My top 10 garden design tips for 2012:
Where possible think about creating garden rooms or zones this is particularly useful on the larger garden to create different moods as you journey around the garden.
In small spaces create unity with materials and plants to help draw the eye round the garden and provide balance within the design.
Always provide a focal point or vista in the garden to provide balance. If the space has been designed correctly the focal point will have the benefit of ensuring the viewer takes in all the features and planting in the defined space.
Where possible borrow the surrounding landscape by framing views out of the garden. This has the added benefits of connecting the viewer with the landscape and creating distance. A good designer will identify a distant feature that can be viewed out of the garden such as a church spire or tall tree on the horizon.
Where background noise is an issue a water feature placed near a seating area will help cancel out the unwanted noise. Water features are also calming and cooling on hot summer days. A simple water blade will provide a cascade of water that takes up very little space.
Provide shade over a hot sunny seating area using a Pergola or shade sail. The user is more likely to want to use the terrace if protected from the searing sun. A pergola can be planted with vines, wisteria or climbing roses to provide dappled shade.
Narrow gardens require breaking up into compartments or rooms to prevent the eye from just going straight to the end of the garden. In this way the garden will look larger than it is, the bonus is that this method will provide an interesting journey through the garden.
Plant Silver Birch trees in front of dark backgrounds. For example planting a clump of silver birch against a Leylandii hedge, the white stems will stand out well against the hedge especially in winter, a further tip is to keep the tree stem clean with soapy water and a soft washing up sponge.
When screening out views in the smaller garden use slatted trellis in either softwood, oak or cedar for a contemporary feel to the garden. These can either be made to suit site conditions or as panels off the shelf.
Leave an area for wildlife in any garden whether it’s a compost area or small pool of water, planting should also be chosen to attract insects, you could be surprised to see what visits your garden.
