How do you tackle sloping gardens like these? With severe garden slopes, you basically have 3 options: Live with the slope Terrace it (quickly or slowly) The compromise Whilst the garden design methods I teach here at Successful Garden Design are simple and cost-effective, that does change the moment you have to tackle a sloping garden... If … [Read more...] about Sloping garden ideas – successful landscaping design tips
About Rachel Mathews
How to Landscape Around Raised Beds
An SGD reader recently wanted to know "how to plant around raised garden beds and structures within a walkway border bed and keep it visually appealing and cohesive". The short answer is you can't (well, not easily)... A garden with lots of unconnected elements never looks right. They need to fit into the overall design layout... For instance, notice how the metal … [Read more...] about How to Landscape Around Raised Beds
Garden colour – in unexpected ways
Part 1 - Colourful Garden Walls Most of us love a colourful garden, but the good news is, you don't have to rely on just flowers... Painting walls and features is a really simple way to brighten any garden all year. What colours should you choose to paint your garden walls and feature items? The exact colours you paint a wall will depend on the following: Light … [Read more...] about Garden colour – in unexpected ways
Garden paths – How to choose the right style for your garden
There are many different styles of materials that you can use for paths. Garden paths can be made from anything from gravel to paving, pebble mosaics, brick, timber to recycled church floor flagstones! Before we get going on what type of materials you should use, we need to look at the most important part and that is getting the path in the right place. How to make sure … [Read more...] about Garden paths – How to choose the right style for your garden
Garden focal points & features – the art of placement
So although I’ve never met you, the chances are high I can guess where you’d stick a focal point or garden feature… Where there’s a big hole… in your planting! ;o) Would I be right? I may not of course, but it’s what most people do. Makes sense - can’t get plants to grow well, might as well put a statue, birdbath, or attractive feature of some description there. As much … [Read more...] about Garden focal points & features – the art of placement
