The Garden Planner

Designing Your Garden - Step 1

2008-05-16T01:10:00.000-07:00

Site Survey

Successful garden design relies on the unique understanding of your existing garden. You should start this process by drawing up an accurate scale plan (1 cm to 1m) of all the existing elements within your garden including your house, boundaries, trees, paving etc. You should take time to understand your garden’s different microclimates and soil characteristics. This will help you plan seating and planting areas.

Neil

Autumn Garden Makeover

2007-09-21T11:52:00.000-07:00

Now is a great time to make a start on that garden makeover you’ve been avoiding all summer. With soil still warm and the weather still relatively fine why not achieve your garden dream?

Like with most things in life the secrete is in the planning (or design in the case of your garden). Always start your makeover with a detailed plan that you are completely happy with. Make sure all your major features such as decks or water features are in a position you are happy with, it will be very costly to change your mind after these have been installed! Many plants become available for autumn planting - but do your research before you take a trip down to your local garden centre.

If you don’t feel confident designing your garden yourself there is not same in asking for professional help.

Tropical Theme Gardens

2007-08-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Would you like a tropical oasis in your back garden? Inspired by holidays in far-off lands, this style of planting has become extremely fashionable. This theme of planting can be characterised by architectural leaves and exotic flowers. Surprisingly we can grow a range of ‘exotics’ which can survive our winter if given the correct care.

We can divide this style of planting into two groups;

Hardy Exotics
These are plants with lush architectural foliage and form, that are relatively hardy and can be over – wintered outdoors during the colder months.

Tender Exotics
These were first inspired in the Victorian period by bedding schemes in which tender conservatory ornamentals where planted outside during the summer months.

Best wishes

Neil

Employing a Garden Designer

2007-05-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

Designing a successful garden yourself is not as simple as decorating the rest of your home. Planning any aspect of your garden involves expert knowledge, skill and experience of plants and hard landscape materials.

No matter how small your garden, using a professional garden designer will guarantee the success of your garden and remove the hassel from the process. A professionally designed garden may also add significant value to your property.

Garden designers usually work as follows; initial consultation (discuss your requirements), the design proposal (outlining several options), a master/concept plans (detailing your proposed garden) and finally implementation (construction). Some designers may also offer maintenance schedules and an aftercare service.

Consider the following;

* You should not be afraid to ask for recent client references.
* Ask what qualification they have.
* Have a written contract outlining exactly what your service will include.
* Do they offer a 3D computer generated model? This is an excellent way of understanding what your final garden will resemble.
* Make it clear exactly what YOU want from you garden – some designers can get carried away in the design process.
*Can they supply discounted planting material?
* Is aftercare included?
* Does your designer offer a free initial consultation?
* Do they offer a guarantee?

Best wishes
Neil