Thursday 7 October 2010

Designs on your garden

There are two ways of achieving the garden of your dreams.You can create it yourself, or use a designer. Whichever you choose, here are some things to consider before making a start.

1. Think about how you want to use the space 
You might for instance, want a create a space for drinks in the evening if that's when you use it most. Do you need a play area for the children?  Is your dream to grow fruit and vegetables or have cut flowers in the house? Everyone will have a different list, and it's important to give carful consideration to this before you start your project.

2. Look at your environment 
Which way does your garden face?  What direction is the prevailing wind? Where is the shade?  Do you have existing feature, trees, paving that you are keen to keep?  Are there views beyond the garden you want to keep, or would you rather contain your view within the space?  Are there elements you are keen to remove or disguise? Is there a slop or existing levels that you would like to work differently?
If you commission a designer they will test your soil and analyse your site and plant appropriately. You can buy soil testing kits from your garden centre, or you can observe the plants in the surrounding area, to give you a rough start. 

3. Consider your architectural style and interior
Do you want your garden to reflect the exterior of your home, or would something that reflects the interior style be more appropriate?  Interior materials and colours, used outside will create a harmonious effect. Have you seen materials you are keen to use?

4. Looking after the garden
Except that maintenance is an essential part of any garden, so consider how much time you can spend or whether you can afford someone to do it for you? 

5. Features to include
Many people have furniture, statues and sculptures the want to include in their new space. Careful positioning can enhance the garden while lighting will increase their impact. 

5. When should you plan a new garden
Many people think about making changes to their garden when they're a new home owner, or they are extending their house and want it to integrate the two spaces. Others think that Spring is a good time to start planning their outer space so it is all complete for the Summer. 
However,  the design process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead so that the designs are ready for when you'd like the build to start. Good landscaper contractors can often be booked up in advance, and so allow for time between the design completion and build starting. Spring can also be a very busy time for landscapers and garden designers, so if you would like the project done early in the year, start the process in the previous autumn or winter to be sure of getting it completed for the Summer.
Landscape construction and planting can be done all year round with the exception of snow, frost and too much rain.

So in short, it is always the right time to get planning your perfect outdoor space.












Modern family garden

Below is a family garden in Clapham that I designed when the house was remodelled this Summer.















A kitchen/family room was created with large, folding glass doors and the owners wanted an entertaining space and somewhere for the young children to play. Running tiles from the kitchen through to the terrace creates a smooth transition from one area to another. Levels were needed as the kitchen floor was lowered to increase the ceiling height. This allowed for steps between raised beds, dividing the space and leading to an astro turf area, and hidden sand pit under the deck.


A carefully considered space can transform how you use it.