Is this a high maintenance garden? Thanks in advance!

Mat Condick

5 years ago

Series of Squares · More Info

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Comments (3)

PRO
Simply Garden Design
5 years ago
Perennial are so easy to maintain, just cut them back in Feb before any bulbs come up, otherwise just pull out any weeds you can see. Hope that's helpful.
PRO
Portfolio Landscape Design
5 years ago
Don't be fooled by the concept of low maintenance gardens! All gardens require some form of upkeep. From the picture I would have thought there is an awful lot more out of view so would suggest that perhaps not high maintenance, but to keep it looking good will take time, effort and of course funds!
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I would look into a honeycomb base for the parking area to retain gravel. Planning often don't allow gravel in front driveways as loose stones can be a nuisance. At the same time councils are trying to dissuade people from putting a hard surface down that doesn't allow the water to soak away. A casual, no names given, enquiry at your council may enlighten you! I'd render and paint the walls around the parking area and encourage plants to cascade over the walls to soften them. If you have room you can maybe put a few pot plants around but may not be advised if you live in an area where people help themselves! At least with pots you can change/move them around with the seasons. The lawn area I would personally get rid of. If you're keen on gardening you could plant up with a variety of plants. Is it a sunny area? Could it be used as a herb garden, although best near the kitchen, as long as it is a sunny spot? But you might want to consider if the local dog and cat neighbourhood would use it as a toilet! If they might, gravel covering might not be a good idea. Having said that I created a herb garden at the front of a previous home but the cats didn't use the gravel as a litter tray. Grasses are good but there are also plenty of low 'prostrate' type plants that make good ground cover so will reduce the need for weeding. I have a similar size front garden and I'm going to look into getting a small specimen tree. Something that won't block out the light but is a decent size (10ft?) but something that has a nice shape so I can adorn it with lights at Christmas. If it has nice blossom and/or beautiful fruits (edible or not) then that would be a bonus. I will get rid of my grasses and under plant with something suitable. Good luck.
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This is a difficult one. Many people see garages as a selling factor, but many are not wide or long enough for modern cars. Also, modern cars are now built to withstand all of the elements, and with anti-corrosive paint etc they can more than happily survive outside. If you do not use the garage as a place to 'store' the car then it will inevitably become a place to store everything else. From a garden design point of view think about the direction of the sun. If the garage gets most of the sun during the day then perhaps it would be better to remove it. If the area gets sun later in the evening then again, perhaps take it down. By the sounds of it you have plenty of options for parking elsewhere so in my opinion I would take it down. If the base of the garage is in good condition, you could re-purpose the area for a summerhouse or garden office or patio. With regards to the concrete and gravel garden make sure there is enough drainage and that any excess water runs away from the house, otherwise you could end up with rising damp issues. I fully understand why some people prefer a 'maintenance-free' garden with the use of concrete and gravel, but I would always favour soft planting. Yes, it would cost to remove the garage and the concrete but if you and your family get more pleasure from a family garden, then surely this is money well-spent. You should also remember that outside space in the form of a garden is a big selling point - perhaps more than an awkward garage. If you live in a family catchment area, then future buyers will be looking for a family garden. You can still include a patio and storage sheds to replace the garage, but these can be more easily disguised in to a well-designed garden. So, as I say this is a difficult question, but in my opinion I would remove the garage and create a wonderful garden that you can enjoy.
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There is no such thing as a no maintenance garden, but choosing trees and shrubs only will be less maintenance. Obviously grass will need cutting throughout the summer. I noticed through the broken fence that your neighbour has several trees and shrubs so that’s the sort of thing I mean. Some trees do become huge (50-100 ft) so make sure there are no buildings or paths nearby. Shrubs vary in size from small ones such as Hebe (about 2 ft high) to tall ones such as Viburnums which grow to about 10 ft high. Hedges such as box or privet are quite labour intensive as they do need trimming. Shrubs that are small and stay small would be a better idea - things like Euonymous, Hebe, Cistus and Lavender. The saying “Right Plant in the Right Spot” is so true. If the planting area is sunny, don’t put shade lovers there as they will shrivel up. Soil type is also important, a Rhododendron needs an acid soil and will never thrive is alkaline (chalky) soil. You can get cheap soil testers at any garden centre. I do think you can mix planting styles - I have all sorts in my garden! It looks a lovely big garden so I am rather jealous!
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Maybe some evergreen shrubs? They will give green colour all year round and pretty easy to look after. There are no plants that flower all year round, but if you choose spring and summer flowerers and some that flower in winter it will create changing seasonal interest. Easy evergreens are Fatsia japonica (Sam’s suggestion) - exotic looking but really tough Photinia Red Robin - glossy green leaves whose tips are bright red in the spring Viburnum tinus - pale pink flowers in winter Ceanothus - gorgeous blue flowers in spring. Camellia - pink, red or white flowers in spring. Need acid soil. Trachelospermum - climber with white fragrant flowers in summer, commonly called the Star Jasmine. Cistus - Small shrub with papery flowers in pink or white. Lavender - no explanation needed! You can then fill in the gaps with perennial flowers and feathery grasses. This type of planting is called Prairie Planting and is very popular at the moment and very easy to look after. There is a saying “Right Plant Right Place” so check whether plants you buy need sun or shade or a mixture. Putting a shade loving plant in the sun and it could shrivel and die. Anyway here’s some pics: photinia Viburnum Ceanothus Prairier planting ideas
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PRO
Simply Garden Design
5 years ago
You are so true, the client did have a gardener once a week as the rest of the garden is pretty large by most peoples standards!

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Is this a high maintenance garden? Thanks in advance!

Comments (3)

Simply Garden Design

Portfolio Landscape Design

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