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

Patio Garden

Posted on October 3rd, 2009

More photos from work in progress on Sandstone Patio works, Retaining Wall with integrated steps and excavated channel for Sandstone lawn edgings.

Hard Garden Landscaping

Posted on September 30th, 2009

Some more photos to show progress on our Hard Landscaping works, ie, constructing Raised Sandstone Walls, Sandstone (Ravena) Garden Patios and link Sandstone Pathways. Some photos also show preliminary ground preparation including Hardcore Foundations (Sub-base)  for paved areas and also one (Vegetable garden area) of the several new  water taps installed throughout the garden.

Later this week we will commence marking out the garden for installation of lawn edging (Sandstone Sett) which will permanently define the lawn profile and separate it clearly from perimeter planted areas. As the hard landscaping works progresses, work will shortly commence on the installation of garden lighting ahead of the soft landscaping elements which include tree and shrub planting, ground grading and preparation for installation of roll turf lawn.

GARDEN PATIOS – PATIO GARDENS

Posted on August 18th, 2009

Sandstone (Ravena)

Granite (Grey)

Sandstone (Mint)

Limestone

Granite (Yellow)

When it comes to deciding which and what type of patio, many people focus on colour. Yes a very important factor but so too is choice of stone, area size and levels. Bright warm colours are very popular, but others prefer rich hot colours whilst the neutral contemporary colours are becoming increasingly more popular. If colour is the most important feature of the Patio area this will largely determine which stone you may select.

Sandstone (Mint)

Granite (Grey)

Sandstone (Mint)

Sandstone (Ravena)

Nothing compares to the natural beauty of sandstone paving for patio areas. Slight variance in tones, even the presence of fossils are vividly revealed after a shower of rain and during sunny spells the results are a light and inviting space to be. Natural stone paving provides an enduring sense of style, is extremely hardwearing and very easy to maintain in optimum condition.

Here are some examples of the more popular choices. For more examples see: www.owenchubblandscapers.com/patios 

Granite (Grey)

Sandstone (Mint)

Sandstone (Mint)

Sandstone (Mint)

Granite (Grey)

Sandstone (Mint)

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.  

Family Friendly Urban Garden Design

Posted on July 16th, 2009

Not so long ago a family garden was little more than an open expanse of lawn with the concrete invariably down the middle and a few bruised and battered shrubs dotted around the perimeter. Fortunately nowadays, Home owners are increasingly more discerning about spatial layouts and more creative in defining the scope and content of the family garden.

Afterall and weather permitting there is no doubt that the family garden is perhaps the most liked, most used and probably most enjoyed area of the family home? 

When it comes to designing and planning the layout of a Family oriented garden, there are some critical elements to be considered. Many might to some be very obvious, for example, a Children’s Play area which ideally demands an open aspect, Plant selection criteria will most likely include some specimen/architectural plant specimens, some screening but otherwise plants which offer year round interest, colourful display, requiring limited attention or low maintenance, reliable performers which are also resilient given the scope and range of activities one would expect in a family garden. In relation to the adult preferences, good interesting and practical layouts are much preferred, ones offering some features in different areas, evening and daytime Patios with natural stone paving, garden lighting and water features are increasingly more popular and lastly a coherent layout which links all the various areas in a pleasing but simple and flexible forms.

Our most recent project completed in Floraville features a good size urban garden in a well established and quiet Dublin suburb. East facing but sheltered, the garden is very typical in terms of scale and requirements of what many young parents expect and wish to have in their family garden.

The photos show a selection of views from the various areas within the garden including Main (Daytime) and Bistro (Evening) Patios, a link pathway takes one around the garden on oneside sweeping easily around the lawn perimeter, access to Garden shed and beyond. Mature bamboos were positioned at key points to provide good and immediate screening backdrops. The Sandstone Raised Bed with its gentle sweeping curve and wall capping to provide an informal seating area, a major feature contains some striking plant groups as well as a Water feature and being within the Main Patio area represents not only a significant and important practical feature but also a striking focal point.     

To provide greater use of the Childrens Swing and Slide, a specially prepared base was constructed and with a synthetic grass covering is an ideal all weather play surface for the younger children. 

Specimen planting featured the beauty of the Olive tree, Nandina Domestica, Phyllostachys Aurea and Pseudosassa Bamboos as well as the beautifully platted and heavenly scented Jasmine climbers (Rhyncospernum) which appear like Mop heads/Standards but are trained on aluminium frameworks. In contrast to the Sandstone paving and Raised Beds, Trellis screening provides ideal backdrop to the timber Raised beds constructed using pressure treated Pine Sleepers.

I believe that this family friendly garden project in Floraville is proof that the design of a family garden in which children can play, adults can entertain, plants that appeal but require little attention, special features to attract and enjoy and a layout that is broadly simple but very practical is always possible. Competent Skillsets, practical professional experience and some creative thinking are essential requirements to achieve better results.

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.

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.

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.

Garden patios – making more of Outdoors

Posted on May 18th, 2009

The garden patio designed to suit your requirements and site conditions is probably the most important functional aspect of your garden area. Generally size is rarely a problem, sometimes space permitting patios can be oversized and thus look disjointed and out of proportion with the rest of the garden. Frequently one sees patios that are simply extended hard surfaced platforms effectively separating house from rest of garden. Patios need not necessarily be large geometric shapes like a rectangle, a square or indeed a circle. Try to be a little more creative in determining the shape, seek opportunities to achieve a more integrated look with the lawn and planted areas within the general scheme. If possible incorporate planting beds i.e. trapped planting beds which not only create interesting focal areas within the patio but also contribute to a more pleasing and softening look within larger patio areas especially.

Obviously patios are best located in the sunny positions of the garden at the times they are most likely to be needed/used. On the otherhand beware with patios at the house end of the garden especially layouts which run across the side access area. This area can suffer nasty cold draughts ‘wind tunnels’  as winds pushed through side entrance and across patio area. Nobody will want to sit in a wind tunnel!

Probably an aspect which you have little control over but which can be a big headache to resolve is of course levels. Steps are the obvious solution for managing changes in levels. These are commonly positioned at the house but it makes more sense to go for a convenient transition between inside and outside and re-position steps at end of patio but away from main access/exit points. If you must use steps at house, be generous, not everyone can or likes using  steps requiring ballerina foot movements. Be generous with the steps, make ‘threads’ depth at least 450mm. Height on the otherhand should be set at a maximum of 150mm. When more than one step is involved, ensure step ‘riser’ heights are consistent.  Ramps are also a possible alternative to steps.

Different levels in patio areas can also be exploited to create interesting views or orientations. This may require retention walls and a favourite choice of mine is of course the natural stone finish but rendered block walls can also look well in certain designs requiring a more contemporary look. Other additions/features which may be used to complement patio areas include Raised Planting beds, Water features, Planters, Garden Sculpture, Swing Seating, Lighting etc.  

A much more critical design feature is to retain integrity of the overall look by avoid mixing materials. Our preference is for a more coherent and consistent finish, i.e., with sandstone patios we avoid mixing ‘apples with oranges’ so for example all the key materials used for paving, threads, risers, kerbing and indeed even the decorative stone chippings used as trims around trapped beds etc are all one material e.g., sandstone, limestone, granite etc.

In relation to layout, space (lack of) frequently curtails the options here, but try to develop a layout which satisfies the space requirements but also provides a layout which not only links house to patio but is consistent with the profile of the garden layout. For example, an average family will require a space of at least 3.0m x 3.0m but 4.0m x 4.0m would be much better. Larger groups will require more space perhaps reaching 7.0m x 7.0m and more. Increasingly homeowners demand that the Outdoor space share or complement style treatments or finishes from the interior thus placing more importance on the seamless transition from inside to outside spaces. No matter what your preferred design style is, many are demanding more from the outdoor area. To see it as a sanctuary for growing plants is to greatly underestimate the true importance of the many valuable contributions a garden can offer everyone. Seeing the garden in trems of an ‘Outdoor space’ is to see lots of other potential, not just an area in which to relax, enjoy, socialise etc but the choice is almost endless. What is essential that more and more people are utilising the garden area as a living space.  At a subtle level, homeowners are making choices that have impact on how gardens look but also how they work. In this new enviroronment, how something functions is taking precedence over more traditional values of how it looks. Here in this new era of outdoor living, form follows function, which is not a bad development. Ultimately if something cannot be enjoyed, it matters little how well it looks.

In determining a layout which optimises functionality and integrates practical aesthetics, the design of the garden patio demands careful but creative consideration. It is afterall much to do with creating an area which allows one to enjoy as much as possible,  those few but precious moments of Outdoor bliss.