Having a garden that is an unusual or awkward shape can often feel like a nightmare to deal with. Actually though, an awkward shape garden often as not is a blessing because it enables you to come up with a design that is very unique, that you wouldn't have been able to do in a regular rectangular shape garden. So how do you transform an awkward shape … [Read more...] about Awkward shaped garden design solutions – Case study
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A back front garden! An unusual garden – Case study
The garden in this month's case study is a little bit unusual. This is because the driveway ran down the side of it to the garage and parking area at the top. So it was a bit like having a front and back garden combined as one. So how do you overcome an awkward or unusual garden layout? Step 1 Your main job is to disguise the part that is unusual, or try to at least … [Read more...] about A back front garden! An unusual garden – Case study
Long, narrow, awkward side yard garden makeover – Case study
When it comes to garden design, some gardens are definitely more challenging than others. A particularly tricky one is the long narrow side garden, which often ends up as a junkyard. It's not really large enough to do anything with, that's the problem. Well actually, with a few cunning design tricks, you can turn that awkward side area into something eye-catching and … [Read more...] about Long, narrow, awkward side yard garden makeover – Case study
Front garden design makeover – Case study
Front gardens can be difficult to get right because often as not, they have to be functional, to accommodate the car and driveway or utility area for bins. Just because a driveway is there, it doesn't mean to say that the area should not be treated as a garden and be made to look beautiful. So how do you go about making a practical space a beautiful one? Step 1 … [Read more...] about Front garden design makeover – Case study
Changing a ‘nice enough’ garden that isn’t nice enough!
A few years back, a friend of mine asked me to redesign the garden of a house she'd just bought. I was happy to help as I could see there was lots of room for improvement. Her family were all keen gardeners, and by the look on their faces, they were somewhat aghast at her getting a garden designer in! The garden was perfectly 'nice enough' as it was, surely? It only needed a … [Read more...] about Changing a ‘nice enough’ garden that isn’t nice enough!
Cool Christmas Gifts for Garden Lovers!
Do you hate Christmas shopping as much as I do? I doubt that's possible but just incase you do we've made your life a little bit easier with some fab selections for the design conscious gardener (oh and there's some fun ones as well) We'll start with the fun ones! Garden Games from Greenfingers. Easy on the Purse Strings - funky favourites on a budget! These … [Read more...] about Cool Christmas Gifts for Garden Lovers!
Power of THREE: Useful Tips from Garden Designers…
So, as the saying goes; 'Three's a crowd' well, not in my book, and not in the eyes of most other designers. For, ever since the beginning of time, we have understood the power of groupings of three (well, ok, slight exaggeration perhaps, but you get my drift!). It is the secret weapon of designers the world over. Stop. Take a look. And you will see. The Power of … [Read more...] about Power of THREE: Useful Tips from Garden Designers…
Small Garden Case Study – Christine’s Design
This garden case study shows what has been achieved in an incredibly short amount of time (just over 3 months)... Though, there is something about this one that is even more incredible than that, see if you can spot it and I'll tell you at the end so you can see if you're right! Here's what Christine had to say about her design process for her small space garden: I moved … [Read more...] about Small Garden Case Study – Christine’s Design
Garden Design SOS – Design rescue, AFTER the landscaper had finished…
Now, before you accuse me of unfairly knocking landscapers, I'm not. If I am knocking anything, it is what happens when there is no clear design process involved with creating a garden. Something that people often don't take into consideration, is the part a good design plays in creating a stunning garden. A lot of people incorrectly assume that if they call in a … [Read more...] about Garden Design SOS – Design rescue, AFTER the landscaper had finished…
Pergolas – Styles, materials and how to know if your garden needs one
Having a pergola in the garden can be a very nice feature as it adds height and year-round interest. However, it is critical that they are correctly situated otherwise it could end up looking out of place and a bit of an eyesore! As wonderful as a pergola can look, they certainly don't suit every type of garden, so how can you tell if it will work well for … [Read more...] about Pergolas – Styles, materials and how to know if your garden needs one