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

HAMMOCKS for Outdoors

Posted on May 24th, 2010

Another word about our very popular selling Hammocks is that the frame is manufactured from Pressure Treated timbers which have been engineered to withstand all types of weather conditions. So no need to worry about storage over Winter, simply remove (by unclipping the quick release clasp) and store the cotton canvass indoors during wet spells. The frame which is very stable, sturdy and eyecatching can be simply be left outdoors.  The UV rays of the sun will eventually bleach the timbers a silver grey colour,  otherwise rub down with linseed oil every two or three years. Although hugely popular with people of all ages, they are an essential garden accessory and much loved during the summer months, make hammocks a perfect gift/surprise idea!

Enjoy swinging gently in the breeze, or try do nothing for a change and feel good about it! Hammocks are a great way to relax and allow your mind to drift and wander to far flung places as you gaze at the skies. Hammocks provide a great means to enjoying other outdoor fun like reading, snoozing, listening to music, or just simply hanging out!

To order your Hammock simply contact us (see Contact Form on Homepage) or ring 087-2306 128 for details of prices and delivery.

A new family garden with design, interest and uses

Posted on December 24th, 2009

Once the site had been cleared, worked commenced on grading the site and to create a series of terraces with the highest at the back (upper lawn) and grading downwards towards front (a planted buffer zone separating lawn area from football area) which was also separate from the enclosed vegetable garden which was next up from the entrance level and garden shed.

Some other works completed included the construction of an enclosure for the puppy as well as some wall cladding/trellissing to conceal some unappealling unrendered blockwork wall finishes etc.

Entrance to Dog Enclosure

Planting at Dog enclosure featured Hardenbegia and Libertia.

View of entrance (southern) to enclosed Vegetable garden area

Enclosed Vegetable garden Entrance/exit (northern)

Stepping stone pathway linking Vegetable garden to Garden Shed

View towards Boundary of prepared ground of Vegetable garden

View towards House of well prepared ground of Vegetable garden

A rendered and secure garden shed

View of football play area

View of upper lawn area

Sandstone setts were used to delineate lawn profile

View of Ornamental Grasses/Herbaceous planting area

Feature planting included Tree Ferns and slow but low growing Bamboos

Old granite wall provides an excellent backdrop to planting scheme

The gentle sweep of lawn edge/planted areas provides added interesting

Sweeping lawn edges create variable planted space possibilities

The original Post & Panel fencing was painted green to make it less conspicuous

Practical and robust planting (Pittosporum Tom Thumb and Libertia) at rear of football area

Roll turf provides an ideal and instant finish look to a new lawn

Timber cladding with trellissing provides a coherent but attractive finish

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.

Affordable modern Garden Sculpture

Posted on August 25th, 2009

We have just received the latest additions to our range of Garden Sculpture. The latest is a series of attractive and very affordable medium sized garden art pieces (approx 900mm high) and made from cast iron, hence the aged ‘weathered’ rust look. The forms are all essentially modern themes and feature popular images that should appeal to a wide range of garden lovers and styles. All pieces are expected to retail for less than € 250.00 and will be available to view and to order from our GARDENSTUDIO showrooms in Terenure.

Here are some sample photos to illustrate some of the details, I will post some photos later showing each piece in a garden setting as well as more details on each piece. 

BEHOLD

BEHOLD

FORM

FORM

FATHER

Father

TOGETHER

TOGETHER

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.

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.

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.