1 hour 1 to 30    
Step-by-Step to a Landscape Plan
This three-step approach will help you develop a landscape plan that will serve your needs and look great.
Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media.
Published on February 14, 2020
With a site analysis and personal inventory in hand, you’ve already accomplished a large part of the design. Now take it a step further by thinking of your yard as a whole and drawing a conceptual plan. Using the process outlined below, you’ll identify general use areas that you need or want.
Define Use Areas
First, make a list of the basic ways you use different parts of your property and the unique requirements of each. The following general use areas should spark your thinking:
- Recreation.Play areas for children, volleyball, croquet, horseshoes, and other active sports, as well as passive recreation such as reading and relaxing.
- Entertainment.Outdoor cooking areas, places to sit, rooms with a view.
- Utility. Areas for storage, garbage, recycling and composting.
- Circulation. The main traffic areas, including parking, driveways, and entryways to the house.
- Private space. Areas that you want to be secluded. These may overlap with entertainment and recreation.
- Public space. Areas that may not be used much by you or your family but are seen by your neighbors or passersby.
Establish Relationships
Look at your list of use areas and think about how the concepts relate. For example, you don’t want to locate the garbage can near an entertainment area.
Lay tracing paper over your base map and shade rough areas — or bubbles — as shown in the illustration above. Within each bubble, note the parts of your personal inventory that could occur in that area. Draw as many of these rough, conceptual plans as you need to work out various scenarios until you find one that includes as many elements as you need.
Try out different designs now by using copies of your base map, or by laying tracing paper over it, to sketch out variations. Start comparing prices for materials, then start making decisions.
You needn’t be an artist, but do draw to scale, making the relationships on paper as they will be in reality. Completing a perfect design will take more than one or two tries. Plan on doing at least three different preliminary plans, and enjoy developing the process.
Each preliminary plan will bring you closer to the final design. With each scheme, you’ll learn a little more about how all the pieces fit together and discover that there are many different ways to accomplish what you want.
Fitting everything into a satisfying scheme takes patience. You may have to set the design aside and give it time to evolve. You’ll jump-start the creative process by coming back to the design later with fresh ideas.
The beauty of having a plan is that you know where the project is going. Even if it takes years to get there, all of your work and expense will be taking you in the right direction. Savor the pleasure of this accomplishment and carry it with you as you build your dream landscape.
Review all your preliminary designs, pulling from each the components you like most and compromising if necessary. Make the final plan as accurate as possible. It will be the guide to determining costs. Make copies to give to the contractors you hire to do the work.
Landscape Sketching Class
1 hour 1 to 30    
label £5 – £18 (£5 for Class only, no box, £18 for Class and box)
What you’ll do
Learn how to create stunning landscape scenes with guidance from one of our expert Hobbycraft Artisans. You can choose to follow along with your own materials or book the class with a craft kit included.
The class will take an online webinar format, giving you the opportunity to watch a demonstration of the project while also being able to ask any questions. The host will lead you through different techniques over the course of an hour, showing you the steps of sketching detailed landscapes.
Learn how to choose different pencil grades to create different effects, as well as how to start mapping out the layout using an eye-line and adding a vanishing point. You’ll also receive guidance on building up your sketch, plus blending and shading techniques.
You’ll be shown all the steps required, but you can work on your own sketch at any pace you choose. Complete your beautiful sketch in your own time once the session is over.
Along with this landscape tutorial, we also have other sketching classes available from £5 if you wish to try even more techniques and broaden your skillset further.
See available dates or Request a private class
Knowledge required
Designed for beginners.
What you’ll get in your craft kit
If you choose to purchase this class with a kit this will include:
- Artist pad
- Sketching set
- Pencil case
What you’ll need
-
Tissue
If you haven’t purchased the kit we recommend the following items to bring along:
- Artist pad
- Sketching set
- Pencil case
Your teacher
4.6 (62)
Contact
Our expert Hobbycraft Artisans deliver our online workshops, each Artisan has their craft expertise and will be perfectly placed to help you start a completely new craft or advance your skills.
We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class
Anonymised ClassBento student • Nov 2023
Excellent teaching and explaining. Really enjoyed it. Tough to draw for a beginner but the way it was explained helped me create a great finished sketch.
Lesley Rose • Nov 2023
Very informative and interesting. As a total beginner I have a lot to learn. Perhaps a follow on class would be useful.
Livinia Cowell-Sherriff • Nov 2023
Though the picture was not hard to draw. It was very difficult to see what she was drawing start with without being sent the picture first, which is happened in other classes.
Not a bad class
Jackie Newell • Nov 2023
I liked that Holly produced the sketch in real time for us to imitate. Thank you
Alex Burton-Keeble • Nov 2023
I found this workshop difficult to follow. I could only access zoom on my mobile so found it difficult to see the reference drawing in detail.
If you do want to do this workshop online I would recommend having access to a bigger screen eg TV or computer. Otherwise I think you will struggle.
James North • Oct 2023
another great workshop, clear and easy to follow along. Look forward to practicing the techiques learnt in this workshop.
Jane Madsen • Oct 2023
I enjoyed the session and look forward to using what I have learnt over the next few weeks.
Steve • Oct 2023
A great session showing how to set out the drawing, which pencils to use and explaining why they are used. Millie was clear in her explanations. It really helped to have the example emailed beforehand.
A really good way of starting out with drawing.
Linda Salt • Oct 2023
Very clear teaching and I am pleased with the result from a beginner. I am inspired to carry on sketching.
Gillian Parr • Oct 2023
Enjoyed presentation. Millie was a good host. Went at appropriate pace. Helpful advice on starting sketching.
Sandra Gardner • Oct 2023
Great class. Would have been useful to have copy of drawing to refer to before the class started as it was difficult to see the feint pencil marks on the screen at the start of the workshop.
Jane • Oct 2023
Difficult to see what the artisan was drawing /shading due to lighting and faint sketching.
Julia Lo • Oct 2023
Excellent introduction to sketching with plenty of composition and drawing tips. Well organised. Delivered by knowledgeable artisan Holly
Gail • Oct 2023
Thank you Holly for a great workshop. I hope Hobbycraft keep up the “workshop only” option as it makes it such good value especially if you want to do multiple classes using the same materials.
Melanie • Oct 2023
A thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing class. Millie the tutor gave an explanation of how to plan a landscape drawing that I will be able to apply to future drawings. She explained and demonstrated the use of the pencils and a technique for mark making that I will be able to use for my own drawings. The hour’s lesson with Millie was well paced, interesting, with lots of tips and I achieved a drawing of my own by the end of the lesson. A always with Hobbycraft workshops, the hour’s focus on producing an art work leaves no room for ‘other stuff’ in my head – which is really relaxing! I would most certainly recommend this workshop.
Karen Hutchings • Oct 2023
I really enjoyed the class and thought the artisan was extremely good despite her being unwell. Don’t think the technique is for me but thought it was taught well
Katherine • Oct 2023
Learnt lots of different techniques, teacher was happy to answer questions and give advice. Very happy and calming class!
Alexandra Patrick • Sep 2023
Very enjoyable session hosted by Millie – good guidance and hints and tips provided too. Delighted with my results. Thank you!
Catherine Saffery • Sep 2023
It was very well presented and interesting but I found it difficult to see and lost my way in trying to follow on the picture good to have access to the video so I can try again.
Julie Ruck • Sep 2023
I really enjoyed the course. Millie is very good! Thanks. …… will book more classes thanks
Wendy Allen • Sep 2023
It was great. Really pleased with the results. Learned something new today! Thanks very much
Helen Cunningham • Sep 2023
Fantastic workshop expertly delivered by Millie. I learnt new ways to draw and found it really easy to follow. Thoroughly enjoyed the process. Thank you.
Tracey Johnson • Sep 2023
Really helpful advice and techniques delivered at a good pace but never rushed. Lovely presenter with a relaxed and friendly delivery style. I learned lots today and really enjoyed the session! Thank you so much.
F Chaudhri • Sep 2023
Millie was great, clear instructions and good techniques. Enjoyed the session, and finished with a half decent sketch too. 🙂
Sandie Wingvist • Sep 2023
I enjoyed this course and Millie explained well what we were doing and answered any questions that the group asked. however I would prefer to get the picture sent with the materials, I feel that whilst I do have a preinter I find it doesn’t always print for me and I wonder what would happen to others who do not have a printer.
Alice Cummins • Sep 2023
The course was great and really helpful to explain the different pencils and techniques. The teacher was also so lovely.
Rebecca Higham • Sep 2023
The instructor was brilliant. She explained well and answered lots of questions asked throughout the workshop
Julia Vaughan • Sep 2023
First time trying one of your o line courses and found it very enjoyable. More subjects please.
Annie Bielby • Sep 2023
Really enjoyed the class and the teacher was excellent. I found questions based on drawing scenes other than landscapes, distracting but other than that, I learnt a great sketching technique.
Susan Hill • Sep 2023
Excellent class. Millie was really helpful and engaging. Will definitely do more classes and can’t wait to do more drawing!
Steven Cryer • Sep 2023
Excellent class I learnt a lot and Millie was a very good teacher and paced the course ata speed at which I coud keep up.
Angela Robinson • Sep 2023
Throughly enjoyed my hour of ‘me’ time. I didn’t quite get time to finish because of additional unrelated questions from other participants, but I learnt enough to continue on my own after. Would love to continue on with another class.
Judith Lomas • Sep 2023
This was my first class and I thoroughly enjoyed it and would like details of further sketching classes. Thank you.
Kathryn Lewis • Sep 2023
Millie is a great teacher and gets a lot in one hour. She is patient ans ach a lovely bubbly lady who is very encouraging. The landscape sketching was really useful for knowing how to quickly capture scenes when out or from photos, and which grade of pencils are useful to have for sketching and shading.
Catherine Wood • Sep 2023
Millie had a lovely enthusiastic approach and helpfully balanced lots of questions with staying on track of the main topic
Irene Manson • Sep 2023
Qustions on other topics a little off putting , but ggod that from that we will hopefully have more workshops
Mrs Crowhurst • Aug 2023
The actual drawing was good but the class was to fast it was hard to keep up with the teacher it needed to be longer. The teacher was ok but she moved on to fast but the class was not long enough.
Caroline Sams • Aug 2023
Had fun with this class. Made me really think about shading using different angles. Have never been disappointed with any of the classes on-line, so please keep them coming. Thanks
Kitty Oakley • Aug 2023
The class was well prepared and paced, and delivered clearly and in an approachable and friendly way. The instructions were easy to follow, and throughout the tutor checked that we were happy with the progress.
Saffron • Aug 2023
Good class and instruction. Good picture produced. This was online it would be nice to do workshops in person.
Amy Gottler • Aug 2023
I had a lot of fun on this workshop, I learnt a lot about different pencils as well as some new techniques.
Alison Wrobel • Aug 2023
Good fun. Informative. Quite a lot packed in to an hour and very good value for money.
Joanna Radford-Smith • Aug 2023
Loved my first online Art class. It was great thank you. I will be doing another one.
Patricia McIvor • Aug 2023
Thanks for a great class, with such a lovely teacher. I learnt such a lot and my confidence has really improved
Jennifer Ryan • Aug 2023
The class was taught well, and Rugile did a good job and was as knowledgable, friendly and approachable as usual – this one just didn’t suit my style and I found it a little tedious. The information about perspective was interesting and useful
Suzanne Harney • Aug 2023
I found this very useful. The techniques and tools were clearly explained and demonstrated. The pace was just right – I was able to take a few quick notes as well as trying out my own sketch. Lovely presenter – well worth it.
Anonymised ClassBento student • Aug 2023
Very good tutor, explained techniques well and was appropriate timing. Thank you for enjoyable session
Sue Enright • Aug 2023
The artist was lovely and gave lots of good tips.
It’s great the you get the video so you can go back and practice again. Really enjoyed it. Thank you
Katie Turnbull • Aug 2023
Great class, learnt alot, fab teacher really enjoyed the session thank you so much! Would recommend
Jan Marston • Aug 2023
Great class very informative and most helpful for beginners it has encouraged me to do more classes thank you Jan
Hilary Taylor • Aug 2023
It would have been much easier to see picture if it was in colour. The copy was pale making it hard to see layout.
Alison • Aug 2023
It was a really useful workshop to learn new skills of how to use the pencils effectively to create a sketch.
Yvonne Shepherd • Aug 2023
I really liked the option of choosing not to have the kit delivered and just doing the class for a much cheaper price as I already had the required materials from previous workshops so it is great that Hobbycraft are now doing this, I agree with other reviewers that it would have been much better to have a copy of the picture emailed before hand as despite the fact the artisan kept it on the screen and allowed us to take a screen shot, it was impossible to see the fine detail pencil lines on it and to see what she was doing on her page at times. She did keep holding hers up to the camera to see which helped.
Valerie Burton • Aug 2023
Brilliant class and I even have quite a presentable sketch I’ve amazed myself.Just do it a great class for those who want to draw but feel they’re not very good Learnt a lot.
Netta Wraight • Aug 2023
Relly well done. Millie was a great teacher worth simple clear instructions. Have been sketching for 3 years but this made a lot clearer.
Jenny • Aug 2023
I bought this class for my daughter who is 8. She found it quite fast paced so we were glad to be told that we could receive a video afterwards to work at her pace. The techniques shown were easy to follow and we produced a fairly good picture by the end.
Anusha Luchmun • Aug 2023
Excellent class, enjoyed it very much. Tutor was clear in her explanation and maintained a good pace. Thank you very much
Julie Green • Aug 2023
Really enjoyed learning how to do a quick landscape sketch. Millie made the class really enjoyable. I would have benefited from a print out of what we were drawing but otherwise a great class.
Karine Barker • Aug 2023
Good pace clear instructions but
It was difficult to do the drawing without having the print picture next to my pad
Perhaps it could be sent with the confirmation email in future workshop
Carol Hancock • Jul 2023
Excellent class, presenter was knowledgeable and easy to understand. A good presentation on basic sketching techniques.
Lucy Lewis • Jul 2023
A very informative class, will try my new skills out locally now and perhaps try watercolour over my sketch.
Anne Newton • Jul 2023
Another enjoyable workshop with Millie very informative with techniques for sketching thank you Millie very good workshop
