Landscaping your garden is a big job that will not only take a big chunk of your time, but a large chunk out of your bank balance as well. Even if you are going to hire someone to do most of the work, there are a few ideas that will help you avoid the expense of a professional designer provided you have a flat garden that is.
At the outset, think about the end outcome you want, given the land you are working with. For example, garden design plans for a hillside will slope heavily and make it more difficult to build a pond! And in the instance of such a landscape, you may be advised to go with the professionals as things will not be straight forward and may cost you more in the long run. Decide beforehand how you are likely to use the spot. Do you entertain, have children, need a pool or have specific ideas on plants etc.
Start with the area where you will spend the majority of your time and then look out for landscape design software and books. Remember to consider the amount of time you will be able to find to look after your new garden. If you would prefer to be doing something else rather than gardening, make sure you take that into account when planning the planting and upkeep of your design. Try matching the design of your garden to the shape of the property as well; for example, a rustic old country cottage will look a little strange against very formal gardens.
A formal garden involves a very ordered arrangement with neat straight lines. The nature of such clean lines and close knit plants will make for a lot of work to keep them looking pristine. Conversely, informal gardens have rounded borders and more loosely planted vegetation. Of course it is possible to unite the two styles in separate areas though: keep one side formal and have it leading into a more rounded spot. You will often find this with some of the larger stately homes, sharp geometric lines and sometimes brick walls that will lead you into a less stately garden area.
The idea of an English country garden is one that is imagined by a lot of new residential garden designers. An English country garden can look at bit like organised chaos! However, there will be an abundance of different, pretty flowers.
Should you only have a small-scale space to design, try creating the oriental look with plenty of evergreens, rocks and a tranquil water feature.
The above are just a selection of the possibilities of different styles for landscaping your garden. Before you commit, take a look at plenty of magazines, other people’s gardens and on the Internet, as you may find something that you can adapt to your taste. If you decide you know what you want, create the design yourself using a landscape design software.
Tags: brick walls, geometric lines, informal gardens, landscape design software, professional designer