Well, you definitely can plan your own garden keeping in mind your specific needs.

Step 1: Have a Site Plan

The first thing to do is put your garden plan on paper. You will need to draw it out, specifying the dimensions.

After you have done this, decide a landscape design depending on what you are using your garden for. For instance, if you love throwing garden parties, you will need more paved areas. Make provisions for a barbeque set or even a jungle gym for your kid.

You need to decide what you want in your garden and where it will go at the beginning itself. Remember, once your plants are in place, uproot them will be rather painful.

Step 2: Visit a Nursery

Landscaping is definitely not as easy as planting a couple of saplings and waiting for them to grow. You will need professional help. So visit a reputed plant nursery to get started.

The nursery will send a landscaping artist to survey your garden. Don't hesitate to share your site plan with him and explain exactly what you want. He will then work out a plan for your garden keeping in mind the dimensions and your needs.

Most landscaping artists use a software to design the landscape. This way, they can show you exactly how your garden will look when it is ready.

Step 3: Choose Your Plants

Ask the nursery to show you various specimen plants. You can choose which ones you would like in your garden.

Most outdoor garden plants are hardy and easy to maintain plants. It is better to opt for large plants like plumeria, frangipanni and interesting palm varieties that are available at all local nurseries and don't require too much care.

If you prefer a ready garden, you can try strips of lawn, which are available in 2ft. by 1ft. tiles.