Garden Renovation Project: What would you do differently?
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).
Comments (18)
Julian H
8 months ago
Jonathan
8 months agoRelated Discussions
Are you working on a garden project?
Comments (10)If you want to replace your ash tree with something that won't grow too large you could try a white-beam, it's a deciduous tree, will grow to around 20 feet high and has pretty leaves that are a silvery colour underneath. Trees like silver birch can be great in narrow gardens as they don't cast too big a shadow. We have a sout&west facing garden but it was always in the shade because of a huge ash and a very wide yew tree... They've both gone now the whit beam made an excellent replacement. Be careful with lelandii, notoriously difficult for you, or your neighbours to grow anything in its shade or beneath it as it sucks up all the moisture from the ground, it can cause heated disagreements. It will require a lot of maintenance to control it but also make your own garden feel very narrow, which may not be a problem of you have an unusually large garden for a new build. How about topping a fence with trellis and growing some climbing shrubs, a much softer look, perhaps some scented things like honeysuckle or roses, and with the benefit of being able to plant underneath. If you like the sculptured look grasses in a raised bed look great, there is such a variety and they are pretty low maintenance. If you choose to have a sandpit for your child/ren remember it will need a cover or all the cats in the neighbourhood will claim it! A seating area that you can get to without walking on grass is essential or you won't use it as much as you could if it's been wet weather, be really aware of where the sun falls in your garden, don't have that area too near the house if your garden faces North/east or you'll miss out most of the year. There is something to be said for not doing too much to a garden before you've spent a whole year there to see just how much sun it gets, depends how keen you are to get on with it though!...See MoreTell us what do you think about our latest project?
Comments (15)Actually Amanda, I've cooked with gas for years but now I have induction I'd never go back. The heat is instant and adjustable in just the same way as gas however the heat distribution is superior as it's more even. The other advantages are that the hob doesn't get anywhere near as hot so it's far safer, especially with young children, also cleaning is much easier as there are no bits and bobs to remove and, as the hob doesn't get hot, no burnt on residue if there are any spillages. Before I bought the hob I was concerned about heat distribution in a wok as I stir fry a lot, but I can honestly say it's been great with that too. I don't have a minimal kitchen, just a sleek counter, and personally I find the bulky Wolf hobs unattractive, but each to their own. In summary, in my opinion, gas is good but induction is better. That said, I'm not keen on this kitchen at all, sorry St James. Normally you give great advice and suggestions but here the sockets look wrong and I'm not keen on how they look on the tiling. What matters though is the clients opinion, so if they love it that's brilliant....See MoreWhat would you do too make this front garden more attractive
Comments (9)The red robin's have gotten a little big and now block the windows. Does anything else flower wise come up at other times of year? It's only looking straggly due to the daff and tulip stalks, they'll need chopping off soon, and you would presume something else would come up to take it's place. It's difficult to have a perennial garden in a small space as you can't pack enough plants that come up at different times of year, however, it's not impossible. You could have a change and go for slabs and pots, easier to maintain, but don't forget that they'll need water every day in the summer. Do you like gardening? If you do, stay with perennials but plant with different level plants to give interest, and make sure you've got something there righ throught the growing season, plus some evergreen's for winter. If you don't like gardening, go for the pots. Acers, Hydrangeas and Hostas all do well in pots, but get big pots or barrells....See MoreWho would you gift a home renovation to?
Comments (21)I would gift it to my son who is buying his first house. It is a late victorian two-up two-down that needs to be gutted and refurbished. It has a small north-east facing backyard. All his money is going into the purchase and he will be trying to do work to the house in his free time as he goes along. He works so hard in his day job and gets so stressed I would love to lift his spirits and help him make his new home into his dream home (ish). Even guidance into knowing where to start and what to prioritise would be helpful. It is a red-brick with rising damp, woodworm, no heating, needs rewiring, new windows, new bathroom, new kitchen.......See MoreJulian H
8 months agoJulian H
8 months agoThe 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.
PROArthur Road Landscapes
8 months agolast modified: 8 months agoHi 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
8 months ago
Ribena Drinker
8 months agoJonathan
8 months agoJulian H
8 months agoJulian H
8 months agolast modified: 8 months agoTaking everyone’s comments on board, fingers crossed this layout helps the contemporary design?
PROHMS Decorative Surfacing Limited
8 months agoHave 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
8 months agoLelise Yadeta
8 months ago
PRONeil Jones Design
8 months agoJulian H
8 months agoHi 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
8 months ago
Sonia