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Plans functional, site-appropriate garden layouts using sun exposure, soil testing, plant spacing, and design principles. Useful for new beds or redesigns.
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
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/grimoire:design-garden-layoutThe summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
Create a functional, aesthetically coherent garden layout that accounts for site conditions, plant requirements, and maintenance capacity.
Create a functional, aesthetically coherent garden layout that accounts for site conditions, plant requirements, and maintenance capacity.
Adopted by: RHS-certified garden designers, ASLA landscape architects, Cornell Master Gardener program graduates, and professional landscape designers globally Impact: Planned gardens have 50% lower plant replacement rates vs. unplanned; proper spacing reduces disease pressure by 30%; site-appropriate plant selection cuts water use by 25–40% Why best: Systematic site analysis before design prevents the most common garden failures: wrong plants in wrong light, soil, or drainage conditions
Sources: RHS Garden Design (2021); ASLA Residential Guidelines (2022); Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Curriculum (2023)
Conduct a site analysis — Map: sun exposure (full sun ≥6h, part sun 3–6h, shade <3h) at different times of day; drainage patterns after rain; existing soil type (clay, loam, sand); wind exposure; frost pockets; access points.
Test soil — Take soil samples from 6-inch depth at multiple points; test pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter. Most plants prefer pH 6.0–7.0. Results drive amendment strategy before any planting.
Define functional zones — Map the garden into zones by use: edible production, ornamental display, wildlife habitat, children's play, seating/entertainment, utility. Match each zone to site conditions and household priorities.
Select plants by site conditions, not appearance first — Right plant, right place is the foundational principle. Match light, soil, drainage, and hardiness zone (USDA zone) requirements before considering aesthetics.
Plan plant spacing for mature size — Design for mature spread, not nursery pot size. Crowding causes competition, disease, and requires costly correction in 2–3 years. Perennials typically need 18–36 inches; shrubs 3–10 feet.
Apply design principles:
Design for water management — Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning). Place high-water plants near water sources or in lower areas; drought-tolerant plants on slopes or away from irrigation.
Draw a scaled plot plan — Use graph paper or software (SketchUp, Planner 5D); mark all existing features (structures, trees, utilities), proposed plant locations, paths, and edging. Scale: 1 inch = 4 feet works for most residential gardens.
Plan hardscape before softscape — Finalize paths, edging, raised beds, and structures before specifying plants. Hardscape defines spatial flow; plants fill the framework.
Create a phased planting plan — Prioritize by impact and budget. Year 1: structural plants (trees, large shrubs, bones of the design). Year 2: perennials and ground cover. Year 3: annuals, bulbs, and fine-tuning.
npx claudepluginhub jeffreytse/grimoire --plugin grimoireDesigns raised bed vegetable gardens: dimensions, orientation, soil mix, irrigation, and crop rotation for high yield and low maintenance.
Designs parks, plazas, waterfronts, pocket parks, civic spaces, playgrounds, and urban gardens using Jan Gehl criteria, PPS placemaking, and global best practices. For public realm and landscape design queries.
Assesses and improves garden soil through jar/spade/earthworm tests, soil-type-specific amendments, composting methods, and biodynamic preparations.