So you have some outdoor space and you want to do something nifty with it, but you aren’t sure what to do. Plants have never been your strong point. You are more at home indoors.

If interior decorating is more your forte, perhaps it would help to think of the space as an outdoor room. Think about what kind of outdoor room you would like it to be and how such a space would function and what kind of furnishings it would need. You can pave or tile part of the area and add a pergola to give it a sense of architectural definition. If you are still stuck for ideas, a simple answer is to then set up a picnic table that will weather the elements well.

Creating a pergola “room” can cut the planting and landscaping part of the job down to size. However, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate plants from that area. Pergolas are great for supporting vined plants, such as roses. This can make for an elfin space like something out of Lord of the Rings. Your outdoor room can be walled and roofed by living plants.

After that, start measuring the remaining space and thinking about what function you would like the plants to serve. Yes, plants can serve a function in your outdoor living space. They can do a lot more than just look good.

Evergreens can provide a windbreak in the winter to keep the area warmer. Deciduous trees can provide shade in summer while letting the sun in during the cooler months to help keep it warm. Some plants, even ones used decoratively, can provide fresh edibles such as herbs, nuts and seeds. A butterfly garden can create a natural form of entertainment in the space.

After you have determined what you want the plants to do for you, visit a local gardening supply store and talk to them about which plants will work well for your intended purpose in your local climate or search online for that kind of information. Then start putting together a list of plants to choose from.

Decide which plants you personally like, but also look at factors like budget, what kind of maintenance they require and so on. Start using those factors to cut the list down to size and come up with a plan. If budget is a big concern, realize that the landscaping can be done in stages. It doesn’t have to all happen at once.

After a plan is adequately fleshed out, you can start buying plants and installing them. The plan doesn’t have to be perfectly finished. It is okay to tweak it along the way. In fact, that can be better.