The tools needed can be broken down by what part of the process you are trying to work through: (1) measuring, (2) design, or (3) implementation. Buy tools as you need them. I am of the mind that it is better to know you need something and purchase it, rather than purchase everything ahead of time and not need most of it. You will know pretty quickly if you are missing something in particular.

Measuring

The tools here are somewhat flexible, depending on the size of the space you are working on. You will need:

Two measuring tapes
– Short measuring tape & a long measuring tape (>4m; 15ft)
Marking flags

Drawings

The tools needed for design can be as simple, or complex, as you would like them to be. I use a mix of physical and digital tools. The physical tools are for initial measurements and quick ideas while working outside. This information is then translated onto my iPad with an Apple Pencil. I find this type of workflow reduces the amount of paper I go through, while also making it easier (and cheaper) to work through a number of ideas without running out of paper, pens, or felt markers. I also don’t require a large table to work on, as I am mainly drawing on my iPad.

Graph paper (1:100/1:10/1:1)
– regular graph paper with the same grid pattern across the paper also works
Writing instrument (pencil, pen, felt marker, etc.)
– if you are going the hybrid route, a pen (an possibly one or two coloured pens) will cover everything you need to do on paper– if you are working only on paper, you will probably want a wider range of options available to you while you work
iPad (with Apple Pencil)
Computer (with either Excel or Numbers)

Implementation

The tools needed here again depends on the complexity of your project. At a minimum, you will need the following:

Garden spade (a specific type of shovel)
Hard rake
Wheelbarrow
Secateurs
Landscape marking spray paint

For larger projects (ex: garden beds greater than 8m²), you should also gather the following:

Twine
Wooden marking stakes