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Small garden design help

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hi there, I'm looking for some design advice for my small garden.

It's 3.7m wide by 9m long. (4m wide at its widest part - see drawing)

Currently has a decked area (4m wide by 2.6m deep). I'd like this removing and replacing with patio, in the very least. It used to have bannisters which have been removed.

I have a tree which is 1.8m from the back wall, and 1.1m from the right-hand fence. It has to stay put. The tree is causing me angst in designing a garden layout.

Need access to back gate. Small bin store is required at the end of garden - currently screened on the left with a trellis.

I love plants and flowers and love the cottage look.

Not adverse to completely removing the lawn, although I do like to see the green from the kitchen window. Cannot be artificial - if there is a lawn, please let it be real. Stepping stones or path not essential as I only walk to the backgate once a week in winter time (wet weather). I hate block paving so that has to go!

Photograph of current garden (please ignore lawn, mower broken!) Chest of drawers at end of garden is awaiting a tip run. Area behind tree (no man's land is really bothering me. This used to have a cement hardstanding and a shed but recently removed. Do not require shed as now using garage.

I've done a design sketch, but feel it is so uninspiring. Also attached is a sketch of the garden as it is now.

Any suggestions and advice would be wonderful.

Thank you.

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Comments (4)

Steph
5 years ago
Have you thought about designing the planting areas along curved lines so that they look more organic? Rather than rectangles within straight lines on either side? A big wildflower swooping triangle including the blossom tree so it's not dead space?

Or could you put a water area for wildlife behind there? A mini pond made out of a container? Or even a bird bath? https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/createaminipond/

Getting rid of the lawn you could go for more ambitious planting right in the middle. Then you could have a narrow winding gravel path to the back garden in amongst taller vegetation? There is a story on here that I will pos in a follow up comment- different size space but useful for thinking out of the box.

And if that's too much, how about replacing the lawn with clover lawn or chamomile lawn or something to give you more flowers? Or let more of your existing lawn grow taller so there is more interest and wildlife ?
Steph
5 years ago
Check out this story from houzz - https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/garden-tour-a-small-lush-retreat-with-secluded-seating-areas-stsetivw-vs~147323569
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Hi Rowena, As others have said, it is hard to judge by the pictures whether the decking is too small, and the best way of telling is indeed to see if you can fit everything that you wanted to comfortably in there (maybe a set of table and chairs?). It is also hard to see where your garden ends, and therefore, judge its dimensions from the pictures, as it seems a bit overgrow. Lawn space will be useful as children's playing area, but I would also add in some planting to give your garden some structure (some tough planting to put up with ball games in the future possibly), and depending on how big it is, other seating areas could be added as well. If you need any further help, I do online garden design and consultancies and have some very affordable options that could give you a personalised idea of how best to layout your garden. Please do let me know if you are interested. Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs by Deborah Biasoli deborahbiasoli@gmail.com
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Ellie
5 years ago
I can make out that the only real difference is you plan to put a border down the right too? It won't look that much different but I'm guessing you want something different though, which is why you are planning?
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Deborah Biasoli Garden Design
5 years ago
Hi there Lizzie,

I agree with Steph! I think that curvy lines and pushing the planting space more to the centre of the garden would not only emulate more the cottage style that you like but could potentially make your very narrow garden look wider than it is!
Also, if you really like plants and flowers I would definitely go for deeper beds than 50cm. This might well mean ditching the lawn (which you said you wouldnt mind anyway), but you would still have plenty of greenery to see from your kitchen from an interesting planting scheme (could have plants that flower at different times of the year, rather than just the green lawn throughout the year for example).
Regarding changing your decking for paving, would you keep it the height that it currently is or are you thinking about leveling the new patio with the rest of the garden (decking looked raised on the picture but maybe i got the wrong impression)?
Also, something else to consider is the aspect of your garden (and where the shady and sunny areas are) so that you can determine where you would like to sit, planting sheme etc.
If you would like more help, I provide a range of online based garden design services (usually cheaper than in person services) from budget friendly sketches and planting plans only to full on garden plans and 3D visuals. Please do not hesitate to have a look at my website for more details and get in touch. I would love to help you with this project!

Deborah
The Rooted Concept Garden Designs

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