Shellboy – a re-newed life for an old Water Feature

Posted on July 31st, 2010

How nice and unusual it was to have the opportunity to bring new life to an old dis-used ornamental Water Feature, which was affectionately known by  it’s owner as  ‘Shellboy’. For simplicity, ease of access and given the space constraints, a purpose built Raised Planter Bed was constructed from pressure treated Pine Sleepers. The planting scheme comprised of evergreen planting with the emphasis very much on plants with low maintenance requirements. Looking good all year was important too but for some seasonal colour highlights compact Azalea ‘Geisha Pink’ and later in the year Liriope Muscari) also featured. Bamboo planting provided good height in the background as well as some  interesting rustling sound effects during gentle breezes. The foregroundplanting featured a mix of  Carex and Acorus ornamental grassess and several Hardy Ferns planted along the sides. The composition does appear full and very satisfying which combined with the soothing sound of trickling water created by Shellboy helps to create a distinctly relaxing courtyard atmosphere.

I hope to return some evening to take some photos of the LED spike spot lighting.  

Driveways in Granite

Posted on July 29th, 2010

Driveway design is usually a function of car parking and garden area and often the demand for space for car parking taking priority over planting space.  But for many Homeowners, the planting area is a very important space. In this example, the overall area being generous, offered more scope to design a distinctive layout for parking, planting and lawn areas. Granite was the natural choice, which provided an appealling, hard wearing and easily maintained surface.

Garden Summerhouses – more room to love living

Posted on July 24th, 2010

VICTORIAN SUMMERHOUSES - MORE ROOM FOR MORE LIVING

Victorian Summerhouses are not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but more importantly provide that unique solutions for additional space in your garden to enjoy more of life. Whether your preference is for a Garden room, a Hobby room, Music Room, Art Room, Plant Room, Study Room, well the list is almost endless… but you can be certain of one thing at least, with a Victorian Summerhouse, you get not just a superbly constructed Summerhouse from premium materials, but the exciting prospect of more room to love more living.

For more details: www.owenchubblandscapers.com/summerhouses/

Summerhouses made from Cedar and feature Double glazing throughout

LED Ground Lights for your garden

Posted on July 24th, 2010

Ground lighting creates interesting uplighting effects of topiary style planting

A simple, cost effective, energy efficient and hugely impressive means of illuminating garden planting during darkness can be achieved by installing LED Ground lights. Available in a range of sizes and generally low wattage (2W – 18W), GU10 3W LED Groundlights is all that one requires to light up most plants/shrubs. Note trees will require higher wattage, eg 18W. But for most applications the lower rating ground lights will be very effective. LED lamps are also available in a range of colours including white, yellow, green, red and now also automatic colour changers which feature several colour changes within the individual lamp. White is probably best and most popular but occasionally a yellow lamp might also be interesting when used with low growing plants or under the more delicate delicate translucent foliage of ferns, grasses and bamboos.

Ground lighting is a terrific way to highlight your favourite plants/trees in your garden and thanks to LED efficient technology, your LED lighting will provide thousands (typically 30,000-40,000+ ) hours of beautiful low energy enjoyment. 

Lighting adds drama to any planting scheme

Trees come alive with lighting

Feature trees by day become bigger features by uplighting

Lighting reveals another dimension to the garden

Lighting can help create atmosphere amongst the Planting

Garden Lighting can be an intriguing way to lead the eye

Garden Lighting – more LED, more lightwise

Posted on July 23rd, 2010

Most readers will be familiar with the energy efficiency and long working life of LED lighting. But as these photos from a recent project clearly illustrate, LED lighting is also more than capable of producing very impresssive lighting results in the garden. The lighting featured in the photos ranged from 3W – 18W. Whether you wish to uplight a specimen plant, water feature or a wall, be more lightwise and let LED do it.

Garden landscaping design featuring distinguishing values

Posted on July 22nd, 2010

Limestone Paving

Since the begining we have remained steadfast to our belief that the business of designing and building gardens, is hard but also exciting. Each project has some unique elements, but what binds our focus to all of our projects is the determination to be creative and construct a garden with distinguishing characteristics and one to exceed client expectations. But the process is a collaborative effort with clients and the goal is to realise a garden which will not simply impress but more importantly one which will be exciting to admire and enjoyable to use. 

Many of the elements which feature one might argue are not NEW  in a modern context, but very traditional like Natural stone, Formal planting, Open spaces but with practical enclosures , Water features, Garden lighting. But I believe part of the beauty or the success is how we manage to combine various elements in a sensitive way to achieve very interesting compositions of planted areas and living spaces. The core distinguishing values which feature in many of our garden projects are directly related to the traditional inputs of creativity and quality (natural) materials combined in a thoughtful but crafted construction.

The gentle but appealing attraction of Bay Laurel Standards never fails

The graceful beauty of the Olive tree - a modern classic

Water features opportunity for balancing vision with sound

Bounded by Limestone and only days after installation, signs of growth appear in the new lawn.

The fencing provides a dramatic backdrop for the low maintenance Mixed Planting group in a distinctive Sandstone Raised Bed

Outdoor Living (Limestone Patio) - space to share, relax and enjoy

Contrasting Natural Beauty - the delicate geometry of the Agapanthus Albus and the rugged drystone finish of the Sandstone wall

A great Garden Lawn is in the detail

Posted on July 18th, 2010

When it comes to making a great lawn especially using Roll Turf, there are two important secrets for success:

- good ground preparation and

- good ground preparation

Naturally you must start with a thorough but realistic work plan. Large or small lawn areas already heavily infested with well established weeds are best to sprayed with a systemic herbicide (one which will kill growth above and below in the soil). Leave area for 7-10 days in order for the herbicide to complete the task of killing all growth in targetted area. 

When you are satisfied that all weeds have been killed, you may begin turning the soil or rotovating. Repeat this a number of times and remove any other debris, large stones etc. Rake, roll and level area. Applying lawnsand is not only good for drainage but can be very helpful with the installation during wet conditions .  Do not compact area, instead leave a fine tilth on surface, to encourage quick germination of lawn seed or quick establishment of root in roll turf. Sprinkle area with compost and apply lawn fertiliser.

Area is now ready for the green carpet, ie Roll Turf Lawn. 

Looking after newly laid lawns require some attention for usually 2-3 weeks:

- avoid walking on grass for at least 2 weeks

- water during warm/dry spells

- when it comes to initial cuts, set mower blades high and gradually adjust to medium position. New lawns should not be cut very short during first year. Also avoid using ‘weed & feed’ treatments on new grass for at least 12 months. A great Garden Lawn is in the detailed ground preparation…

Making more Patio for more Sun

Posted on July 17th, 2010

A sunny area but no Patio to enjoy the Sun

Mark out area for new Patio

Excavate area, instal and compact Hardcore sub-base (foundation)

Probably to be found in every garden, a sunny spot away from main Patio which seems to get lots of sun but for some reason has no Patio!  Here’s a quick ‘how to..’  and get more Patio space for more sun enjoyment. The Patio stone featured here is Limestone.

Installation of the New Limestone Patio is well advanced

Completed Patio is greeted by a shower of rain

Stainless Steel Water Features – GET MORE SATISFACTION NOW

Posted on July 15th, 2010

SALE

There’s nothing better than the subtle shimmering effects of gently cascading water to provide a soothing and relaxing atmosphere in the garden. Stainless Steel Water Features are a great addition to any garden . We have just announced our SALE of the elegant 3 Column Stainless Steel Water Feature which are now on SALE for an incredible low price of € 499.00 (incl VAT).

The distinctive but elegant 3 Column Stainless steel water,  feature consists of 3 polished stainless steel columns, 1800mm tall ie 6′0″ (tallest column) each with individual flow adjustment. Also included are a water reservoir, pump and 10m of outdoor cable. The elegant 3 Column Stainless Steel Water Feature has been carefully handmade by skilled craftsmen and to produce a calming and relaxing atmosphere and adds a touch of elegance and architectural form to commercial and residential environments and will require only minimal maintenance. This feature does not require a running water supply but simply pumps water from it’s own Reservoir (tank) supply, which may require topping up. 

SALES price applies whilst Stocks last. A great way to get more style and enjoyment from your garden. For more details, email (info@owenchubblandscapers.com), call 087 2306 128. Products are also on display at our GARDENSTUDIO in Terenure. 

3 Column Stainless Steel Water Feature

Garden Fencing

Posted on July 15th, 2010

Starting Point: tired, overgrown planting and an unappealling blockwall

After clearing area, secure Timber posts to Wall

Secure Shiplap Boards to Posts

Landscaping works completed

New Fencing incorporated a practical but discreet Bin Storage area