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 with a focus on entertaining.
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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.
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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 child friendly. |
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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 clipped planting. Symmetry is key to this
style using
lots of box hedging as well as annual bedding plants providing colour,
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.
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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, |
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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. |
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Self
Sufficient
The
vegetable patch is quickly
becoming the most essential addition to our gardens. It not only helps
you save
money but helps add value to your property in the long term. As well as
the
“home allotment” being an environmentally sound
option, it is also a source of
cheap and delicious food – food that you know for sure is
pesticide-free. Other elements such as compost heaps and
water
butts can be incorporated as well as plants which benefit from being
cut providing beautiful bouquets for your home. |
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