Starting out
Anyone that moves into a newly built home has to start from
scratch. I started with a plan of my garden and the shape and
features already in it. I added the planting and other proposed features to my plan - it's much easier to change a plan than to move plants around. I particularly thought about the views from
my windows and wanted some hard surfaces- patios - next to
the doors. I softened the stark brick walls with shrubs, trees and
climbers. Then I could get to work. The hard landscaping went in first, and the lawn. I also
wanted year-round interest so plant were bought at monthly
intervals throughout the year (garden centres always sell plants when in season and at their best). Privacy screening was also
important. By chance I planted a tall tree blocking the view from
every window of every house around me. So now I can be naked in my
garden without being seen.
First, look at your space. Where's the sun and shade? This being nude gardening, are there views you would care to block?
How long will you be where you are - which will govern how much effort you put into perennials and landscape planting. When the perennials and landscape plants take off, then where will the sun be? Be careful not to plant any trees that will overhang your roof, undermine your foundation, or interfere with a septic field - and some trees are so aggressive they also need to be kept away from sewer lines.
What's your soil? Builder's earth, old orchard, whatever. Almost certainly, you'll need more organic matter, which you can most easily just buy by the bagful at the local home improvement store, under $10 per cubic foot.
Food, or ornamentals?
The very best sources of info are the most local ones. In a place like San Diego, even a few miles will put you in a different climate zone. Get to know gardeners and the staff at garden centers.
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