need help with garden project

18 May, 2016

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

Comments (9)

PRO
Landscape Design by James Brunton-Smith Limited
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!
19 May, 2016
jeannief53 thanked Landscape Design by James Brunton-Smith Limited
PRO
User
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.
19 May, 2016
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This thread was started by minnie101 in March and her comments at the end of May indicated she may have been by then well advanced in the planning if not the implementation. Doesn't that make suggestions for clearing and early stage design the following January somewhat posthumous? Changing topic to a piece orf growing advice for minnie101: we are now in a new year with a new growing season coming up. Instead of buying new lavendar plants to replace those which are getting leggy annd unkempt, why not look up how to take cuttings from those you have and replace with newly grown, free plants of your own? This will not only work with lavendar but with a huge variety of herbacious plants as well as most shrubs andd, if you have the patience to wait for the results, trees. You need some cheap plastic plant pots and some compost. A trowel would be useful. But you could even use an old spoon from the kitchen and a few empty yoghurt, margarine or other empty, washed packaging tubs with a couple of holes punched in the bottom for drainage. Here's an offer for all you Houzzer folk. If enough people would like to learn how getting free plants from your own cuttings works, I shall write an article for you and post it with a few pictures or drawings for clarity, here on the Houzz site if I can find out where to put it!
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With things like the kitchen, bathroom and layout you will need you builder to quote for the work but if you haven't already I would recommend you get a designer or space planner on board at an early stage to make sure you get these key areas designer correctly for you and your space. As well as helping with trade discounts, an interior designer would be able to help with the styling, flooring, heating and over all design of the space helping to avoid costly mistakes down the line and making sure your project is thought about as a whole from start to finish - ending on budget and to dead lines. Choosing a designers it's more about personality. You want someone who can convey you and your needs and style so you need to click with your designer and find someone who can help you do that whilst being on the same wave length as you throughout your project. I hope that helps. All the best, Gina
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jeannief53
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.
19 May, 2016
PRO
User
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.
19 May, 2016
jeannief53 thanked User
PRO
Rebecca Smith Garden Design
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.
19 May, 2016
jeannief53 thanked Rebecca Smith Garden Design
PRO
Special Gardens
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
20 May, 2016last modified: 20 May, 2016
jeannief53 thanked Special Gardens
PRO
Katy Galbraith, Mosaic Artist
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...
21 May, 2016
PRO
Caroline Benedict Smith Garden Designer Cheshire
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.
22 May, 2016
alyper
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.
22 May, 2016

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need help with garden project

Comments (9)

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