Garden design, garden planning, garden layout, planting plants and planting schemes

Townhouse Garden Design with Structure & Style

Posted on July 3rd, 2009

Earlier this year, the owner of a large Townhouse who was planning a major refurbishment of the property, contacted us to seek our advice and assistance to design and re-build a new garden to replace an old garden which had become overgrown with cumbersome planting and provided little means to enjoy any outdoor living.

The sample photos provide some evidence of how  jaded the garden had become. From the outset it was clear, that several elements demanded immediate attention, including provisioning of Patio area(s), a unified boundary which would not only be more defined but also conceal some of the rather unsightly appearances of the concrete posts and plinths of the panel fences as well as the exposed blockwork on the opposite boundary wall.

The side access although generous and long resembled more an alley way and displaying all the signs of having been overlooked. To complete the visual disharmony, concrete pathways were in abundance and exceptional number of AJs were all too conspicuous given the overall scale of the property.    

To begin with all tree and shrub planting was removed including all roots. The design plan was to instal wall cladding on all three sides of the boundary walls/fencing within the main garden. Plan included two Patio areas, one main and a smaller ‘Bistro size’ Patio nearer the house. All stone work (paving, setts and step risers) would be Indian Sandstone (Mint). The side access was also to be paved to link with main garden area, also a separate seating and planting area would also create a more secluded ’shaded garden’ space within this area, and a trellis screen would be used to screen waste bins at rear entrance and well away from the main garden area. Garden lighting was positioned to provide individual lighting zones (four in total: specimen planting, main patio and perimter borders, olive tree and side area), offering flexibility to light owner depending on use.

The appeal and simple line of timber cladding is well illustrated here and to conceal the rather uneven but distinctive curve section of walling, this was clad with a double  line of timber laths (fixed vertically) to provide a subtle but otherwise a favourable and compatible finish with the otherwise horizontal lines of the timber wall cladding. All timber works were painted in a dark tone of green to provide a uniform look but also a ‘green’ backdrop and less requirement for bulk planting.  The exception being a beatiful specimen of the Olive tree in rear corner to counter balance an otherwise dominant appearance of the main circular Patio.

From start to finish, this project was completed in less time than a typical  2 week summer holiday. A great surprise for the owner upon return.

As is the case in all gardens, but especially a  townhouse garden functionality is very important, space is a premium and in such cases although planting can and is also important, use of space is probably more important than appearance. However in this project and similar, where timber cladding is featured, the results clearly demonstrate that timber fencing/cladding can make a major contribution to achieving structure but style in a garden. In this instance I believe the green tones provide a relaxed and calming backdrop to the simple geometry of the layout and results in a garden that has not only clear useable spaces, defined gentle curves and a selection of planting that provides year round interest without any significant regular maintenance requirements.

In terms of design, structure, style and functionality are all critical elements of  successful townhouse garden design and attention to detail and quality of finish are essential pre-requisites.

Planting Garden Planters for instant pleasure

Posted on July 3rd, 2009

Using the innovative modular patented Deroma ‘Repeat’ Planters with carefully selected Specimen Plants provides not only a superb visual and fragrant treat but an instant and practical solution to achieving impact in the garden and patio areas featuring specimen and architectural plant stock.

The modular design of the Deroma ‘Repeat’ Planters makes them the obvious choice for an instant but imaginative and flexible choice for spatial definition, and featuring a clever internal automatic means of irrigating the plant rootball there is no more need need to worry and inconvenience of  regular watering of plants. Deroma ‘Repeat’ takes care of this, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy the views.

The featured installation demonstrates clearly the versatility of using the Deroma ‘Repeat’ planters in gardens and with some thoughful consideration of plant selections, superb compositions are within easy reach for instant pleasure.

 Deroma ‘Repeat’ range comprises of four unique planter types, the Rosenpot (Large individual planter) and the modular units, vase, corner and trough. All available from our showrooms: GARDENSTUDIO, in Terenure, Dublin 6W.

Garden Fencing with appealing colour and style

Posted on June 27th, 2009

Here are a few ’Before’ photographs of an average sub-urban garden containing few if any focal points, an adhoc planting scheme, a rather drab looking cobblelock Patio and a site boundary which fails to enhance or define the overall view but seems to underline the juxtapositioning of all else in the garden space?

An early but key design objective was to refine the boundary with a  solution which would feature clean lines and yet be discreet and compliment the proposed planting scheme and new site layout. The garden shed was relocated from the sunniest corner to the most shaded corner. Pressure treated timber cladding was used on both the left and right hand boundaries and pressure treated trellis panels (for additional height and screening) were used on rear wall. To achieve a more coherent background look, all timbers including Garden Shed were painted, in this instance a dark green.

The choice of the garden fencing style works well here and the colour selected for fence painting is one of the more appealing visual images from this particular project. Also to be seen is Indian Sandstone paving and setts were used here and featuring circular layouts and gentle sweeps to contrast favourably with the more dominant ‘linear’ garden layout. 

Although the Rotary Clothes line was replaced, it’s position in the new layout was unchanged.

Planter gardening

Posted on June 25th, 2009

Here are a few photographic examples from a recent project in which the client required an instant but attractive garden featuring subtle tones. The task was to design  a planting scheme using a Planter layout which would provide some screening of patio areas but also good access and visibility to lawn and wider garden areas. 

Here we feature a range of specimen plants in an eye catching arrangement whilst exploiting the unique modular design features of the Deroma Repeat Planter range. 

The Deroma Repeat series is available from GARDENSTUDIO, Terenure, Dublin 6W. For more details: info@owenchubblandscapers.com

Sandstone Patios in challenging spaces

Posted on June 12th, 2009

A recent project of ours I believe provides some useful illustration about  the importance of design and layout in defining Patio areas. Perhaps not so evident from the photographs is that this particular garden which was was relatively compact but on two levels and made the more challenging by the chosen design. Some logistical challenges had also to be carefully considered, as there was no side or rear access to the garden areas, this project required that all materials be carried through the house.

Some might wonder why we did not select an easier approach by choosing a more simpler perhaps linear layout. No, we always endeavour to exceed client expectations and ion this instance it was obvious from an early stage of the design process a design with a split level solution with a distinctive finish to the retaining elements was preferred by the clients. In this instance Pressure treated Pine sleepers were used for the Raised Bed at the upper level and at the lower level a sandstone capping to a painted rendered wall was agreed upon.

Although it would have been much easier to construct a linear wall, the geometry was largely influenced by the fact that the client wanted to inset a circular arrangement within the lower sandstone patio. Thus it was obvious to me anyway, that the wall and indeed the Raised Bed should be consistent and therefore semi-circular layouts were selected. This was also the chosen finish for the decorative trims around patio perimeters which provided opportunity for sandstone chippings to contrast with the relative flatness of the sandstone paving. On the upper level, the sandstone paving also featured a circular-out to provide much needed breathing space at ground level for the mature tree.

Although a small garden space, all the common but key details and elements of everyday patio design and construction can be seen here, including  ACCO Storm channels at Patio doors, Recess Frames to provide easy but discreet access to the AJ (access to foul water system), Sandstone risers for steps.  How often do we see the appearance of new paving ruined by conspicuous AJ/Manhole covers?

The colour of the painted rendered wall at the lower level is Nevada, an dalthough we did discuss colour selection for some time.  We did at completion joke about how we took a gamble with the Nevada but it paid off!

I always believe that designing in small spaces can be difficult, with little room for error and in this particular project, construction was also more challenging than usual and this was very evident during extensive excavations taking place during recent wet spells. All in all, from start to finish, the project took approx 10 working days to complete. They were 10 hard days, but the results clearly justify the significant effort involved. Great sandstone cutting skill is much in evidence throughout this garden.

HAMMOCKS - a heavenly feeling in the garden

Posted on June 9th, 2009

What better way to enjoy those lazy hazy sunny summer days than facing skywards enjoying a gentle soothing slumber in a beautiful robust weatherproofed (frame) Hammock? There’s hardly a more affordable and enjoyable way to enjoy Outdoor Living!

Made from pressure treated spruce and a resilent heavy duty cotton canvass, this is the timeless classic for all gardens great and small. The classic hammock is a great and fun addition to any garden. Kids go crazy for them, and adults love them.

We all deserve a little TLC and this is a very affordable and long lasting way, to indulge in summertime bliss, year after year. Available from our GARDENSTUDIO with prices starting at only € 295.00 (Flatpacked).

Easy to follow self assembly instructions are enclosed. Simply add fun.

 Only limited stocks available from:

Design for Gardens at GARDENSTUDIO

Posted on June 8th, 2009

An update on the terrific graphic design work which is being done by  BAMMEDIA on our behalf. A big thanks to Bridget who is doing super work on defining our design identity and ethos for our GARDENSTUDIO and I’m sure you will agree, the graphics for Point of Sale Display panels featuring a selection of our Garden products many with Unique Styles is simply inspiring.

We had a fantastic response to our products at BLOOM 2009 and I look forward to welcoming many visitors to our new GARDENSTUDIO showrooms in Terenure. 

GARDENSTUDIO

Posted on June 2nd, 2009

Our new showrooms located at Unit 1, Fortfield Lane, Fortfield Road, Terenure, Dublin 6W (entrance to Fortfield Lane is next to the Topaz Service Station on Fortfield Road) is open to the Public. Unfortunately because of heavy commitments of our landscaping project workload, we can only facilitate visits to our Showrooms by prior appointment. We can also offer flexible visit times, eg, outside normal office hours as well as Saturdays. 

Our GARDENSTUDIO features an exciting range of unique and exciting well designed garden products including Water Features, Victorian Summerhouses, leisure Garden Furniture, Deroma Planters, handcast Bronze Garden Sculpture etc, several of which were exhibited with great success at BLOOM 2009.

 To make an appointment to visit our GARDENSTUDIO, simply call us on 087-2306 128 or send us an email to info@owenchubblandscapers.com

 We very much look forward to your visit.

BLOOM 2009 - a blooming success

Posted on June 1st, 2009

This years’ event the third in succession is certain to exceed all expectations. The weather has been magnificent and the paying public have come in droves. On Sunday alone the attendance figures were in excess of 18,000 and by the end of the show on Monday in excess of 60,00 visitors will have attended. 

As one of many particpating exhibitors, BLOOM 2009 has proved to have been an enormously successful event, and visitor interest in garden products contrasting starkly to some pre-event concerns that the current economic conditions and recessionary fears would have a significant dampening effect. Not so, the level of interest and purchases made by visitors at BLOOM 2009 was simply overwhelming and dispelled any evidence of recession.

We featured a cross selection of products from our GARDENSTUDIO and all proving very popular. Not surprising, there was great interest in our Victorian Summerhouses, TITAN stainless steel water features and of course our range of ORB Swing seats.

From the moment doors opened at 10.00am right throughout the day to closing time at 6.00pm, there was a consistent heavy traffic of visitors to our stand effectively resulting in opportunities for any break to be few and far. This has been very much the case since the show started last Thursday! Monday is the final day it will no doubt be as busy as previous days and one could be confident that it might in fact be the busiest of all days.

Although the fine almost Mediterranean type weather has been a contributory factor in the success of this years’ event, there is no doubt that the organisers and exhibitors have also made great efforts to make this year’s show better than ever. Ultimately great thanks and acknowledgement must be made to the paying public who once again  demonstrated clearly in their tens of thousands that under the right circumstances taht there is considerable demand and interest in gardening and that over the last few days at least there was little evidence of any recessionary gloom.

Here are some photos of our product exhibits taken just before show opened on Sunday. I would also like to congratulate Eddie O’Brien, the Entrepeneur and inventor of  The Hangout Gazebo Clothesline (as featured on RTE’s Dragons Den) who co-exhibited on our stand with great success. The Hangout is an outstanding example of Irish enterprise and innovation and was hugely popular with visitors to BLOOM 2009.  Not surprising when you consider some of the Hangout’s product attributes including energy and cost savings, environmental friendly, multifunctional all weather clothesline which is also a useful garden centrepiece and ideal for a variety of garden entertainment activities. Congratulations and well done again Eddie who is seen demonstrating hanging clothes using the Hangout.

The beauty of Oughterard with or without you

Posted on May 28th, 2009

Just a short distance from  Oughterard and heading in direction of Rossaveal one encounters a landscape which can be simply described as an extended but intrinsically Nature made rockery.  At first glance the area apart from rambling sheep appears desolate and deserted. There is little evidence of human habitation, there are hardly any road signs or names and in fact much of the roads bear a greater resemblance to dirt tracks or country lanes. There’s hardly a straight line to be seen anywhere, as far as the eye can see, rocks protrude on a gentle undulating landscape which at first sight appears harsh and incapable of sustaining any form of life human and/or wild life.  

So much rock is visible one could probably take a lifetime or more to count them all and still not be finished. Today the weather is far from kind and a deep dullness overhangs much of the area, dense grey clouds appear to complement the light grey tones of the rock infested fields. The random haphazard distribution of rock bears much resemblance to an almighty event of scattering of stone at some point. Probably more to do with the aftermath of some glaciated drifts, the precious soil well in the sense of been thin and probably poorly because there is little evidence of if being capable of sustaining any crops? Instead one can see many examples of marshy conditions and here and there discreet examples of some person’s efforts to extract turf for burning. 

On a grey day and a seemless endless lines of stone stretching as far as one can see left and right and also upwards. There are few trees to be seen, in fact much of the local flora would be best described as scrub and growing less than 900mm high. Today the scene appears very familiar and  resembling an image one might see in an artist’s painting. Colour has been bleached and reduced to perhaps two or three tones.  The greyness of the overcast sky seems to re-inforce the flat tones of grey and brown today. I would be sure that on a sunny day, the view is somewhat different and other hues are more visible.  Ther is also a mist visible with the result that the view reflects a delineated image  and a popular perspective sometimes to be seen  hanging on an art gallery wall.

Looking around there is no significant evidence of any cultivation, instead one is confronted by the solemnity of the grey and brown tones. There is little evidence of any current habitation unless of course you happen to take (very easily done) the wrong turn on a meandering road which may lead you to a private residence set deep in a natural hollow but hidden from view by the casual visitor.

Here and there one comes across an old ruin of a small cottage. Generally roofless,  the walls are testament to the great skill and craft of local stone masons? These empty ruins are witness that at some point someone lived here but not anymore.

With the absence of colour the prevailing greyness takes a leading role in demanding your attention, much like a sepia photograph might do, it can time date but also provide an almost tangible link to the past.

Looking at these remains of some of the old deserted dwellings, one wonders who lived here? An individual, a Couple or an extended family?  The casual visitor can see no evidence of any link with today’s world, instead the links might be  simple home grown access routes which have become link roads to larger journeys deeper within Connemara.

There is no doubt that the view is impressive and on a warm cloudless summer’s day, the view can only but be impressive. Like the artist who paints with minimalist flair the hen which escapes from a built another pen.

Essentially the random twisted direction of the roads, the deep hollows and the prevailing lack of any substantial and visible signs of infrastructure makes for a more ‘untouched’ natural outward appearance. The thinly veiled soil supports rough vegetation enough it would seem to suustain sheep grazing which appear in great numbers here and there. The empty ruined dwellings serve as reminders that people once lived in these parts but wher are they? One wonders what has happened to the individual(s)?  Are these the ghostly remains of dwellings lost out to emigration? Does the ghost of yesterday’s Past still linger here?

Despite the lack of bold colour and distinctive foliage of more cultured plant species, the wild desperate colours of the low growing grasses and weeds appeals along with that of the boggy and craggy surfaces. Along these roads with no names, looking for a sign in these parts is more likely to be found somewhere in the star studded night sky?

Despite the sadness of deserted ruins one can sense a potential glowing experience of peace and harmony to be found in these parts. Nature is the star performer here and the beauty of this area to the west of Oughterard remains here, with or without you.