Simple Tips for Garden Design.
Garden design comes easier to some than to others, this is fine. Our owner & manager, Becky has acheived a 1st class BSc in Horticulture, Garden & Landscape Design. And we are proud to offer site analysis, garden design, redesign & planting plans for projects big or small. (Full information will be added shortly, in the meantime please contact us for more information).
To get you thinking we would love to share a few basic tips with you.
- Think about your needs and wants before you start.
- Consider your microclimate. Embrace the 'right plant, right place'.
- Consider the aspect, the sunny and shady spots, seating areas. Paths & access.
- Dont think square. Many gardens particularly in newer or terraced properties are rectangular this doesnt mean a rectangular border and lawn in the centre. Think outside the box. Add curved or circular beds, winding paths and screens to create individual areas. This creates a seemingly larger space.
- Use water to add to the senses, still pools for contemplation or gentle running streams and fountains for relaxation. Fast moving for drama.
- Add scent, often forgotten in the garden, scent is known to be one of our most powerful senses, invoking memories and thoughts. Consider what time of day you use the garden, even just passing through and look for plants that release their scent at that time. For example, evening flowering Honeysuckle by the garden gate when you come home from work.
- When using colour hot colours foreshorten perspective so placing them on the boundaries will make the space look smaller. Use cool, natural tones to elongate. Brighter colours should be up front. Cool colours are relaxing, Hot colours inspiring. Dont just think of flowers use leaves and stem colours as well.
- Texture and shape dramatically changes the feel of a space. Do you want soft willowy grasses or dramatic stand out Yucca's.
- Consider the use of mirrors, when carefully placed they create the illusion of a large space, increased planting and increase light levels and temperature in the immediate area. (Ensure the are well secured and frost proof).
- Once plants have been decided upon, lay them out before planting that way you can shuffle about without re digging.
- When planting dig the hole first, fill with water and a handful of slow release feed. Place (do not drop) the plant into the hole. Back fill and firm in well. Water in well until established. Planting is best done in the evening to avoid scorching of the midday sun.
