Small Garden Design - Any help/advice much appreciated
Any garden design advice/opinions would be much appreciated!
My partner and I moved into our first home several years ago, a small terraced house in Hertfordshire. Since moving in our "easy to maintain" garden has gone unloved and is in need of a makeover.
Our garden is probably somewhere around 56-60sqm; with the widest width measuring ~8m and the longest length measuring ~7m.
Overview:
- The garden is on a slight downwards gradient towards the rear.
- A large proportion of the garden is on a paved, raised patio uneven area which levels the gradient but leaves drops over the edge.
- At the rear of the garden is an overgrown and unwieldy, Pyracantha shrub(?); which is fantastic for privacy but an untamed eyesore.
- To the left is an overgrown bush hiding a tiny little pond, alongside an unused shed.
- Nearest the house in the corner is a small fence with a dying climbing plant of some sort.
Goals:
Our primary incentive for improving the garden would be so our 20/mo son has somewhere safe to play, ideally without hazards of a pond, uneven patio, steep drops and prickly untamed bushes. However, we'd equally want the space to feel like an extension to our home with an adult space to relax and socialise.
Issue/Queries:
Beyond a general tidy up, the main issue is we have no idea where to start!
- What type of professionals might we need to get in contact with?
- How should be best utilise the space?
- Do we need a Gardener? Builder? Garden Designer? Landscape Gardener?
- Without knowing exactly what we want, how should we go about contacting the relevant professionals?
We have a few ideas of things that we like, (but most of them take inspiration from gardens a lot bigger than ours) and some things we have no idea about the feasibility (e.g. Leveling the garden).
If you have any advice, that would be much appreciated.
Comments (10)
Related Discussions
Loft Design -advice appreciated!!
Comments (8)When designing loft rooms it’s useful to have an elevation to see heights involved too - yes there seems a lot of wasted space here ! But it may be that those areas are below 2m - but that could still be used for sofa /soft seating area. We often have situations where we can pull the bed forward from a rear wall to create a walk in dressing room behind the bed area - either a shared one - or split for each person, accessed from their side of the bed. I think may may be one or two shown on our pro page if you want to have a look ( just click on my name or icon to get there !)...See MoreSmall urban garden design - any thoughts?
Comments (9)Hi there, The square back part of your garden has exactly the same measurements as mine! I had the same dilemma when trying to come up with a design for it: trying to find one that wouldn't look just like a dinning set with plants around it, but what I found is that if you want to have an eating area on a garden this size, then you don't have much space left, and trying to create rooms would just make it feel very packed and small (which you don't want). So I embraced the seating area surrounded by plants. I used raised beds, which bring the planting up to the eye level and when you are sitting in the garden it gives you a nice feeling of being surrounded, almost embraced by nature. I would reserve the side return area for your child to play and, maybe in the future it could become an additional seating area (its good to have seating area in different places of the garden so that you can follow the sun - or the shade, whatever you prefer, through the day) with more nice planting. As Sonia pointed out, your paving looks in good condition, and I would add that it fits the Mediterranean style that you are looking for, which is very good, since hardscaping can be an expensive part of a garden. The walled garden/courtyard also add up to the Mediterranean look, the next thing you could do is go for a Mediterranean style planting with a neat, contemporary feel (easy to do in a garden with the aspect that yours have). If you need any additional help, I do garden design and consultations, including sketches and planting plans, which are very affordable options. Please get in touch if you are interested. Good luck with your garden! Deborah The Rooted Concept Garden Designs deborahbiasoli@gmail.com...See MoreKitchen island help much appreciated!
Comments (26)A couple of thoughts on the design that may help you replan...... There seems to be very little counter space between your hob and sink, once you set dirty dishes on one side and clean on the other, where will you prep? Perhaps you could put the hob in your island? Or move it or the sink to the other wall? It’s worth considering a change from your wall oven to fitting one (or two) under the counter one. You’ll get back the worktop space, and thus could easily move your fridge next to the pantry. We opted for two full size Neff slide and hide door ovens under our counters , one regular oven, one steam oven, with our hob directly above them and it’s one of the best decisions I made. I have the ergonomic and space benefits of a range cooker, but superior capacity and functionality for my needs. An induction hob not only looks sleeker, but effectively gains you work space too. You can stick a cookbook / chopping board/ etc directly next to your pot while cooking and it will be fine. Karen from One Plan is terrific and will draw you a proper well thought out plan. Alternatively a virtual planning appointment with Ikea will also result in a plan, and unlike Howdens, an actual price, too. Both companies work in standard cm dimensions....a 40cm wide cabinet is a 40cm cabinet is a 40cm cabinet. (One difference is depth and height.... Ikea units are a little bit deeper, and a little bit taller, so they have a little bit more capacity). Hope that helps....See MoreHelp! Small triangular garden design layout
Comments (4)I think just covering all that fencing with climbers will make a huge difference, and a small tree will add height and interest. Smallish trees with lovely blossom are Sorbus (Mountain Ash), Hawthorn, Magnolia or even a dwarf apple tree - I have Spartan which has lovely pink blossom in spring followed by delicious red fruits. Climbers that like sun are Roses, Honeysuckle and Clematis. Climbing Hydrangea is a climber that enjoys shade so good for your shady spot. I’m not a fan of plastic grass, but I know what a mess dogs can make of a small lawn! You could just create another paved area, but in a different stone such as gravel or granite sets. Have a long on Pinterest where there are lots of ideas of “courtyard gardens” where there are no lawns but still full of lush planting. Shrubs would probably get too big, but there are little shrubs such as Skimmia, Hebe, Lavender etc that you can fill in the gaps. Here’s some ideas...See More
Sonia
last yearSonia
last yearSorry, I accidentally hit Post before I’d even got started! I think it really depends on your budget. A complete redesign, re-landscape and planting with a Garden Designer, is the most expensive option (maybe £20,000?) but it is all done for you from design to planting. Have a look at Garden Designers under Houzz Professionals where you will find ideas and approximate costs. My sister had this done, her garden is bigger than yours, and total cost was £28,000. Hers involved removing unwanted plants, levelling the garden, all the landscaping and finally the planting. Her garden is below, but this was last year and it’s so much better this year.
There are cheaper options where a Designer can provide a design plan and you source your own landscaper to do the paving etc and an RHS qualified Gardener to suggest a planting scheme. My gardener does planting schemes and she’s in Hitchin, Herts. Really knows her plants.
Of course if you are good at diy you could attempt the landscaping yourself, but if you want a good, smart finish, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Nathan thanked Sonia
Nathan
last yearkatlucy
last year
nmlondon
last year
The Rooted Concept Garden Designs