Introducing the Novel Planning Tool
Whether you’re reimagining your home interior or refining your garden’s layout, Decad Garden’s Novel Planning Tool offers a new lens through which to envision and structure your space. Developed with the curious curator and intentional homeowner in mind, this unique utility helps turn abstract concepts into tangible, organized plans—with aesthetics, seasonality, and maintenance in view.
Rooted in our legacy of artful landscaping and tranquil living concepts, Decad Garden introduces this tool as an extension of our guiding mission. The Decad Garden homepage provides additional insights into how we blend visual inspiration with practical planning—this tool aims to do the same, in real-time, with your input.
What You Can Do With This Tool
- Design thematic garden zones—input dimensions and sun exposure to generate zoning plans that balance aesthetic flow and plant health.
- Estimate seasonal transitions—visualize how your chosen layout evolves from spring bloom to autumn foliage based on native flora.
- Prepare indoor-outdoor continuity—harmonize interior color palettes with outdoor arrangements for a seamless sensory experience between rooms and gardens.
- Highlight high-maintenance zones—identify areas requiring frequent care based on irrigation, plant density, and Kentucky’s growing conditions.
- Export a bespoke materials guide—receive a tailored list of planters, mulch types, walkways, and treatments to bring your design to life.
- Simulate budget trade-offs—toggle options to see quality vs. cost comparisons on materials and features. Ideal for mindful planning.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Overview
- Upload Your Layout (Optional)
Drag and drop a sketch of your existing space—this could be a basic room outline or garden zone map. PDF, JPG, or PNG files under 5MB are accepted. - Enter Dimensions
Manually input length and width of targeted areas or individual zones (e.g., patio, reading nook, wildflower corridor). - Pick a Visual Theme
Select from curated ambience templates such as “Decadent Serenity,” “Minimalist Bloom,” or “Colonial Revival.” Each affects suggestions for features and plants. - Add Climatic Inputs
Set your location (default is Lexington, KY). The tool adjusts for planting zone (6b), common weather patterns, and daylight relevance. - Select Focus Preferences
Prioritize goals: color harmony, maintenance ease, privacy, wildlife attraction, or seasonal change. - Review and Generate Plan
Within seconds, the tool provides a high-level layout suggestion, planting recommendations, indoor complement notes, and optional material selections. - Export or Refine
Save your plan as PDF or get a materials checklist. Return to tweak zones and priorities as inspiration shifts.
Inputs and Outputs at a Glance
| Input | Examples | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25′ x 12′ garden plot | Yes |
| Location | Lexington, KY | Yes |
| Image upload | Sketch JPG or garden layout PNG | No |
| Thematic preference | “Decadent Serenity” | No |
| Priority focus | Low maintenance, high color variety | No |
| Output | Description |
|---|---|
| Annotated layout | Downloadable zone plan with plant labels and flow pathways |
| Materials checklist | Tailored list of mulch types, containers, edging, lighting |
| Theme alignment | Suggested complementary indoor fabrics or paint palettes |
| Budget summary | Estimated cost brackets by feature group |
Estimated time to complete: 8–15 minutes
Use Cases and Examples
Case 1: Expanding a Bedroom View Into Serenity
Lexington-based homeowner Maya wished to extend the calming hues of her silk-tinted bedroom into her adjoining balcony. Inputting her dimensions and choosing “Minimalist Bloom,” the tool returned a border layout of cool-toned planters with native grasses, soft deck lighting, and lavender. The exported PDF made next steps simple—with an outline to share with her gardener.
Case 2: Starting Fresh With a Backyard in Transition
After moving to Kentucky from the Pacific Northwest, Jasper lacked seasonal planting familiarity. By selecting “Decadent Serenity” and setting his focus on native bloom cycles, the tool recommended hardy perennials suited to local swings—like Coneflowers and Amsonia—while flagging deer-prone leafy options to avoid.
Case 3: Harmonizing Old Brick Patio with Contemporary Flair
In midtown Lexington, a resident uploaded their 1950s patio layout. The tool’s color harmonization feature curated complementary container shapes and color schemes to help the user navigate tone-matching between outdoor brick and their earth-toned living room walls.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure twice before entering dimensions—precision improves layout accuracy.
- Include sun exposure patterns to refine plant suggestions.
- Choose a thematic template that aligns with both your desired feel and existing decor.
- For cooler regions near Lexington’s altitude, enable cold-hardy filter when prompted.
- Upload only clearly labeled layout images—clutter skews zone detection.
- If unsure, use default settings and review starter suggestions first.
- Consider budget toggles for realistic material substitutions and local availability checks.
Limitations and Assumptions
The Novel Planning Tool offers suggestions rather than architectural directives. All layouts are conceptual and rely on nationally aggregated maintenance metrics and USDA Plant Hardiness data focused on Zone 6b. Customization is rich—but decisions like irrigation plumbing, structural retention walls, or underground utility placement should be vetted by licensed experts.
Assumptions about soil quality, slope, and non-visible drainage are based on regional averages. Users should verify with on-site evaluations if project scale is significant.
Privacy, Data Handling, and Cookies
User inputs are processed securely via Decad Garden’s internal servers—data from the tool is not stored beyond the session unless voluntarily exported. Uploaded images are discarded after 12 hours. No third-party sharing or usage tracking beyond site cookies occurs. You can view our full Privacy Policy and Terms to understand more about how your information is treated.
Accessibility and Device Support
The Novel Planning Tool is tested for responsive performance across major desktop and mobile browsers. Interface elements support screen readers, keyboard navigation, and avoid color-only cues to improve accessibility for all users. If you’re visiting from a legacy device or encounter errors, a manual checklist version is available upon request.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Why isn’t my uploaded image being accepted?
Ensure it’s under 5MB and in JPG, PNG, or PDF format. Blurry or multi-page uploads may not render properly.
Can I plan more than one area at a time?
The current release supports a single scene or view per plan. You can repeat the process or re-upload with different zones highlighted.
Is the plant data specific to Kentucky?
Yes. The tool defaults to Lexington’s USDA planting zone but can adjust if another US city is entered.
What’s the accuracy of your budget ranges?
The tool draws from regional average pricing; they are directionally helpful but not quotes. Always verify with local suppliers or consult pros when budgeting installation labor.
How is my data protected?
Inputs are temporarily processed and not saved. Uploaded sketches are auto-deleted within 12 hours. No user accounts are required for use.
Can I use this on my phone?
Yes, the tool is fully responsive. That said, complex uploads and layouts are easier to edit on a larger screen.
My plant suggestions seem too generic—why?
If detailed themes or preferences aren’t selected, the tool defaults to broadly accessible designs. Re-run with filters for a more personalized outcome.
Where can I find more inspiration?
You can explore more avant-garde ideas in our Innovation Curations archive or follow what our founder envisions.
Related Resources
- Want to add NFT-certified design elements to your spaces? Visit the NFT Integration Tool page.
- Need a direct question answered? Contact us through our Reach Out page.