Did you know that 49% of American homeowners have gardened in the past 12 months? Although the average gardener in the United States is female and 45 years of age or older, gardening can be done by nearly anyone. Garden design allows you to control all elements of landscaping, including planting design, surface selection, and furniture incorporation, and each one can help make your garden look better. By determining which garden design elements are most important to you, you can give your garden the aesthetic improvement it deserves.

1. Planting design. Before including any plants and shrubs in your garden, you must come up with a planting design. Rectilinear, asymmetrical, and naturalistic, for example, are three common types of designs that can give your garden a different look. Although the typical gardener spends approximately five hours per week on gardening, you have the option of spending as much or as little time on gardening as you want to achieve the best planting design.

2. Surfaces. Dirt and grass are commonly used in gardens, but you are able to use other surfaces, as well. Wood chips, mulch, small pebbles, and loose gravel, for example, can be placed around your trees and shrubs to make them stand out. However, it is important to consider the safety, durability, and maintenance of the surface you choose so that your landscape project results in the best outcome possible.

3. Furniture. You also have the option of adding furniture to your garden design, as well. Patio sets, patio heaters, and picnic tables can all be incorporated in your design to make your garden more inviting. Garden furniture can either be used for decorative purposes or for actual usage, and the right furniture can help you and your guests feel more comfortable in your garden.

Nearly 29% of all households in the U.S. have a lawn or garden, so the outdoor living market is expected to grow 3.5% each year from 2011 to 2016. In order to make your garden look better, you have the option of incorporating different planting designs, surfaces, and furniture in your garden. By determining which design elements are most important, you are able to drastically improve the appearance of your garden.