Garden - Garden Room and Garden Refurb
Ayotunde Lemo
2 years ago
Hello everyone,
Looking for a few ideas on what to do with my (relatively small) Garden and an existing concrete outbuilding at the back of the garden. The building is made with concrete blocks and is about 5.8m by 5 so almost as deep as it is wide. I prefer not to demolish but instead use it as an annex and I'm speaking to a builder at the moment as the roof as all but caved in. Current thoughts are to split it into 1/4 and 3/4 with the smaller space for Garden tools, mower etc and the bigger space finished up as a multipurpose space e.g. for chilling or office or maybe a games room. I would like this space to be as light and airy as possible but don't want to spend a crazy amount.
Any ideas on what to do with the Garden as it looks a quite tired and probably needs returfing. Ive attached pictures. Thank you!!
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Retain garage set in rear of garden or remove and have nice garden?
Comments (11)This is a difficult one. Many people see garages as a selling factor, but many are not wide or long enough for modern cars. Also, modern cars are now built to withstand all of the elements, and with anti-corrosive paint etc they can more than happily survive outside. If you do not use the garage as a place to 'store' the car then it will inevitably become a place to store everything else. From a garden design point of view think about the direction of the sun. If the garage gets most of the sun during the day then perhaps it would be better to remove it. If the area gets sun later in the evening then again, perhaps take it down. By the sounds of it you have plenty of options for parking elsewhere so in my opinion I would take it down. If the base of the garage is in good condition, you could re-purpose the area for a summerhouse or garden office or patio. With regards to the concrete and gravel garden make sure there is enough drainage and that any excess water runs away from the house, otherwise you could end up with rising damp issues. I fully understand why some people prefer a 'maintenance-free' garden with the use of concrete and gravel, but I would always favour soft planting. Yes, it would cost to remove the garage and the concrete but if you and your family get more pleasure from a family garden, then surely this is money well-spent. You should also remember that outside space in the form of a garden is a big selling point - perhaps more than an awkward garage. If you live in a family catchment area, then future buyers will be looking for a family garden. You can still include a patio and storage sheds to replace the garage, but these can be more easily disguised in to a well-designed garden. So, as I say this is a difficult question, but in my opinion I would remove the garage and create a wonderful garden that you can enjoy....See MoreShow us your sheds and garden rooms!
Comments (36)Room with a View. What do you do with the kennel in the garden of a house you've just moved into with teenagers but no dogs? You get us to make a bespoke garden room for them to stay in with their friends. Here it is. Please contact us for more photos or information....See MoreGarden advice for specific parts of the garden
Comments (4)Hi there, lovely large garden you've got there and I'm envious of your green house, wish I had room in my garden for one. Ok, first let's start under the tree (area 1). I don't think grass will grow there, it invariably dies off and goes back to dirt but there are plenty of plants that will thrive here. Spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, blue bells, snow drops, grape hyacinth, muscari, will all give a fabulous spring show. Plant these in the autumn, October/November. Ferns will happily grow here or for ground cover you could try bergenia (elephants ears), pulmonaria (lungwort), vinca minor (periwinkle), also primroses are a good all rounder. Forgot to mention polyganatum (solomans seal) which will grow in deep shade. Area 2. Since this area gets a lot of sun I think you can plant what ever you like. The olive tree should certainly be happy. Lavender, grasses and herbs sound good. Try rosemary, sage and thyme for lovely scents which can also be used for cooking. Don't plant mint unless it's in a container tho, it spreads like mad. As with all new planting I would improve the soil first by loosening with a fork and adding good quality compost, be careful not to disturb the roots too much round the tree. Just noticed you've got some ivy growing by the fence. If you don't want it to cover all your fence then I would try to remove it with as much roots as possible but if it's anything like mine it will grow back again. A clip once a year should keep it check. However, an ivy wall can also be a good thing, a nice green backdrop and a haven for birds and wildlife. Anyway, good luck with your garden and most of all enjoy....See MoreThrow your 2c in to our complete refurb! First time refurb'ers, help!
Comments (9)Here's a thought - I have two teenage kids and I have never known them or anyone elses kids to play in a "playroom" for more than half an hour especially on their own - they always gravitate to where you are! and will end up building lego on the kitchen table etc. and in the end you are happier having them "in sight" (Unless there is a host of other kids at your house as well.) So my advice would be to not lose valuable space to a designated playroom. Think about the activities you and your partner enjoy too! Do they need some designated space? It could be a room where a lot of toys are stored, sure (and its nice to close the door on it) but could it also be a room where the piano/craft table/office/homework desk/drum kit etc also live....See More
Richard
2 years ago
Maureen Dryden
2 years agoAyotunde Lemo
2 years ago
Ken Catwent
2 years agolast modified: 2 years ago
kazzh