Helpful Hints for Garden Design
When it comes to designing a garden, the sky really is the limit. There are many different styles of gardens with differing structural elements and planting themes, so with a little research you will easily find inspiration to suit your personal taste. Here are some helpful hints for helping you to create your ideal garden design.
The first step is to define exactly what your needs and requirements are for the outside space you wish to develop. Ask yourself the question, “What do I want to do in my garden and what function does it provide?” For some, it will be the purely the cultivation and propagation of the plants themselves that will provide the main source of interest, so the structure of the garden will reflect this with composters, cold frames and raised planting beds being of primary importance. Alternatively, it could just be a place to relax and entertain at the weekend, so a paved dining area with lighting and low maintenance planting would be a more likely appeal.
Find pictures in magazines or online of other gardens that most suit your gardens functional criteria. Search for the styles that most interest you, so that you can get a feel for what is involved in these kinds of gardens. Look around to see what other people are doing and which elements you want to incorporate in your own garden design. You could also read our blog post “How a Landscape Gardener Plans a Good Garden” to help you in your research. Why not take a look at the BBC’s Virtual Garden Online Tool to help design your garden or browse the planting styles and plans created by top garden designers.
Choose a style that genuinely inspires you. If you want something unique or unusual, perhaps consider a water garden or maybe go for strong geometric layouts and designs. There are so many different ways to utilise your outdoor space and it will be up to you to make the final call about your own garden design.
Be mindful of your budget. If you have a limit to what you can spend, you need to stay focused on that, but don’t let a limited budget put you off. There are so many different affordable ways to create a great garden design, that you should never let money get in the way. See ideas for gardening on a budget to get the most from your money. Remember you don’t have to do everything at once, you can develop your space over a period of time when your finances allow.
These are just a few hints to help you create your perfect garden design. Remember, this is a creative endeavour that gives you the ability to do as you please and you should take advantage of that. Garden design is as unique as you are, which is something that you should always keep in mind, so that you can create the space that you’ve always dreamed of instead of just copying someone else’s garden design.
