Feeling overwhelmed with your yard? Here’s a gentle guide to help you reconnect with your outdoor space and design something that feels like home.

Feeling Stuck? Here’s How to Start Designing Your Garden

Designing a garden can feel like staring at a blank canvas and having no idea what to paint. Whether it’s a new yard, a messy corner, or a space that’s never quite “felt right,” getting started is often the hardest part. But you don’t need to have all the answers right away. What you do need is space to imagine, trust your instincts, and ask yourself a few grounding questions.

Start With What You Want to Feel

Before you worry about plants or patios, ask: How do I want to feel in this space? Do you want calm? Energy? Privacy? Playfulness? This one question can guide every other decision you make.

A shady bench under a tree might answer your need for calm. A curved path with surprise plantings can create a sense of wonder. Raised beds filled with herbs and tomatoes can ground you in routine and scent. Your answers are clues. Follow them.

Take It One Zone at a Time

When you look at the whole yard, it’s easy to spiral. So break it down. Focus on one small “zone.” Maybe it’s your front porch. Or the area right outside the back door. Let that be your sandbox. Design just that little piece. You’ll be surprised how clarity snowballs from there.

Don’t Copy. Observe.

It’s tempting to scroll Pinterest for ideas (and you should!) — but your yard is unique. Notice the sun patterns. The slope. Where your eyes naturally rest from inside your windows. Where water pools after a storm. These things matter more than any design trend.

Plants Will Speak — Give Them Time

In zones 5a–6b, we ride the full swing of the seasons. Choose a few plants that speak to you and watch how they behave. If something struggles, don’t be afraid to move it. Gardens aren’t static. They're stories you get to revise.

A Product I Actually Recommend

If you're working with new soil or starting a garden bed from scratch, I recommend Espoma Bio-tone® Starter Plus. It’s a mycorrhizal fungi mix that helps roots establish faster and stronger — a gentle boost that makes a real difference.

One Last Thing: It’s Okay to Not Know

If you feel stuck, you’re not behind. You’re just in the thinking phase. And that's still gardening — it's just happening in your mind and heart. Let it be messy. Let it be slow. When the time’s right, you’ll dig in.