roots” before it was finally published.  We will talk more about successful self publishers, particularly in the area of eBooks publishing due to the boom in technology in chapter 5.

Getting published is a question of talent AND perseverance.

It is common for people to assume that the way to become a professional writer is that if you do a course, develop the skill and offer yourself to employers, the work will become available. This scenario is more the exception than the rule.

Pathways to Writing

When you consider the people who are making a living from writing in today’s world; most have come to their current position inadvertently. They didn’t start out in their careers planning to be a writer; but as their careers progressed, their career paths evolved; and a need to write became evident.
 
There are many different ways that you can get from where you are now, to being a professional writer. Some people may follow a set pattern of study and career to become a writer, whilst others may become writers almost by “accident” as part of their job roles and other experiences.  For example -

• Some study a course in media, writing or journalism; and upon graduating, get a job with a publisher.
• Some people establish themselves as an expert. For example, they may become an expert in sport, gardening, cooking and so on, then move into writing as they are an expert writing about what they know
• Some develop skills and a reputation as an illustrator – such as photography, drawing, IT graphics, which leads to illustrating publications, and in turn leads to writing to go along with their illustrations
• Some study or work in marketing or advertising, developing their ability to communicate through writing; which may lead to writing media released, promotional materials, and eventually other things. The novelist Bryce Courtney worked in marketing for a long time, before moving into writing.
• Some people start as an educator, and move from teaching into writing text books or course materials.
• Some start as a scientist or technician; and move from working in their industry to technical writing. Such as writing reports, technical manuals, texts, etc.
• Some people experience things in their life that makes for interesting reading; and their experiences create the opportunity to break into professional writing. Consider a politician, sportsman, celebrity, or someone who has come through an exceptional experience such as travelling around the world.
• Some people may not just work as writers. They may write as part of their job. For example, they may write textbooks or technical documents as part of their job. They may write blogs, press releases, newsletter or magazine articles as a smaller aspect of their job.
• For some, writing may be a hobby. Writing for their own pleasure, for their family to read. Perhaps writing articles for their local Church newsletter, school magazine and so on.

John Mason Principal ACS Distance Education   http://www.thecareersguide.com/product_listings.aspx?catid=Journalism

Degrees are not all the same standard

ACS Distance Education and Affiliated Colleges (http://www.acsedu.co.uk/Info/About-Us/Affiliates.aspx ) offer one of the most diverse and reputable ranges of qualifications anywhere in the world.

Graduates compete strongly with graduates from all other colleges

John Mason (Principal) states:

"We even hear of graduates with our lower level qualifications beating people who have much higher university level qualifications for jobs."
 
Terms such as certificate, diploma, degree and masters degree are often not the same from college to college, and country to country.
Example: The ISHS published an article a couple of years ago showing degrees in some countries were 2 years full time study, while in other countries, they were 5 years full time study.
 
Most leading universities would consider a degree to be 3,000 hours or more of study that is focussed on academic learning first, and training for a job second. Vocational Diplomas can vary from perhaps 100 hours at some colleges, to 2,500 hours or more at top end colleges. The primary difference is that a Vocational diploma would normally focus on preparing you for a job first, and theoretical knowledge second.
 
ACS  courses are normally more strong on the academic training than a vocational course; but more focussed on preparing you for work than the traditional university course.
 
ACS offers courses up to 2,500 hour advanced diplomas, which in our experience, we find prepare graduates better for a career than most degrees.
For those graduates who need to achieve a degree; there are many avenues to upgrade to a degree after completing one of our advanced diplomas (eg. Our affiliate; Warnborough College Ireland, will always accept graduates from ACS and provide credit for past diploma or advanced diploma level study. It is conceivable that an advanced diploma graduate can upgrade to a degree with as little as 500 hrs of extra study, after completing the ACS advanced diploma.
 
ACS have seen numerous situations where graduates from our 2000 hour diplomas have been given credits ranging from 1000 hrs upwards, toward studies in degree courses at highly reputable universities. The granting of credits however will always depend upon the policy of the university concerned; and given that degrees may vary in length from perhaps 2,000 to 5,000 hours of study; and that policies change from year to year at universities; it is near impossible to be certain of what a situation might be upon graduating from a course you start now.

It is worth considering that statistical surveys in recent years have shown graduates with university degrees often end up either unemployed for a significant period after graduation, or end up being employed in something that is not related to the field they studied.

The general public tend to assume that a university degree guarantees a good, secure job, and a high level of pay. This may have been the case a generation or two ago; but todays world is very different.

Learning is still very important; but the qualification (whether degree, diploma or certificate) is diminishing in value; while the things a person has learnt (whether through study, experience, reading, or something else) are becoming increasingly key to a successful career.
 

Where do you go to find ebooks?

With thousands and thousands of ebook websites around we had to consider carefully where we listed our eboosk outside of our own site:

We found that the eLibrary - Open Ebooks Directory - includes most of the ebooks sold on the internet.  Its one of the highest ranked ebook sites and
offers the biggest range available.

Of course we also list all of our ebooks on our sister site http://www.acsbookshop.com/!

Be sure to browse through our books - we believe they are the best ebooks for your dollar.

This review was published in a column called Websites Worth Watching in Australian Horticulture Magazine July 2011. www.australianhorticulture.com.au

Horticultural book selection at fingertips.

"OKAY, so there are plenty of online bookshops about, but the ACS Online Bookshop has a praticular horticultural bent.

The site is a sister site to the distance learning school, ACS Distance Education, which specialises in many horticulture courses.

The online bookshop boasts an extensive list of topics and categories, including books written by ACS principal John Mason, who is an expert horticulturist among other things.

The site has links to all the useful social media such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace.

The user can search for a book on a specific topic and ACS students receive a 10% discount on purchases.

A shopping cart feature keeps a tally of what the user has purchased so far.

There is also a range of videos for sale.

Its catchphrase seems to sum up the diversity: "If you have special interests from azaleas to zoology, we have the books for you." "

WHAT IS ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING?

Electronic publishing involves producing a publication as an electronically recorded product. Rather than producing something printed on paper, the publication is viewed on a screen, usually a computer screen but also possibly a television monitor or other VDU (video display unit).

 

Electronically publications are most commonly produced on a removable storage device (such as a CD-Rom, Zip Disk or DVD), published on a web site (on the Internet), or sent to the consumer by email (again on the Internet).

 

Advantages of Electronic Publishing

There are several important advantages of electronic publishing:

·           Lower production costs. This is the biggest advantage! Publishing on the Internet involves very minimal cost in reproducing material for distribution. Even copying onto a CD or DVD can be a far cheaper proposition than printing on paper, particularly if there are lots of coloured illustrations to be included.

·           Increased possibilities. It is possible to include sections of video (real life or animations) in a publication, along with sections of text and illustrations.

·           Transportability. The product is much easier to transport from one location to another, and that greatly increases the market potential. Whereas books are heavy (ie. it takes time and money to send a copy any great distance), an electronic publication can be delivered from a computer to the other side of the world in a few minutes, if not less.

·           An important new publishing trend. The trend is towards increased electronic publishing. Even if it does not work for you now, it is the biggest growth area in publishing, and it is likely that current experience may give today’s electronic publishers an advantage in the future.

 

Disadvantages of Electronic Publishing

Many people still do not know own a computer or even know how to use a computer, hence cannot readily access an electronic publication. Among those that are computer literate, many still don’t have the mind set that is conducive to this form of publishing (ie. though they might have the computer and the ability to use it, they might not yet have used it to access a particular type of publication).

 

Another problem is that advertising on the Internet can be an unknown quantity. Advertisers may be more reluctant to pay for advertising on the Internet compared to printed media.

 

Finally, many people still prefer to read printed publications. Reading on screen can be tiring and time consuming; the key to overcoming people’s reluctance to read on-screen publications is to design interesting and user-friendly documents.

Do you think e-publishing will ever totally replace print publishing?.

 

How are Plants Named?

History of organized nomenclature

Linnaeus (1707‑1778) was a Swedish botanist, largely responsible for establishing the binomial system (i.e.: using two names or two words to name one plant).  He was also responsible for stabilising some of the other basic principles of nomenclature. 

It wasn't however until 1867 though, at the first International Botanical Congress, that the first set of rules was officially adopted by the botanical world.

Deficiencies in this code led to the establishment of a number of other sets of rules.

A compromise between the existing codes was adopted in 1930 and published as the 3rd edition of the International Rules of Botanical Nomenclature.  More recent editions are basically modifications of this code.

 

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature

Published in 1966, this most recent edition of the code contains an enormous amount of detail which is only of any real interest to the specialist, however, some of the information from the code outlined below is valuable in helping us understand better the way in which plants are classified.

 

Ranks of Taxa

The code indicates the ranks (i.e. : levels of classification) of taxa which can be used, and specifies the order in which they must be placed.  In all, there are 23 ranks listed and provision is made for supplementary ranks.  It isn't necessary to use all ranks for a particular organism.  In day to day use, the genus and species are the two ranks which are commonly used.  The endings of names of taxa of some ranks are standardised (i.e. : Names of the rank of family end in 'aceae' ...e.g.: Rosaceae).  The most commonly used ranks are listed below, in order and with examples:

 

Division ‑ Spermophyta

   Class  ‑  Angiospermae

      Order  ‑  Rosales

         Family  ‑  Rosaceae

            Genus  ‑  Prunus

               Species  ‑  persiecae

                  Variety  ‑  versicolour

 

Principle of Priority

This provision means that a plant can bear only one legitimate name and two different plants cannot be called by the same name.  The legitimate name of a plant is the one published first, in or after 1753, in accordance with the code.

 

a)  Valid Publication

To be validly published the name must be published in a suitable book or journal accompanied by a description or diagnosis of it's ranks stating in detail the characteristics which distinguish it from others.

 

b)  The Type Method

For species categories or anything below that level of classification, a specimen must be nominated as the type (an example of that classification) and deposited in a herbarium.  (Herbariums store collections of pressed plants as a reference point; usually government sponsored and often associated with botanical gardens).  The type provides a permanent record of the kind of plant which is associated with that particular classification.

Under certain circumstances, a photo may be acceptable as a type.

 

c)  Aim of the Principle of Priority

The aim of the principle is to stabilise nomenclature when two or more names are inadvertently coined for the same taxon.  (i.e.: for the same type of plant) 

The one which was published first takes that name and the other must be renamed.

 

d)  Exceptions to the Principle of Priority

Occasionally even if published validly, names have to be rejected in certain prescribed circumstances e.g.: if the same name is published for two different genera or families.  Sometimes names are 'conserved' (i.e. remain valid) though they were not the first published of two contending names.  This is usually because they have been more commonly used than the earlier name.  (e.g.: Melaleuca (1767) is conserved against Cajaputi (1763)).

 

Plant and Animal Nomenclature

Plant nomenclature is independent of animal nomenclature.  It does no matter if the name of a plant is the same as an animal, though it is better to be avoided if possible.

 

Choice, Construction and Spelling of Names

Botanical names are Latin and are treated as such, the code being very precise on matters of grammar. 

‑Names of orders and sub orders are based on the stem of the name of a family from that particular order or sub order with the ending "ales" for orders and "ineae" for the sub orders.  There are only a few exceptions.  e.g. Order Proteales (from family Proteaceae)  Usually the names of families, sub families, tribes and sub tribes are formed by adding a specified suffix to the stem.

‑The name of a genus is a noun (or sometimes an adjective) which can usually be taken from any source.

‑The name of a species is a binomial i.e.: it consists of two words, the first being the generic name and the second a specific epithet (name).  The specific epithet may be taken from any source, and often describes a particular characteristic about the species (e.g.: spinose‑spiny, paludosus ‑growing in swampy places, citriodora ‑ lemon scented, rubra‑red, pendular‑ weeping, palmatum‑palm like etc.)

‑The main categories or divisions below species are:‑

subspecies (which are divided into varieties)

varieties (which are divided into forms).

 

Changes in Names

Provided there is good reason it is possible to change names.  For example, if a genus is considered to be in the wrong family or a species in the wrong genus it can be transferred to the correct one.  Sometimes it might be decided that one genus should be divided to make two or three genera.  The code governs the way in which such things happen (e.g. if a genus is split then the original name must be retained for at least one of the new genera.

 

Nomenclature of Hybrids

The names of hybrids (different species which have cross bred) are governed by the same rules as the names of other taxa.  The hybrid is designated by the use of a multiplication sign preceding a given name (e.g.: Salix X capreola which is a hybrid of Salix aurita and Salix caprea) or by a formula (e.g.: Salix aurita X caprea).

 

Abbreviations

( )  Indicates the original authority for a name.

e.g.:  Medicago arabica (l) Huds.

This means it was originally names by Linnaeas but the name was changed by Hudson later.

nom cons. Indicates the name was conserved against some earlier published name.

e.g.:  Olearia Moench, nom. cons.

Means Olearia was conserved against the generic name Shawia which was validly published at an earlier date.

nov. Indicates new taxon.

syn. Indicates a synonymous name.

nov. syn. Used when a name is first reduced to synonymy.

 

There are many other abbreviations.  You do not need to learn these for this subject, but it is of value to know that there is meaning behind them when you do come across them in books.

Publishing is Changing

The nature of publishing has changed dramatically in recent times, and is likely to continue changing. These changes are being brought about by new technology, globalisation and marketplace changes.

 

Examples of these changes include the following:

·           People are increasingly using the Internet and cable TV for information

·           People can find information faster and easier than ever before

·           People are better educated than in the past

·           Information can be delivered to larger markets cheaper and more easily

·           New economies are rapidly developing (for example, in China)

·           Competition between markets is stronger than ever before.

·          Increased electronic publishing, and decreased print media publishing

·           Decreased book sales, bookshops closing down.

 

Implications for the publishing industry may include:

·           A reduced need to buy printed publications

·           An increased desire for information

·           An overall increase in the quantity of material being published

·           Changed strategies in what is published and how things are published and marketed

·           An increase in self publishing

·           Development of publishing monopolies

·           A greater need than ever before to predict future trends

·           Changes in how revenue can be generated through advertising

 

These and other predictions are being made about the future of publishing. The one fact that is certain is that the publishing industry has been, and will continue to undergo rapid change, and that success in publishing in the future will depend upon a publisher’s ability to monitor and rapidly react to change.

What else is changing, and what is the best way to adapt -for students, teachers and anyone who likes reading?

So you want to start a Plant Nursery?

Some quick tips from John Mason, author of the new ebook Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm.

Management and Organisation

To work efficiently and profitably, a nursery or herb farm must be both well organised and properly managed in a clear conscious manner. As with most other businesses, it is essential to be confident enough to make firm clear decisions when they are needed. The nurseryman or herb farmer who hesitates too often or takes too long to make decisions is almost certain to fail.

SELECTING THE SITE

It is not always possible to have the ideal site. Sometimes a piece of land is already owned or perhaps financial limitations force a compromise. Important considerations are discussed on the following page.

To Own or Rent?

If money is to be borrowed for any part of the operation, land is a better proposition for a loan than most other things. You should consider the permanency of your operation. Land ownership is considered a less flexible means of operation than renting. Renting. however, can be an insecure form of tenure.

Size of Site

Generally, nurseries or herb farms require significantly less land than other types of primary production. Propagation nurseries and retail operations can be successfully conducted on sites of less than one acre. Standard container growing of herbs or other plants is usually conducted on a couple of acres. Some of the largest container nurseries in Australia are able to run on less than five acres because they are carefully organised and managed. Open-ground nurseries can be anything from a couple of acres to several hundred acres.

If your site is not ideal you can at least make the most of it: terracing using railway sleepers to create beds in the sloping ground. Use windbreaks to protect plants in open places.

Proximity to Market

If retailing. the operation is best located on a major road travelled frequently by large numbers of prospective customers or, alternatively, in a centre which is frequented by prospective customers. Avoid locating too close to similar existing businesses. If wholesaling. locate within reasonable proximity to customers or to existing transportation networks (e.g. a mail-order nursery selling throughout Australia could successfully establish close to any reasonable railway station).

Availability of Water

All plants need water to grow, but some need more than others. A reIiable source of unpolluted, salt-free water is essential.

Fertile Soil

This is only really important when growing in the open ground. Good container nurseries can be established in very infertile areas.

Climate

If establishing in an unsatisfactory climate for the plants being grown, extra expense will need to be incurred on developing climatic controls (glasshouses, windbreaks and  shadehouses).

Availability of Materials

In container nurseries, in particular, it is important to be close to a reliable source of material which can be used in potting mixes. Cartage costs on sand, loam, lignite, pine bark and other such materials can be significant, and you may be charged for every kilometre each cubic metre of material is carted.

A successful nursery business does not necessarily require large premises: this setup operates from a house block in the middle of a city.

Many shops supplement their sales with a nursery department, and an outside display can secure many casual sales to passers-by.

SELECTING THE CROP

All too otten, people enter horticulture with very definite prejudged ideas on what they will grow, where they will grow it and how they will grow it. While such people have a real advantage in that they obviously love that particular type of plant they can only benefit by giving objective consideration to all the alternatives.

Crops grown by nurseries fall into the following broad categories:

INDOOR OR TROPICAL PLANTS: 

Grown outside in the northern parts of Australia; the same are often grown indoors in cooler parts.

NATIVES:

Plants indigenous to Australia.

PERENNIALS:

Soft-wooded (herbaceous) plants grown for decoration.

BULBS:

Also corms, rhizomes and tubers grown for flower, often with perennials.

EXOTIC ORNAMENTALS:

Woody plants not native to Australia grown for nonproductive or amenity purposes. Often nurseries specialise in one particular group of exotics (e.g. azaleas, geraniums or cacti).

Deciduous fruit tree nurseries usually also grow deciduous ornamental trees which require similar techniques and treatment. Some specialise in citrus or berries.

Read more in Starting a Nursery or Herb Farm...

A Brief History of Hydroponics

(by John Mason)

The word hydroponics comes from two Greek words: hydro meaning water and ponos meaning labour. This word was first used by Dr W.F. Gericke, a Californian professor who in 1929 began to develop what had previously been a laboratory technique into a commercial means of growing plants. Throughout the 19th Century a number of scientists undertook significant research into the nature of plant nutrition.

Classical experiments conducted by German plant scientists, Sachs in 1860 and Knop between 1861 and 1865, led to our first understanding of what were essential plant nutrients. Chemical formulae developed by Sachs and Knop, and several other researchers who followed them, provided Dr Gericke with the knowledge to make an effective nutrient solution, thus overcoming the major restriction to the development of hydroponic culture.

Plants had been grown hydroponically before Dr Gericke, but only as laboratory experiments or (in the case of some earlier civilisations) without a proper understanding of the methods being used. Dr Gericke is credited with having recognised the commercial potential of what he had seen as a laboratory technique, and having conducted trials which inspired the development of a commercial industry in the following decades.

Scientists in North America, Europe and Japan, inspired by Dr Gericke’s experiences, worked throughout the 1930s and 40s to refine our knowledge of hydroponic growing. The United States army used hydroponic culture to grow fresh food for troops stationed on infertile Pacific Islands during World War II. By the 1950s there were viable commercial hydroponic farms operating in America, Britain, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Interest in hydroponics developed in Australia throughout the 1960s, and in the 1970s many vegetable growers, inspired by tales of increased production, attempted to convert their operations to hydroponics. Unfortunately many of these people failed to do their ‘homework’, and embarked upon schemes without having a real understanding of the differences between soil and hydroponic culture. The result was many failures, and the development of an attitude in Australia that hydroponics doesn’t really work.

In 1981 CSR Ltd established an Australian plant to produce horticultural grade rockwool for hydroponic production. CSR did their homework, promoted their product well and supported it with excellent technical information. As a result, Growool (as it is known) became widely accepted, and today is used extensively in the Australian cut flower industry.

At the beginning of the 21st century commercial crops of vegetables, berry fruit, and cut flowers are grown extensively by hydroponic culture in many countries. The most popular technique worldwide is rockwool culture, though NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), perlite and gravel bed culture are all very significant techniques in use in commercial hydroponics.

Learn more about hydroponics from Johns book Commercial Hydroponics here.

Designing a Garden - Where do you start?

Extract from Garden Design (Part 1) by John Mason.

Designing your own garden can be one of the most creative things you ever do – producing a living sculpture that gives you years of enjoyment.

The secret to good garden design is a plan!

Site Analysis

When starting a design, the first thing to do is carefully examine the existing garden. Unless you have a brand new house on an undeveloped block, you will have to consider what is already on site. Things to look for include:

Easements, caveats and utilities – are there legal restrictions on what you can do and where you can build? Look for gas, electricity, phone and water connections.

Buildings and hard surfaces – are there sheds, paved areas, garden beds, etc?

Topography and access – is there a slope or a change in levels? Can vehicles or pedestrians move freely?

Orientation, seasonal issues – does the house shade parts of the garden? Do deciduous plants let in light during winter? Does one part of the house or garden get hot in summer, etc?

Climate – where are the prevailing winds? When and how much does it rain? How often do you get frosts, etc?

Soil, drainage – do you have clay or sandy soil? Are there wet spots in the garden?

Atmosphere – is there any noise or air pollution?

Vegetation – are there existing trees or shrubs you want to retain?

Re-usable materials – are there any pavers, timber, etc. on site?

Local area – what are the surrounding gardens like?

Are there likely to be any future building works (extra rooms, new garage, etc)?

Deciding What You Want

What sort of atmosphere do you want to create?

Privacy – do you want the garden for entertainment purposes, or for peace and quiet?

Views, focal points – where are you going to look at the garden? (The most common view is usually from the kitchen window). Is there a view you want to hide?

Traffic – do you need room for cars? Will pedestrians trample the lawn?

Children, pets – do you need room for ball games or for the dog to play?

What sort of plants do you like?

What sort of plants don’t you like (e.g. do you suffer from allergies or hay fever)?

How much maintenance do you want to do?

Do you want to include an irrigation system?

Do you need a clothesline?

Would you like an area to grow vegetables?

Budget – how much do you want to spend?

DO IT IN STAGES

Often the garden has to be developed in stages because:

a) The money isn’t available to do it all at once.

b) Other work must be done first (e.g. a sewerage main is to be laid, a shed is to be erected, or a building is to be extended).

Undeveloped, or underdeveloped, parts of the garden might be screened with fast growing plants or a temporary fence until they are able to be attended to. Areas designated for paving, garden beds or water gardens might be grassed to provide a reasonable appearance until the time is right to finish the development.

As with anything constructive, it is always a good idea to start with a plan. List everything you want to eventually include in the garden - and arrange these things in order from your highest priority to your lowest. (Note: the low priority item might only be low because it’s expensive and not necessarily because you want it any less).

Your ‘prioritised’ list might be something like this:

1) Washing line

2) Barbecue

3) Lawn (or mulch to keep the mud and dust down)

4) Fences on boundaries

5) Trees for shade

6) Shrubs to screen the neighbours’ houses

7) Plants to provide cut flowers inside

8) A garden setting for eating outside

9) Paved pathways for access in wet weather

10) A paved patio area

11) A vegetable garden

12) A garden shed

13) An ornamental pond

14) A swimming pool.

A well-planned garden will eventually accommodate everything on your list - but you may very well consider the garden’s development to be an evolutionary process over many years. At any stage of that evolutionary process, the garden should still be aesthetically pleasing and functional.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

Landscape planning is both an art and a science. It’s a process in which you need to consider the physical requirements of building a garden, and at the same time strive to create something which is artistic and pleasing to the eye.

Don’t Be Put Off By The Challenge

Planning your garden can be a lot of fun, and remember it’s a lot cheaper to make your mistakes on paper!

Follow this step-by-step process and you can’t go too wrong:

1) Draw a sketch of your property (preferably to scale) as it is now. A builder’s plan is often good to work off (all you have to do is trace over it).

2) Make up a list of things you want to put in the garden (e.g. washing line, shed, BBQ, lawn area, vegetable garden, children’s swing etc).

3) Draw in pencil where you think the best place would be to put each of these things.

4) Now stand back and think for a week or so. If you like, ask friends or relatives what they think about where you plan to put things. Use a bit of common sense and consider whether each of these things is located in the best place (Refer to the list “What Goes Where”).

5) Rearrange the location of these different components, and settle on final locations.

6) Fill in the gaps - placing lawn, shrubs, paving, mulch, gravel, etc. between the various components.

What Goes Where?

The barbecue, outdoor setting, and patio should be together - and close to the kitchen, if possible.

The rubbish bins, compost heap, and burner should be away from the house and any outdoor living areas.

The washing line is better hidden from outdoor entertaining areas, but in mild to cold climates it must be in a sunny spot.

Areas where children play should be away from things you don’t want to get damaged (e.g. prize roses or the vegetable garden).

Areas which are walked over frequently should be well-drained and surfaced with gravel, mulch or paving (grass will become damaged and high-use areas may become slippery when wet).

Start to design better gardens with Garden Design (Part 1) today!