need help with garden project

4 years ago

I would like to have a patio with a Mediterranean theme at the bottom of my garden where it catches the sun until the end of the day. Previously there was a pond, which has now been removed. So far I've come up with the idea of having a triangular sail and a mirrored water feature. I want to use the space for relaxing and dining. The area is 7m x 6.5m. I cant decide what paving to have, or the layout. Any suggestions welcome.

Before photos

Featured Answer

PRO

Landscape Design by James Brunton-Smith Limited

4 years ago

Mediterranean screams vibrant planting and warm stone to me, travertine and limestone is my choice of slab to give this holiday feel. Consider using mosaics or feature tiles as contrast to the stone and I think the idea of a mirrored pool/ water feature is great and evocative of the med.

Planting can go one of two ways dependant upon wether you choose to irrigate or not, lush and hotel like or dry and native? I think colour is important and a couple of carefully positioned large terracotta pots filled with agapanthus will give that gorgeous electric blue contrast. Hope this helps a little, good luck!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

4 years ago
It's a great plot size and a lovely sunny position. The mediterranean look is all about stonework, planters & Pots. Have a two tier patio. The bottom layer straight across with a circular fronted second, higher level back left. On the top layer you could have your lounging area and water feature in the background. Coming forward a nice dining area for the late evening sun.

Improving the fences is a must, the trellis to the left offers no privacy. The fence at the back may be salvageable. Replacing both would be better. You can also paint the fences to add colour in a pale blue maybe or white. White especially will show up terracotta wall hung planters and pots, whilst giving the plants and flowers something to 'pop' from.
Related Discussions
Need help with my project
Q
Comments (1)
Have you looked in the 'before and after' section here on Houzz ? Also you can do specific searches on the photos section for both the Houzz UK and rest of the world site ! So that should throw up some interesting images for you ! The research is so much easier these days with all the web stuff at your fingertips !! Have fun !!
...See More
Need help with patio and garden design please
Q
Comments (14)
Hi there,potentially a great project.You have a superb blank canvas from which to create a landscape. Freshscaped will be able to assist you,I am sure. Meanwhile,if you seek inspiration.....have a look on my website under Portfolio sections; Landscaping and Poolhouses. A recently completed job in Kent where we added woodland,a stream,wild meadow, an eco office,and a superb Marston & Langinger orangery type building. I would be more than happy to put forward some ideas that Freshscaped could develop, or indeed assist with any Interior Renovations you may be doing also. I am based in Surrey,and work in London & the home counties. Best of luck,and do drop me a line if I can be of any inspiration to you. www.bellawhiteleyinteriors.co.uk
...See More
Need help with my Garden
Q
Comments (46)
Bearing in mind that you have young children, the focus of the garden in my opinion should be on them. A small patio/dining/relaxing area for adults near the house, and perhaps also at the end of the garden would be lovely. I would also have most of the garden redone in grass (real grass!) with room to play. And I would keep the fence... its the most practical having children near a river, even if they're not babies anymore. I would probably break up the unusual shape of the garden with a few pots, planters and borders 'sticking' out into the garden so the eye is drawn away from the sharp, narrow end. I agree with what was said above though about just living with the space for a bit and seeing how you use it.
...See More
Looking for Landscape Contractor in South London for garden project!
Q
Comments (8)
Hi Ffion, we have lots of contractors operating in the South Thames area of London. If you visit bali.org.uk and filter search it will help you narrow down what you are looking for. A few ideas would Randle Siddeley, Bartholomew Landscaping, Acacia Gardens or The Garden Company.
...See More
4 years ago
Thank you so much for going to all that trouble. I agree about the boundaries, I had thought I might have walls built that could be rendered and painted and then I'd be able to add planters to that.
4 years ago
Walls would be absolutely fabulous. not in everyone's budget. However, if you're going to render them, then they can be built out of blocks not bricks.
jeannief53 thanked
4 years ago
I'd say Mediterranean gardens are all about scent too - for small, scented plants think of using herbs such as lavender and rosemary. Then add height and some Italian cypress for punctuation. Combine paving with gravel for your seating area and then add interest by using large terracotta pots filled with scented pelargoniums. If you are having rendered walls then you can have a display of wall mounted pots as well to add more colour.
jeannief53 thanked
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Have you seen this advice book by Claudia de Yong on Mediterranean gardens, might give you some additional ideas? https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/how-to-create-a-mediterranean-style-garden-stsetivw-vs~65455468?utm_source=Houzz
jeannief53 thanked
4 years ago
mosaics mosaics and more mosaics - though ensure that they are suitable for outdoors and frost-proof if you are in an area prone to chilly winters.

garden shrines, stepping stones propped up as small features in the flowerbeds, mosaic tabletop...
4 years ago
Hi Jeanie, consider also your soil type and location before choosing your layout and plants. Mediterranean plants like a very free draining soil especially if you get cold winters. They don,t like winter wet. Sandy/ loamy is best, clay is difficult, especially in wet north west UK. A raised area, 250-300mm is enough to provide the drainage they might need ( lavender/ Rosemary/ euphorbia/ santolina / thyme etc) and could add more interest to the layout at the bottom of the garden.
4 years ago
Consider why Mediterranean gardens look good where they are - all down to the ambient light and temperature, encouraging the local plants and landscaping materials. Don't feel this works well in our Northern climes. Yes, go for a terrace, good screening, large pots, attractive furniture - avoid Mediterranean colours especially blue glazed pots and (sorry Katy!) mosaics in this situation.

More Discussions

Layout Overhaul

Flooring with these tiles?

Floor colour with grey units. Opinion on design. Urgent help

garage conversion

Living room looks unfinished

United Kingdom

Tailor my experience using cookies

By continuing to browse this site or use this app, I agree the Houzz group may use cookies and similar technologies to improve its products and services, serve me relevant content and to personalise my experience. Learn more.

need help with garden project

Landscape Design by James Brunton-Smith Limited

Comments (9)

Related Discussions