Designing a garden is an art that allows you to create a tranquil sanctuary or a stunning outdoor room right on your doorstep. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a green thumb novice, transforming your outdoor space into a breathtaking haven is a gratifying and rewarding endeavour. Here, we will explore five essential tips from the view of a professional garden landscaper to help you design a stunning garden that brings beauty, joy, and relaxation to your life.
TIP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR VISION AND PURPOSE.
Before diving into garden work, pause to contemplate your garden’s envisioned purpose. Reflect on the fundamental role your garden will play – will it serve as a tranquil haven for relaxation and unwinding, a sunlit sanctuary for plant enthusiasts during the day, or a vibrant venue for evening gatherings? Are you aspiring for a picturesque view from your home’s windows, or do you seek to create a bustling habitat to entice wildlife and pollinators? Grasping the core intent of your garden will steer your design decisions and guarantee that each aspect contributes harmoniously to your overarching concept.
Additionally, think about your garden’s style and theme. Do you prefer a traditional English garden, a modern minimalist layout, or a rustic natural setting? Defining your style will give you a direction to work towards, making the design process more focused and enjoyable. This first part of the process can be the hardest to get going and if you feel a bit stuck or would like an expert designer to help share “the art of the possible”, CGLA can definitely help.
TIP 2: FOCUS ON THE PRACTICALITIES FIRST
Creating a visually appealing garden is undoubtedly important, but it’s equally crucial not to disregard practicality and functionality, especially since integrating them as an afterthought could potentially undermine your thoughtfully crafted design! At the outset, give careful consideration to how you intend to utilize the space, ensuring it seamlessly fits your lifestyle and requirements. If you have children or pets, earmark a dedicated play area or establish pathways to protect delicate plants from unintended trampling. Strategically incorporate seating zones, strategically placing them to cater to relaxation and social gatherings while taking into account the varying sunlight exposure throughout the day.
When contemplating the installation of structures like sheds or compost bins, it’s advisable not to situate them directly in your primary line of sight from the house. Instead, assess their size requirements and explore alternative placement options. Placing a shed adjacent to the house often proves to be a more practical solution than tucking it away in the farthest corner of your property. A well-conceived garden design ultimately translates to reduced maintenance needs and heightened enjoyment in the long term.
TIP 3: USE FRAMING, FOCAL POINTS AND KEY AXES
These drive the shapes and views you want in your garden. But in essence remember to use the whole garden not just the edges, and work the space around your key viewpoints, seating areas and features.
TIP 4: CREATE LAYERS OF COLOUR AND TEXTURE WITH PLANTING
When it comes to planting, many individuals often experience a sense of uncertainty and apprehension, fearing they might struggle to maintain their greenery. However, there exists a rich selection of hardy and dependable flowering shrubs and perennials that can provide vibrant colours and year-round allure when chosen thoughtfully. Begin by identifying the trees and shrubs you wish to retain from your existing garden. Subsequently, incorporate those elements that will introduce key features and define divisions within your new design. Pay careful attention to growth rates and soil and aspect preferences, as any plant positioned in an unsuitable location will invariably demand more effort to thrive.
As for adding smaller plants, initiate the process by establishing the style and colour palette that align with your preferences. Once you’ve established a clear vision, such as “A luxuriant, low-maintenance subtropical garden adorned with purple blooms,” the process of selecting specific plants becomes considerably more straightforward. A bit of research or the guidance of a skilled designer can assist you in filling in the finer details effortlessly.
Ruth Marshall, CGLA director and RHS Gold-Medal winning designer comments “Getting the mood boards right is the main part of the battle- if you have images of what you like and do not like a good designer should be able to help you achieve something close to it. Just be aware that your choices may require higher maintenance than you want so you need to consider this, and planting changes through the year so you will have a different effect by season that also needs to be considered.”
TIP 5: CHOOSE HARD LANDSCAPING MATERIALS AND FEATURES WITH CARE.
Aesthetically- choose a limited palette of materials that you use across the garden so that it all feels harmonious. Ideally only use one material of each unit size (i.e., one paving material, one gravel, one type of wood, one brick that matches the house etc). Ensure they are fit for purpose as well as looking great- gravels need careful thought- are they going to track into the house, will cars/prams/bikes get bogged down, will it slide down the hill or wash onto my lawn or patio?
Paving materials need to be the right thickness, slip resistance and unit sizes to achieve the practical and aesthetic demands of your design. Features such as pots, sculptures and pergolas need to fit the space. Do you need to move them or get a mower past? Are they made of a material that will stain your patio? Can you get water to them?
Designing your garden is an enriching journey that allows you to create an outdoor space that reflects your personality and meets your desires.
Helpful. Thanks. Currently trying to figure out a small garden design without much success.