STYLES

	Contemporary Contemporary gardens are minimalist designs using sleek clean lines. Architectural planting such as phormium and cordyline are often used as well as rows of striking planters. Lawn is less likely to be used with more of a focus on hard landscaping. Lighting is key and the use of sculpture and water features really sets this style off. Although more obviously used in modern properties, the contrast with older properties can be particularly successful and can be good for those looking for a low maintenance design.
	Country Cottage This style is most suited to properties of the same name but is so well loved it is often a feature of all sorts of homes. Herbaceous borders, meandering paths, archways and lawn are key feature of the country cottage design  giving a very soft and relaxing feel to the garden. Due to the nature of the herbaceous border, this style is higher maintenance than it may seems in order to keep it looking stunning throughout the flowering period.
	Family Friendly It's possible to design a garden which is child friendly yet still provides adult space for entertaining and relaxing, Zoning the garden provides specific areas for certain uses giving everyone the garden they desire. Whether it's a play area with rubber matting for the kids, a lawn that can be used for all the family or a patio area for adult entertaining, there are many options to please all. Hardy shrubs can be used which look lovely but are also.
	Formal A formal design looks wonderful in large period properties but can be equally striking in a small courtyard with a row of containers with box hedge. Symmetry is key to this style using lots of box hedging as well as annual bedding plants providing colours, often in patterns. Topiary is a common sight in formal gardens as well as classic sculptures and water features. Formal gardens must be maintained regularly as the tidy clipped look is key to this design and may take some time to mature to the desired look.
	Japanese Japanese is an increasingly popular theme for UK gardens. Designed well, they can be absolutely stunning, particularly in Autumn when shrubs such as acers are at their most eyecatching. Planting also includes bamboos and hostas and are reasonably low maintenance. Water features, ponds and Japanese bridges are also key and lawn is likely to be replaced with gravel or paving. Oriental sculptures set this style off perfectly,
	Wildlife More and more people are keen to attract wildlife into their garden and provide a haven in our ever more urban areas. Features of wildlife gardens include a pond, wildflower lawn, compost heaps, nest boxes and bird houses and leaf piles. Wildlife friendly plants such as buddleia and sedum are important as well as shrubs with berries to attract birds. Wildlife gardens are relatively low maintenance as its important to leave areas undisturbed to attract wildlife.

There are of course many more to choose from, or you can choose elements from more than one. We can discuss this in greater detail at our initial, FREE no obligation meeting.