Landscape Design

Landscape design doesn't have to be 'the perfct layout', it's whatever works for you and is the basis for you to build on, whether that's additional landscaping or incorporating some garden design ideas INTO your base plan.

This is much the same as a house plan providing the initial build of your home and as we all know, it never ends there, you then introduce furniture, fittings, lighting and add more and more as you 'live in' your new surroundings.

And don't be put off by the title of 'landscape design' when it's simply a layout that you're looking for and needn't read every book in the library before you start.

Take a good look at your existing layout taking mental and written notes of where the sun is during different parts of the day, is it open to the wind, are you likely to attract wildlife in your location, does it appear to drain well?

It could be that you're in a courtyard setting or raised on a rooftop, whatever your setting you'll have to adapt your landscape design and garden design to your particular surroundings, or indeed the need you're landscaping for.

Make your landscaping have PURPOSE AND PLEASURE within your design and if you get both of these, you've hit gold.

Give serious thought to how you'll use your garden WHEN it's completed and one thing I'd strongly suggest is never, ever come up with a landscape design that has no purpose OR no pleasure.

Remember the two p's...purpose and pleasure.

It might look fantastic on paper, superb when it's built and then be of no further interest than just to look at, unless that's all you want.

Imagination is where it all starts from...for professionals, diy'ers, builders or architects and given that those who've experience will more readily produce ideas, everybody starts with what's in front of them...a blank canvas.

Here are a few ideas to start from with reasons for and against.

Grass is great, is soft, friendly for kids and animals but does need regular mowing, cleaning up and maintenance to keep it looking good. Above all it must drain well.

Pavings and patios are totally practical and give all year use even in the wetter climates. They must be laid on solid foundationsand be regularly cleaned to prevent algae and moss from taking hold.

Decking is attractive and when built correctly will give many years service which can be close to the ground or elevated to first floor level and beyond. This will need treating at least once a year to eradicate any moss and treat accordingly depending on the wood you choose.

Gravel of any description always looks great, is easily laid and can be re-laid in a short space of time,it's fairly inexpensive and doesn't need an expert to lay.
Gravel or cobbles must have adequate drainage to enjoy it at its best.

Before setting anything in the lanscaping ensuring that any electrical supplies and drainage have been thought out, as these can be very difficult to do after everything else is in place.

Mike Lyons.....Any questions! Please contact me.

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