Gardening in a small space
We increasingly live in an overcrowded island and the competition for space becomes ever greater. The vast majority of gardens are either in inner cities or in suburbia, space is at a premium.
Many of us make the mistake when confronted with a small garden to try and use the designs and techniques of large gardens and simply cram them into a small space, it’s the wrong approach. You have to be much cleverer to achieve the right effect and above all settle for a simple and uncomplicated design with fewer elements and you're more likely to pull it off.
Decide what it is that you want from your garden, because above all gardens are about people, about your needs and your personality. Subdivide the garden down into different functional spaces, for eating outdoors, for reading, a place for the children, whatever your particular priorities are. Consider how the garden will be viewed from the most important rooms in your house and address the question of access. What are the major structures within the garden, the hard landscaping, paving, timber decking, garden buildings? What about boundaries is it to be fencing and walls, or do you prefer a softer approach through shrubs and hedging? These elements are the main framework around which your planting schemes take root. Consider wind and weather, how much natural light, sunrise and sunset, how to get shelter from the wind, a quiet corner for reflection.
Now you can seriously think about your planting schemes. Instinctively you will be drawn to certain plants because they compliment your nature, do you want brilliant floral displays from spring to autumn, or are you more attracted by foliage and leaf form? Does year round colour in the form of evergreens appeal to you?
Give careful thought on whether you need professional landscaping advice. At Wilkinsons Landscapes we have more than twenty five years experience of designing and constructing gardens and we have solutions to every situation. Many people think that because their garden is small it simply isn't worth bringing in a professional, they couldn't be more wrong
In the present economic climate many of us will be spending more of our holidays at home, so start planning and get more from your garden and your home!
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Case Studies
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A garden for socialising
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Courtyard garden
This house had recently been modernised and extended leaving a significant area to the side and rear in need of redevelopment. Whilst the rebuilding...
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Decking and Pond with Fountain
Construction of a deck to the rear and side of the house incorporating a pond and fountain with strong feature lighting.
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Riverside garden
This cottage was adjacent to a small river and bank erosion was causing areas of the garden to subside, compromising its structure. This resulted in a...
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A Beautiful Facelift
The requirement was to update an existing garden to incorporate a seating area to the rear of the house, in a particularly sunny and attractive area...
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Three week transformation
Following the move to a new home this client inherited a largely unmanageable garden with heavy clay soil, poor drainage and a high water table. The...
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Front Garden Renovation and Driveway
To renovate a front garden and provide a large driveway and parking area to the front of the house, for this busy and active family with young...
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Large Stone Patio, Pond and Lighting System
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Country house garden
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Modern chic
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Split level solution
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A tiled town house garden
The objective was to provide a striking front entrance to a period town house, incorporating raised planting beds and extensive paved areas.
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From building site to luxury landscape
This large family home had been almost completely rebuilt to a very high standard, with steam room, gymnasium and cinema. The brief was to landscape...