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

Landscaping Ideas – Planting

Posted on August 27th, 2010

Do great plants make great gardens? Most definitely so long as all of the other requirements are satisfied including an appealing design based on a practical planting scheme, good ground preparation and careful attention to ensure that all aspects of the site are carefully considered. 

There is no doubt that the planting phase of a new garden is very exciting and certainly represents one of the most fulfilling aspects of the landscaping inputs. For many, planting defines what a garden is and certainly most would agree that the planting will significantly influence how the garden is perceived. Practical plant selections and interesting compsoitions are key.

The planting phase does often require considerable gritty effort and a disciplined approach helps, starting with the removal of excess waste/debris to preparing the planting pits. As the sun shines, the exciting prospects of an emerging new garden is within grasp.  

Driveway Stone selection

Posted on August 26th, 2010

There are many reasons why natural stone and in particular Granite is the superior choice when it comes to selecting the surface finish for a new or replacement Driveway. Durable and longlasting surface, significantly reduced maintenance and no weeding, no colour fading, much more appealing aesthetics etc etc After replacing several Driveways constructed from various materials including cobblelock pavers, concrete and tarmac, one is constantly reminded how important not just the design but especially quality of finish influences the longterm viability of the Driveway. A recent project illustrates this latter point very clearly. As the photographs of the old existing Cobblelock driveway illustrate,  poor attention to levels, jointing, and fitting are all too evident. Poor ground preparation is most likely the reason for the disintegration of the sub-base which had caused several pavers to simply open up and yield to pressure of car parking. This not only leads to unsightly gaps, but areas in which weeds flourish. A more serious consequence is the potential for widening joints is the risk to injure pedestrians.

 Apart from the aesthetics, the selection of suitable surface for a Driveway demands careful consideration. Similarly the selection of a suitable contractor or landscaper to instal the Driveway also demands careful consideration.  Understandably much of the client’s initial focus might be over influenced by the installation costs, but there is nothing more expensive than making the wrong choice of contractor and/or material. One would expevct a new Driveway to last a lifetime (ie > 25 years), why is it that many require replacement within 5 – 10 years? Inadequate ground preparation and poor workmanship which have been compromised by unrealistic project budgets. Spending more does not necessarily mean one will get more, but spending wisely after careful research and selection will more likely result in achieving the desired results. Anyone can in theory be cheap, it isn’t difficult, but doing things right first time and with pride requires a more professional approach. Value is not only measured by the cost on the day of installation but more importantly over a lifetime of use.

When it comes to the selection of Driveway stone, Granite is the natural choice.

Meaningless Life?

Posted on April 2nd, 2010

Signs similar to the above advising motorists to drive with caution as children may be playing nearby are commonplace. Warning signs such as these are essential in helping not only to avoid any accidents but at a fundamental level reminding us of the importance of every Life especially the life of a young child.

I was shocked to read in Wednesday’s edition of The Irish Independent  a report about the discovery of the bodies of 21 babies, believed dumped by hospitals in eastern China. Unbelievable, revolting and I am loss for words as to understand the tragedy and the circumstances in which someone somehow had no regard for human life. Why is it, especially the life of a young baby, could be without meaning?