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

Building a new Garden

Posted on September 25th, 2009

The current fine weather is an ideal time to achieve good progress with site works, and this is evident with a number of project aspects, ie, fencing including painting is now completed and the ground is being slowly cleared of any residual debris from earlier excavations and trenching.  

Meanwhile the Retaining Sandstone wall for the Raised Vegetable garden area is progressing well and begining to take shape, whilst the main patio area which will be extend over a number of levels and featuring Indian Sandstone (Ravena) is begining to evolve and to take shape.

Landscape Gardening

Posted on September 23rd, 2009

As the photos will hopefully illustrate, the garden fencing is all but completed and the fence painting is advancing very well, helped in no small way by the kind weather.

Meanwhile we also commenced excavating for the patio and pathway areas as well trenching for the new water main supply (black pipe- heavy duty hydrodare) to the house. Once pipe has been secured in position two additional supplies (one to Vegetable Garden area and one also to Front Garden) will also be installed.  

The commencement of paving (natural stone) works will represent a significant step and as the project progresses from this point, significant visual clues will become apparent and glimpses of the new garden layout will begin to emerge.

Garden Fencing – bounded by definition

Posted on September 16th, 2009

Installation of the Garden Fencing is at an advanced stage and work on final side is now well underway whilst painting of other sides has commenced. Although it was possible to retain a uniform level on each of two sides, we had to introduce some stepping of levels of the final side largely influenced by the level changes on a neighbouring fence. The stepping is very discreet and is only noticeable in a limited area. By the time planting is completed and after some maturing of the plants, I would be confident that the stepping will be virtually unnoticeable.

The painting and the colour choice adds some drama to the new fencing and at this early stage of the project, the prospects of a ‘new’ garden is begining to emerge.

Garden Fencing Tips

Posted on September 10th, 2009

Well work is proceeding with the installation of the perimeter fencing and here is a short guide with some tips and photos to getting it right first time: 

1. set the alignment along the horizontal
2. calculate the spacings between posts, ie center to centre (in this instance 1.5m, but this will depend on fencing style etc and can range from 1.2m-1.8m)
3. mark ground for post pits and excavate. In this instance because of the height dimensions (2.0m – 2.5m) the posts are quite substantial 3600 x 150×75mm and the pits are a minimum of 1000mm deep and 400×400mm
4. posts are set in concrete and secured in situ for at least 48 hours before screw fixing of boards can commence (any earlier attempts to fix boards could undermine the stability of the concrete post footings, which may crack or worse if post is not 100% secure could become weak and undermine the overall stability of the completed fence)
5. plan all works well in advance and avoid any attempts to take shortcuts and the results will be a secure, pleasing and long lasting garden fencing that will play a key role within the overall garden layout and enhance the garden design.

Garden Fencing – custom built

Posted on September 5th, 2009

Well a short reprieve from recent wet spells allowed us to commence a new phase (Stage 4), i.e.,  the installation of the Garden Fencing. After several weeks of Site clearance and initial Groundworks, which was often dogged by and made much more challenging by prolonged periods of rain, it was a welcomed development to experience firsthand what is perhaps the early signs of the emerging new landscaping plan. Sometimes garden fencing is overlooked, which is a pity really, but understandable because how often do we see poorly installed garden fencing? More often it is considered an eyesore and great efforts are made to conceal unwanted sights in a garden.

However if designed and installed with care and attention to the overall garden scheme, garden fencing fulfills very important roles in a garden, first and foremost, it must secure and clearly define the site boundaries. Perhaps an important but frequently overlooked role is the important contribution which garden fencing can offer to the overall garden aesthetics. Garden fencing has an instant impact on layout and site security.

In my opinion when it come sto Garden Fencing, the premium choice is a custom built solution, in which the functional and aesthetic requirements can be addressed from the outset of the project. Perhaps one if not the best solution is  Timber cladding or Shiplap Board (sometimes referred to as ‘Weathersheet boarding’), not only because of its hardwearing, long lasting and hugely impressive qualities as a finish, but its clean defined lines offer a very impressive and discreet backdrop to compliment the planting and overall site aesthetics.

In our current project the emergence of the new fencing was an exciting moment as one might imagine from the photos. Later in the project we will return to Garden fencing when we can demonstrate how colour can also be used to great effect to further enhance the impressive qualities of custom built garden fencing, making it an ideal solution to meet security as well aesthetic requirements.

Landscaping the garden (Stage 3)

Posted on September 4th, 2009

Well over the last week and more the weather has been very wet and unkind to us which has caused some disruption and delay in making progress and on occasions forcing a complete cessation to all site works and activities.

Heavy rain showers have created large areas with surface water

At times Site conditions are simply WET, WET, WET!!

In between showery conditions, every opportunity to make progress is exploited: excavate pits (1000mm deep) for fencing posts, completion of foundation for retaining wall for Raised Vegetable garden, construction of new front wall at side of garage and installation of fencing posts (set at 1500mm centres and 2000mm high) commences:

Excavating Pits for Fencing Posts

Foundation for Retaining Wall of Raised Vegetable Garden.

Progress on construction of Front Wall at Garage is advancing

Installation of Fencing Posts in concrete pits commences

Timber supports are used to retain Posts in position until concrete bases set

As Fencing Posts set, the Weather Sheeting/Cladding is stacked and ready

The poor weather has made it very difficult to commence any significant work on tackling the underlining problems of a lot of water in certain areas of the garden. At least two sources have been identified but a big improvement in weather will be required before remedial works commence.

Preliminary excavations have identified the problem areas, and resolution will involve a significant installation of land drains as well as replacement of old ceramic/clay underground pipework. Exarcebated by the major rain showers over the past week, there has been a significant build up of water in certain areas:

Water at entrance to Garage

Water trickles out near side of Garage

..but after heavy showers can quickly become a pond!

Positioned as it is, at the lower end of a generally elevated area, one would expect to find areas of dampness due to underground seepage, surface run-off etc, however we were surprised to see how conditions can quickly change (after rain showers). To resolve areas of dampness, we will install a comprehensive series of land drains.  Preliminary works included excavating test trenches typically 2 000mm deep and 10 000mm long and 900mm wide:

Test Trench # 1 clearly showing low levels of water seeping in

Heavy rains causes water levels in Test Trench # 1 to increase

On the Fence about Garden Fencing?

Posted on August 18th, 2009

Many Homeowners are increasingly more aware of the importance of the background look and are looking much more critically at the garden fencing. For a much more clean, consistent and sophisticated look, many are choosing to install timber cladding to conceal unsightly and uneven flaws in existing garden walls/boundary fencing. Although some prefer a natural wood finish, more are taking the opportunity to introduce colour (light and dark tones) the latter is particularly effective for a touch of drama as well displaying plant forms and colour to great effect:

Soft look but durable finish

For deeper drama, keep it dark

For a brighter more delightful look, keep it bright

For a neutral but useful look, try rich green

Either way, timber wall cladding is beautiful and versatile solution and being pressure treated is an ideal long term finish to add traditional or contemporary atmosphere in a more unified way to your garden. 

Landscaping with Ravena Sandstone paving

Posted on August 6th, 2009

A recent garden landscaping project completed in Blackrock, Dublin incorporated an interesting combination of features including Extended Patio areas, sweeping Sandstone Garden pathway, Sandstone Raised Bed which amongst other items included a Mill Wheel water feature, some very attractive Olive Standards, a new  fence constructed from pressure treated Timber cladding and discreet lighting using the latest high output low energy LED lighting.

The photos were taken during wet conditions which perhaps is useful to see how beautifully vivid and varied the colours of natural Sandstone can be. In this project the Sandstone paving (and wall capping) is Ravena, an increasingly popular alternative choice to the more widely used Sandstone Mint. Ravena appeals to those who prefer to have a more muted tones in dry conditions to the ubiquitous yellow tones typical of Sandstone Mint. Another feature of Ravena is the pink/wine colourways which are much more evident during wet conditions. On closer examination some hints of the yellow tones are also visible.

The Raised Planted Bed was constructed using White Sandstone and the wall capping is of course Ravena sandstone. The layout was designed to be essentially one level thus maximising the use of the various areas and also  providing some additional flexibility to the use of the recessed paved area. This approach also influenced the layout of the Raised bed which was essentially linear but incorporated a full circle to circumvent the Mill Wheel water feature which the clients were keen to incorporate in the new scheme. Looking at the photos the colour of the Mill Wheel is remarkably similar to the Ravena Sandstone.

I would also like to point out the results of the skill and workmanship in several aspects of the paved areas including the linear and curve cutting and installation. Grass margins were re-defined to conform with the new levels set by the paving hence the extended soil areas adjoining the old lawn and new paved sections.

Frequently we receive feedback on how useful and informative our SUNBLOG is to readers seeking design and layout ideas.  I also receive requests from readers to show more ‘Before’ as well as ‘After’ photos from our project portfolio. So here are a few ‘Before’ photos from this particular project.  

Bright White Background

Posted on July 10th, 2009

A very recent garden project featured an interesting combination of granite paving/patio with nice bullnose profile on steps which looked particularly well with the vivid green lawn (note the explosive growth in less than 2 weeks) and the white bright painted finish of the timber wall cladding. 

A few before photos again illustrate how design and layout can make even a modest size urban space look bigger and brighter and much more appealing.

The white background works particularly well with the Olive trees to create a Mediterranean look.  

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.