It's supposed to be beautiful this weekend... and you may be ready to get outside and put in a new tree or plant some flowers. But it's a good idea to plan out your landscaping first.

"Your Garden Companion" Paul DeJong from Landscape Garden Center tells you how to do it right... the first time.

Here are a few tips and ideas:
Stop at the garden center and pick up some information. It will give you pictures of trees, shrubs and perennials that will do well in our climate.
Assess your own yard. See what's sunny, shady and what time of day it's sunny on different sides of the house.

Take some round measurements as well. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Another tool you'll find in your mortgage papers is a survey map of how your house sits in proportion on the lot. It's very valuable for dimension.

Then we can draw out a plan. It can be anything from a simple legal plan drawing that can be done at the garden center - to an elaborate plan whether it be for an outdoor living area or total installation.

We can look at all different aspects - from planting a couple of shrubs to a bare root tree or going in a totally outdoor living and entertaining area.

Good landscape design can significantly improve your home's appearance by adding warmth, liveability and personality.