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

Driveway Lawn design

Posted on November 14th, 2009

Frequently it is a difficult challenge to overcome, creating adequate or practical space for parking of cars and making a useful lawn in the remaining space.  Here we have used granite setts to raise the lawn level but used the simple but attractive geometry of  the circle to enhance the lawn area.

Granite Setts a Driveway with Style

Posted on October 30th, 2009

Well in spite of the ongoing wet weather, we continue to make progress and today the remaining Granite Setts were installed which marks I suppose a key point in the completion of our hard landscaping of the Front Garden/Driveway.  We can now concenmtrate on finalising levels to complete the compaction and rolling of the hardcore sub-base as well as preparing the soil areas for planting and lawn. I think the granite works are particularly eye catching and when all landscaping as well house painting works are completed, I am very confident that this project will represent for both client and ourselves a great success.   

Also looking good and taking shape is the planting of the rear garden:

Setting the Granite Driveway

Posted on October 24th, 2009

Well the weather conditions have unfortunately deteriorated so badly as to bring a halt to any prospect of progress with works on granite setts in Driveway and planting of rear garden. However before the recent heavy rain showers we did manage to make some progress with the granite works. I am very excited with the design as the new layout begins to emerge.

View from Garage towards entrance of Driveway

Granite step with bullnose thread

Detail of Granite Setts and Granite Bullnosed step

Newly laid Granite Setts required protection from rain showers

Granite Setts for planting and lawn areas

Granite setts to define profile of lawn area

Some planting of rear garden did take place including the start of shrub and ornamental grasses.

Pittosporum Tom Thumb will provide good ground cover

Carex Evergold provides interesting foreground form and colour

The bright yellow of Acorus Ogon and the rich hues of Palace Purple

Granite Garden Driveways

Posted on October 16th, 2009

Granite Setts profile a linear planting area

As works continue in rear garden, excavations of Front Garden/Driveway have been completed, and much of the parking area has been hardcored. Perimeter edgings in this design features a double line of G603 Silver Grey Granite Setts/Cobbles. Perimeter planting bed has been set at 1200mm wide for new specimen hedging. A time clock will control garden Lighting which will feature stainless steel bollards (with CFL lamps) and a limited number of the high output 3W GU10 LED Garden Spike spots. 

Granite Setts circumvent mature Beech tree

Granite Setts profile sweeping planting area

Granite Setts on long sweep

Granite Setts profile planting area at wall base

'Boxes' housing units in situ for electric gate motors

Detail at right Pillar and sweeping planting area

Ducting for power and comms cabling at entrance

Soft landscaping area to be rotovated for new lawn

Granite Setts await installation at Entrance area

Initial build up work for Granite step and platform at main entrance

Granite setts to define planted area on LHS, see

Granite Setts as Planting strip

Main parking area with hardcore in-situ

Some Landscaping Befores and Afters…

Posted on April 18th, 2009

They say a picture can tell more than a thousand words. Well let’s try this out, here is a random selection of phoographs from of a selection of our completed garden projects portfolio. 

The photographs illustrate perhaps a particular aspect from the project, and although the selection was random but collectively might provide some useful visual reference on design, layout, patio and broader landscaping details.

The  photos  show how the individual garden looked ‘BEFORE’  we commenced landscaping works and the impact following completion of landscaping is shown in the ‘AFTER’ photographs.

Granite Setts in Driveway Design

Posted on April 12th, 2009

Granite Setts although particularly attractive are not in my opinion ideal for heavy pedestrian areas as the tumbled surface can for some people be difficult to negotiate. Although having no first hand experience, I can only but imagine trying to walk on setts with fashionable stilletoes shoes, that said, walking on stone chippings must even be more difficult? Which is why when one is considering perhaps re-modelling or making changes to the Front garden to provide additional space for parking of cars,  it is very important that the layout is not only appealling but more importantly practical and safe for users. Here’s a recent example of a Granite Driveway design which features a high proportion of granite setts but used apprpriately for car parking the granite paving providing a more obvious route for pedestrians. Granite chippings were also used for secondary parking area and the  planting scheme was completed by extending the Red Robin (Photinia) Hedging which the owners had already started. Finally note the green box which must be accessible at all times (locates earth rod), we dicovered the earth box had been buried under the previous cobble lock driveway, which came as a shock to the owners. Nothing new in this, on occasions we’ve discovered manholes and AJs also buried under paving.

Granite Driveways

Posted on April 12th, 2009

In recent months we’ve enjoyed considerable demand for our services to design and install Front Gardens featuring Granite Driveway areas. For me Granite is a most beautiful natural stone with extraordinary high durability, and because it is relatively easy to maintain , rarely requiring more than one annual wash down with the power washer to remove accumulated surface grime. Granite is a stone of timeless quality and is well suited for homes with distinctive architectural heritage and design from traditional classicism to  stark contemporary urbanism.

Driveway Design – creating a practical layout and an appealing space

Posted on January 12th, 2009

In many instances the design and layout of front gardens has been largely influenced by the apparent but all important need to provide parking for the owner’s car(s). The needs of the car are dominant to the extent, that the garden has effectively become a parking space. But it doesn’t have to be like this, a well executed driveway design is good for the car, good for the garden and good for the pocket. But how does one resolve the apparent conflict of providing space for parking of cars as well as a garden?

The design of driveways might increasingly be subject to planning approval/permission, but if we are to avoid the ‘Shopping Mall car park’ look owners need to carefully plan and creatively consider both the car parking requirements as well as providing a garden area which incorporates a healthy and attractive environment for plants to thrive. Professional advice and assistance will most likely be required, but the opportunity is too important not to develop a driveway that is practical for parking cars but also providing an appealing garden that is easy or requires little effort to maintain. Good driveway design is all about being practical (car) and appealing (garden) which combined probably means improved asset value (pocket), which are all very important returns for the householder but there is also the prospect of some improved residual value even for the local community.

In recent years a number of factors, many beyond the control of householders, have critically influenced the design of the residential driveway. These trends ranging from changes in socio-economic demographics, work/life-style patterns, significant dependence (increasing in some respects) on the ‘car’ as the preferred or indeed the only practical mode of transport, architectural/town planning developments which are demanding increased population densities, reduced availability of ‘off-street’ parking options, smaller gardens etc. Meanwhile car ownership continues to grow but with less space available and many owners with busy ‘time poor’ lifestyles preferring a low/zero maintenance front garden solution, has seen front garden been replaced by nothing more than what is effectively an area for parking cars only.

In the course of determining allocation of spaces for parking, pedestrian, garden, services etc, first priority will most likely be given to parking. Type, size and number of cars will largely determine the area needs, but as an average rule of thumb, spaces in shopping mall car parks are typically 2.5-3.0m wide and 4.5m – 5.0m long. Most would agree such spaces tend not to be too generous and bearing in mind that parking in a car park can be easier given the wider access and generally better manouverability options which are available. In a private residential driveway the situation is very different, frequently the approach is not straight but can be complicated by nearby junctions, bends etc. Therefore the space calculations must take wider cognisance of the local geography, site topography (sloping sites need careful attention), turning room, driver skill, age and even obstructions/potential hazards (such as post boxers, street lighting, narrow pedestrian pathways, driver visibility, refuse bins, screening trees/hedges etc all influence the calculations.

Where space is plentiful the calculations are generally straightforward, but frequently there is pressure on available space and compromises must be reached over priorities. Ultimately it is most likely a case whereby most of the space is allocated to the ‘car’ but no matter how small the residual area is, it is possible to develop a planting scheme that is lush, complementary and requiring little maintenance. In such instances where space is limited, I would advise that owners utilise as much evergreen plant material, and supplement this with bulbs or seasonal flowers for additional colour display. It is very important that the planting looks good and lush all year round. There is a wide range of plant style and sizes to suit practically every site condition.

In instances where planting beds are narrow but screening is required, owners might consider using standards/half-standard shrubs, essentially ‘mophead’ style shrubs which are eye catching, providing visual breaks/screening at eyelevel but attractive displays. Popular choices would include Olive, Photinia, Laurus Nobilis, and Camellia to name a few. This is a much more satisfactory solution than expecting a traditional shrub/hedge such as Viburnum or Grisellinia to grow to 6’ 0” (1800mm) tall in a narrow bed of 2’ 0” (600mm) wide. This will involve considerable and continuous effort to maintain and frequently the results are poor despite all the efforts.

Smaller narrower beds can be planted up with ornamental bands of buxus sempervirens, and back planted with dwarf lavenders or indeed spring flowering bulbs which are perhaps up to 3’ 0” (900mm) tall when in flower.

A critical aspect of driveway design will be the choice of the surface material; again here there is a wide range from which to choose, starting with cobblelock/concrete paviors and at the top end in terms of quality, durability and maintenance natural stone. Despite the additional cost natural stone is increasingly a popular choice, not surprising when one sees the quality and diversity of choice. Granite, sandstone and limestone are popular. In terms of wear and tear, granite is without question the best choice for some, in my experience sandstone of lighter tones are not ideal. Cars tyres tend to mark sandstone and in such instances regular maintenance/cleaning will be required. If you wish to use sandstone better to use a darker tone such as a grey.

For some who prefer to use a natural stone finish but wish to achieve a more cost effective result, the paving can be used in conjunction with coloured aggregates/stone chippings. This can look very attractive and indeed in some cases reflect a more rustic and formal look. Chipped stone/aggregates are better than rounded stone, the latter do not compact very well, and are therefore awkward for stilettos shoes, wheelie bins, baby prams, buggies etc.

When selecting material, also consider the range of formats, for example for a more coherent and pleasing result, choose a stone which is available in various forms. Granite paving is available in various sizes and thicknesses (important for loading, i.e. pedestrian, light car, heavy traffic etc), colours, but it is also available as cobble setts, kerbing, steps threads and risers, bullnosed or flat edging, wall capping etc.

Lighting is also a very important addition to any driveway, good for security, illuminating parking areas and highlighting feature or specimen plants. Again choice would include bollards, adjustable spots, ground lights etc. Where possible use energy efficient lamps (CFLs or LEDs). More energy savings can also be achieved by using other controls such as photo electric cells, timers etc.

A driveway which has been well designed and properly installed is an important addition to any property. Not only is it a practical space for parking cars but also has an appealing garden irrespective of size, of which the owner can be rightly proud of. The driveway is a vibrant space of lush foliage and colour that appeals throughout the year but also facilitates parking cars.

The Design challenges of a small garden

Posted on November 23rd, 2008

Unlike large areas, where there is good scope to exploit the area with plants, features, structural elements etc but in more confined spaces the design requirements and demands to achieve a practical layout with good visual aspects is much more difficult and challenging. A recent project was a good case in point. The site featured a new house build within an existing (corner site) garden and by the time the construction of the new house was completed, the outdoor space was restrictive. A small spatial area but with an unusual but dual purpose (a) a Patio area for the owner to sit and enjoy and (b) a place to park the owner’s car. To add to the design challenge, the space was not level and also somewhat overlooked. The ‘Before’ photos show the site and end of construction and also a new concrete slab which the Builder had poured for a car parking space. It proved very strong and difficult to remove but it had to go.

Early on in the design process it was agreed to define the space in terms of two functions and on a split level. Planting it was agreed would be restricted to mainly rear at perimeter and some trapped beds within the ‘patio’ area. To balance privacy with openness, we specified mainly specimen planting, for example Photinia (Red Robin) standards in Patio and Olive Trees for eventual easy to maintain rear screening. Buxus Sempervirens (Box hedging) was cleverly utilised to disguise and soften the otherwise ‘I’ roll track for the garage/side gate.

Having considered a number of different natural paving types, including sandstone and granite, the client was keen to utilise granite (bush hammered grey finish), as it was considered the stone best suited to provide a contemporary look as well as being ideal surface for car parking. The finishes were very defined and broadly simple clean lines used throughout. There were however some contrasting granite forms used (granite setts and granite kerbing) to provide added visual contrast.

One might also notice the garden statue which had been within the original family garden and the owner was keen to retain for lots of warm childhood memories etc. We did manage to re-position the ‘garden lady’ discreetly behind one of the Olive tree.

Crisp clean lines with good definition are hallmarks of this particular project, and one which despite its relative small size, demonstrates the importance of paying attention to details and achieve a simple but harmonious end result. The planting scheme involved more emphasis on mature specimens, with the simple geometric forms of Bay Laurel and Photinia Standards contrasting nicely with Chamerops and Olive Trees. To retain interest over the winter months, the Mahonia with its scented yellow flowers will give lift to the lower growing Hebe Heartbreakers, again the simple compact forms of this variety will produce spectacular colour variations. As temperatures change from winter frost to summer sunshine, the hebe heartbreaker will dramatically change colour from glowing pink to firey red to augment the plant’s more regular variagated look.

Planting Driveways

Posted on August 10th, 2008

When planning Driveways (Front Gardens), it does seem inevitable that in most cases that the parking of cars will take precedence over the ‘garden area’ and that the space allocated to parking of cars is much more important than the areas for lawn or plants! This inevitability is probably not too surprising, especially where the amount of space available is not too generous, but in cases where there is lots of space for both, the same trends are also tending to be driven by owners preference for ‘low maintenance’ solutions. But whether there is no space or no time, there is no excuse for drab, dull, even lifeless Driveways. For many owners, it is certainly a challenge to find a pleasing solution, ie ample space for parking and sufficent planting to be attractive. There are a number of idaes which can be utilise to improve overall gardening appeal, lawn, large or small, green is pleasing and eye catching, raised beds can also give added impetus to smaller planted areas, and in severe cases where there is no planting possibilities, nice planters or containers can be very effective to create a softer look.

Some owners clearly love their gardens and take great pride and devote attention to create and maintain a beautiful front garden. Driveways and Front gardens are important aspects of the property, but also critical for ‘Kerb appeal’ when it comes to selling the property. Front Gardens provide a great opportunity to frame the house with practical parking and complimentary planting.

For some the preferred choice is the minimalist approach, in other words, wall to wall hard surfaces or similar paving, cobble lock, patterned concrete and increasingly simple gravelled surfaces. Tarmac is thankfully no longer as common in urban areas, but in fairness when it’s done right and within an overall well developed plan/design, not the worse of finishes. But sadly I suppose the demise of tarmac has more to do with well publicised examples of unscrupulous traders and poor workmanship.

In many cases the typical Driveway/Front Garden is limited in size, car parking dominates space and planting is a poor second. Driveway finishes will vary and many options from which to choose. Many will select one of four popular options (Natural Paving, cobbleock, gravel, and concrete). Budget permitting, the preferred choice for many owners would be natural stone paving (Granite, Limestone, Sandstone). The intrinsic qualitie sand strength of natural stone paving is very popular, this might be the refined but hardwearing elegance of granite, or the rustic charming colour tones complete with fossil elements of sandstone or the rippling textured surfaces of limestone. A more cost effective solution is a combination of natural stone paving and stone chippings/pebble. Where there is considerable traffic, I would personally prefer Granite as a more sophisticated and durable stone and one which surprisingly requires little maintenance to retain its original beauty.

Designing Driveways or Front Gardens offers enormous scope for selecting plants. Even with much of the available space being allocated to the car(s), one can still choose plants to suit any layout including hedges which traditionally used for boundaries and privacy (some favourites here include Taxus- CommonYew, Prunus Lusitanica – Portuguese Laurel, and Photinia – Red Robin). Trees, shrubs and Hedges are not only good for defining the boundaries, or creating privacy but can also be use dot great effect to create compartments/spaces especially within the larger gardens.

Some Driveway Design Tips

If you’re constructing from the start, try and find space no matter how small for some planting, whether this be some architectural/specimen plant and/or a modest shrubbery and/or herbaceous border. One can also use different size containers to add colour and interest. Me, I would always prefer to compromise some colour and select evergreen shrubs over herbaceous/deciduous planting. Looking good all year especially during our long dormant season is more important than some less herbaceous perennials in the borders during the summer months. Also herbaceous plants in a lot instances require regular work to maintain an optimum performance. Ideally if space allows, a lush green lawn is a perfect partner for the Driveway and specimen and perimeter planting for visual impact.

Plan the Driveway layout so that the cars do not obstruct the pedestrian access footpaths and green spaces are positioned to optimum effect. How often do you see the paths dissect the Driveway, no need really, in fact a winding path can be more effective and introduce the visitor to the garden in a more visually stimulating way. Planning layouts which keeps pathways clears of cars is especially important in gravel driveways.

It is very important to give careful consideration to selecting the right Driveway gravel. Remember pebbles with their characteristic rounded appearance may look more attractive but are more suitable to ornamental areas, i.e., where there is little or no pedestrian or car traffic. Being rounded they never lock and are therefore impossible to compact, just think how difficult it can be to walk on a pebbled beach. Pulling Wheelie Bins or pushing Baby Strollers over pebbles is equally very difficult, whilst cars tend to create ridges which become very unsightly. If you prefer a gravelled area, select a chipped stone and there are many sizes, shapes and colours from which to choose.

Selecting plants for the Driveway is just as challenging for the Rear garden, I mean the choice is almost endless, and with newer more compact varieties becoming available every year, there is really no excuse for not having an interesting looking Driveway. Aim to achieve balance between the openness of the area and the planted spaces; a lush vivid planting scheme is surely a warm welcome to any Driveway. Apart from ground conditions, site aspects, planting selection can be a very personal matter, but as stated, better to err on the side of caution, looking good all year, low maintenance but even so, you can still achieve visual interest. Some of our personal favourites would include the following:

• • Specimen Trees: Olive Tree, Sorbus Acuparia Autumn Spire, Laurus Nobilis (Bay), Ilex (Holly), Chamerops and Amelanchier Ballerina.
• • Shrubs for screening/Boundaries: Cotoneaster Cornubia, Photinia, Prunus Lusitanica, Taxus, Mahonia Charity, Camellia and Pittosporum Tom Thumb.
• • Low Level Shrubs: Buxus, Lavender Hidcote, Andromeda Blue Ice, Hebe Frozen Flame, Pachysandra Terminalis, Pieris jap Katsura, and Halmium Libanotis.

For a more traditional but nonetheless distinctive look, a Rose garden featuring Rose Standard forms and Flower Carpet Ground cover creates an excellent coherent look with the added bonus of scent. Some maintenance is required, not a lot, but most will die back for the winter months.

So no matter what the size of your site is, small, medium or large, there is no excuse for not having a stimulating Front garden and a practical Driveway. Careful planning and some thoughtful consideration, it should be possible to specimen tree (s), shrubs and some herbaceous perennials or ground cover in your garden to produce a surprisingly varied but interesting composition with a rich variety of colour, form and texture.
And the great thing is that if you make a ‘mistake’ or wish to change the order of things, well it’s quite easy to do. So go ahead and experiment and bring the garden back into Driveways!