• Paths
• Play area
• Sitting \eating\entertaining area
• Strolling area
• Utilitarian areas: driveway & garage; compost

Suitability

• Plant requirements
  • temperature range (hardiness)
  • light
  • water
  • nitrogen
  • pH range
• Maintenance
  • plant susceptibility to disease and pests
  • durability
  • labor
  • availability and cost
• Edibility of plants
  • food plants and herbs used decoratively
  • poisonous plants to watch out for with children around
• Botanical coexistence
  • companions
  • adversaries / allelopathy
  • agressiveness
• Guests
  • Birds
  • Butterflies
• Predators and parasites
  • Japanese Beetles, Iris borer...
  • Woodchucks, deer, skunks...

The Element of Change

• Annuals, perennials, biennials
• Growth & decline
• Flowering changes (color, height, shape...)
• Volunteers

Personal Elements:

• Personality; preferences & dislikes; emotional connections
• Resources: energy, budget, availability of help
• Family needs