Plan to plant

Just like you should avoid grocery shopping when hungry, you shouldn't start a landscape project without a plan.

'You may end up with what you want, but you will probably forget the basics,” says Lucy Hershberger, owner of North Liberty-based landscaping company Forever Green.

To start planning, consider these pointers:

Save versus scrap

If you have existing plants, decide what you want to keep and which plants are too overgrown to save. Many shrubs and trees can be severely pruned back or even cut to the ground and will return looking better than before. Talk to professionals to determine which plants are worth saving and which should be removed.

It's just a phase

Before you start, consider your entire space and how you will phase your projects. Mark out space for areas like a play set, gardens or patios. You don't want do something in a part of the yard that you'll end up undoing in the next phase.

Whether it will weather

Choose plants you like and that will do well in the environment unique to your yard. Areas exposed to winter wind need hardier plants. Consider sunny versus shady areas of your yard and which areas get cooler morning sun versus hotter afternoon sun.

A plan for all seasons

If you only buy what's in bloom while you're plant shopping, you'll end up with a one-season landscape. Remember, fall foliage can be beautiful and keeps your yard visually interesting in winter. Grasses and plants with various textures or bark also can add interest in a white winter.

Get set, grow

Think about spacing. Don't crowd plants; they'll grow substantially. Vary the size and shape. Plant grasses next to shrubs or a tall evergreen surrounded by low spreading shrubs instead of five plants of the same shape and size.

' Do you have a project you want to tackle? Send suggestions to Alison Gowans at (319) 398-8434; alison.gowans@thegazette.com