Spend some time walking around your lot, noting all the features on a copy of your site drawing and evaluating both the positive and negative aspects of your site.

• Consider how your lot is graded. You will want to avoid putting a patio in a drainage area; however, the same area might be a perfect rainwater catchment for a vegetable garden or wildflower patch.
• Identify whether areas are shaded or sunny at different times of the day.
• Find out where utility lines are located and mark these clearly.
• Indicate views you want to preserve and those you want to screen out. If this is not a new landscape, note the location of existing plants and irrigation system components you wish to keep.