Garden Renovation Project: What would you do differently?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

We’re just about ready to appoint a contractor to carry out a series of works (fencing, raised bed, patio and lawn edging) in the garden, however before we give the go ahead (project to start in May), thought to ask what would you do differently if you wanted to create a contemporary and low maintenance garden ?

Please see my idea book for mood board and attempted first draft visual (Since changed; see sketch and plan).

Featured Answer

Sonia

4 years ago

Hi, I feel the curved lawn is a little dated. I love cottage gardens but I feel you can create an interesting garden even with straight lines as the plants will create the curves and the interest. The planting scheme is lovely and the wildlife will love it. The picture below shows a straight, almost Islamic, garden layout chock full of plants, but still serene. The mowing will be easier as the paving paths will edge the lawn as long as the grass is just a teensy bit higher than the paving. Just a suggestion

The Old Garden · More Info

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Comments (18)

Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/80709767/list/garden-renovation-project
Jonathan
4 years ago
I think you have created a very polished design. I particularly like the staggered tall planting which I think works well in a long garden.
Looking with fresh eyes I have a few observations of things you might want to consider.
The plan demonstrates feminine curves and romantic and fragrant planting. This might well be your preference but given you stated you wanted a contemporary garden perhaps you should be looking at angular boarders and architectural planting? The plan seems so include much perennial planting and formal topiary- you need to consider if this ticks the low maintenance box. A horticulturalist will also have have an opinion on what will grow in your location and soil.
The plan doesn’t seem to include any storage for lawn mowers or garden furniture.
Your patio seems to be near the house - is this the sunniest place?
Your ideas book seems to show repeated tall planting with up lighting to create visual interest from the house at night- that doesn’t seem to be included on this plan.
Your plan includes some discussion about materials and colour palate but without knowing the colour and materials of the main house there is no way of knowing if they are suitable.
So in conclusion I think you have produced a lovely design..... in my opinion you just need to consider if it meets your brief.
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Thank you - it’s already been dug out and I’ve added a mix of crazy paving down the centre with a large pot in the middle (with a cordyline in) and plum slate chippings for now. I’m really hoping that any bluebells can’t get through the 2 layers of heavy duty weed barrier and the stones, ha ha. If they do then I can just pull the sheets back and remove them. Yes there is a budlea by the canopy and I keep trimming it down so it stays fairly short for now until I find an alternative plant to put there that’s not so tall and likes sun (evergreen preferably) The left side with the large cordyline (seems to be dying off - is this normal in autumn??) has had a good clear out and I’ve also planted a palm and red cordyline type bush along with some other tropical feeling evergreens. Seemed a shame to remove it right now.
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Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi Jonathan,

Great observations, and yes the curves are the part which I’m struggling with as most of the designs in the idea book are contemporary and straight lines. I went with curves to introduce interest and thought with tall planting / lighting that we could avoid the eye going straight to the bottom of the garden (that and the curves help add visual width). In essence I was hoping that it might be slightly different but like you rightly point out it doesn’t fit the traditional contemporary style; instead it’s more of a hybrid of country cottage and contemporary, if there was ever such a thing! I guess it’s just ideas to blend the two if it can be done so we can plan this into the overall design before any additional soft / hard landscaping is carried out.

In regards to lighting, we was thinking of running power down the righthand side and installing Hue lighting angled at the lawn to highlight the curves and create interest in the evenings. The shed and adjacent raised planter will remain but will be framed with sandstone patio. Ultimately this would (funds permitting in years to come!) be replaced with a garden office (in a separate idea book).

The project won’t start until May so we have a little bit of time to revise the design and details.
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
The materials are a mix of red brick and white weather boarding. Think American English. Ideally we want to carry the white, green colours all year round with seasonal interest of shades of purple, pinks and blue. A muted, pastel colour pallet that invokes a peaceful setting.

I believe the garden is West facing as we tend to get the sun on the patio near the house late in the afternoon / evening, yet it’s partially blocked by the neighbours trees.

Late morning / afternoon sunshine in May.
PRO
Arthur Road Landscapes
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Hi Julian

I think curved gardens are very contemporary. I've designed a number where I've used curves but in a geometric way, eg using ellipses rather than random wavy lines. This would work with the idea book you have put together. Also, I don't buy the masculine/feminine thing in gardens, what's important is that you like it and it means something to you.

You can use steel edging to keep the lines looking sharp. And once you've got the layout and great plants most likely you'll find you love spending time in the garden and looking after it and seeing it develop. Don't worry too much about the maintenance thing.

Best wishes

Jane

https://www.houzz.co.uk/hznb/projects/wimbledon-party-garden-pj-vj~5801765
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks Sonia,

Indeed, that’s a lovely design and the planting is definitely worth a second look.
Ribena Drinker
4 years ago
Have you considered bringing the right hand bed out further into the lawn?

When we revised and replanted our garden last year, we created a bed which stretched out more into the lawn and it totally transformed a fairly ordinary, lawned garden by creating interest and a sense of something beyond - a 'what's on the other side'.

It also gave the garden a sense of depth, that it lacked with just an expanse of lawn in the middle.
Jonathan
4 years ago
Given the shade in your garden why not plan a patio and gazebo half way down the garden towards one side, light that for your interest from the house and add a contemporary path to it
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
Thanks all,

Jane, I think we’re on the same page and we did consider the steel edging but thought it might be more expensive than brick, love the idea if it’s mower friendly?

Ribena, completely agree. How much did you cut in by? I wasn’t thinking of cutting in much more but using tall planting to create natural hidden areas as they follow the curves.

James, definitely! We’ll be adding in an additional patio for those late breakfasts outside.
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Taking everyone’s comments on board, fingers crossed this layout helps the contemporary design?
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4 years ago
Have you thought about resin bound or resin bonded surfacing for your pathways? Resin bound is a permeable, SUDS compliant surfacing system. It's decorative surfacing process that consists of specially selected natural, colored or recycled aggregates. Resin bonded is non-permeable decorative surface that uses natural aggregate bonded with high performance resins. It give the appearance of loose stones. Both surfacing options are very low maintenance as you will have little to 0 weed growth, they are long lasting as well. Do get in touch if you need further information. Below is pic of resin bounded laid in a garden
Sonia
4 years ago
Hi Julian, that’s a real change! I’m not sure what all the squares and rectangles are. Are they lawn (the large bits), buildings or planters? Sorry just can’t work out what is what. 😊
Lelise Yadeta
4 years ago
tagt it is very nice and that it is so fascinating
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
A quick render (not to scale)
PRO
Neil Jones Design
4 years ago
Hi Julian

A slick contemporary design is dependent on fine detailing and the use of good quality materials, both hard and soft materials. It looks like you have a good sized garden so consider providing more zoning of areas depending on the intended use and time of day eg. BBQ and sun terrace for sitting out in the day time, a shaded area fo easy sitting or hammock, working area for shed, wheelbarrow etc. The working area of the garden is the equivalent of the utility room in the house so you don't necessarily want to see it, so consider part screening this area at the end of the garden. By not seeing all of the garden from the house it adds intrigue and encourages exploration, making the garden feel bigger. In think the planters along the fence line look out of place and you would be better to provide a generous planted border along this side to screen the boundary and add interest along the path.

Good luck!

Neil
Julian H
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi Neil,

Great idea's. I've revised the plans further to incorporate your suggestions. The plan isn't 100% to scale so please take with a pinch of salt! Open to any thoughts or suggestions and I'll revise further if required. Thanks.
PRO
Neil Jones Design
4 years ago
Hi Julian

That looks like a big improvement with a far more interesting layout and clearly defined areas for different uses / times of day! I think that will give you a really strong structure to the garden.

Best of luck with the project!

Neil

Garden Renovation Project: What would you do differently?

Sonia

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