I find there’s something magical about stepping into a new garden for the first time. I admit that for me here on Wildwood, that magical feeling did not come right away.
In full disclosure, it was underwhelming. The beds were either empty or filled with English Ivy (ugh!) or sunburnt and dehydrated plants. I immediately started daydreaming of full beds with lots of blooms. As much as I wanted to see all the beds filled with plants, full of color, I needed to step back and assess what was here. In today’s edition, let’s look at what assessing your new garden looks like.
Assessing the Garden
Before you start dreaming up grand plans or rushing to plant something new, give yourself a moment to simply see what’s already there. A thoughtful first walk-through sets the foundation for every beautiful transformation that follows.
Start With a Slow Walk: What Stands Out?
Move through the space as if you’re visiting it for the first time. Notice the shapes, the textures, the way the garden feels.
Are there areas that immediately draw your eye?
Spots that feel neglected or overgrown?
Corners that surprise you with charm or potential?
This first impression is valuable—it reveals both the strengths and the challenges of your new landscape.
Identify Existing Features
Before making any changes, take inventory of what you’ve inherited:
Trees: Their placement, health, and shade patterns
Shrubs: Mature plantings that may anchor your future design
Flower beds: Existing shapes, borders, and plant combinations
Hardscaping: Patios, walkways, fences, edging, or decorative elements
Some features may be worth preserving; others may inspire a fresh start.
Sort What You Love, What’s Outdated, and What Needs to Go
This is where your instincts matter.
What feels timeless or meaningful?
What looks tired or out of place?
What is clearly overgrown, damaged, or blocking the flow of the space?
You don’t need to make final decisions yet—just start forming impressions.
Observe the Natural Conditions
Your garden’s success depends on understanding its environment. Spend a day noticing:
Sunlight patterns: Where does the morning sun hit? What stays shaded?
Soil type: Sandy, clay-heavy, loamy, or a mix
Drainage: Areas that stay soggy after rain vs. spots that dry quickly
These observations will guide plant choices and layout decisions later.
Document the “Before”
Before you lift a shovel, capture the garden as it is today.
Take photos from multiple angles
Create a simple sketch of the layout—no artistic skill required
Mark existing features, problem areas, and ideas that spark as you walk
This record becomes a helpful reference as your garden evolves, and it’s incredibly satisfying to look back on once the transformation begins.
Bringing It All Together
Taking time to truly assess your garden before making any changes isn’t just a practical first step—it’s an investment in the beauty and harmony your space can become. By slowing down, observing what already exists, and documenting the details, you give yourself the clarity to make thoughtful decisions rather than rushed ones. This early groundwork becomes the compass for every choice that follows, helping you honor what’s worth keeping, address what needs attention, and design a garden that reflects your vision. With a clear understanding of your starting point, you’re ready to begin shaping a space that will grow with you season after season.
