The following article will guide you about how to design a new garden.
While designing a garden, the intention should be to provide a place that satisfies the requirements of those who use it. It is similar to interior designing of a house. Unlike a house, a garden is ever changing. Certain plants may be stunning in one season but not that good in the next season.
Eleven main factors to be considered are: 1. Planning 2. Modifying an Existing Garden 3. Designing a New Garden 4. Deciding on the Garden Style 5. Creating Functional Areas 6. Hiding Ugly Views 7. Assessing the Site 8. Climate Considerations 9. Soil 10. Cost 11. Xeriscape Gardening.
1. Planning:
Planning is essential to ensure a consistent design, though much of the pleasure in gardening comes from unpredicted effects. Deciding the basic outline of the garden on paper before making any actual changes will help to avoid costly mistakes. The position of long-term features such as trees, patios and walls should be worked out in advance.
Minor alterations can be made later. The garden should be planned as a whole rather than bit by bit. Thus the separate elements are not merely appealing in their own right but effective when viewed as a whole. It is also the time to decide on routine maintenance once the garden is established. It is possible to plan a garden, so that relatively less maintenance is required.
In an existing garden, always spend some time to know the space before re-designing it. Note down the requirements and put together some ideas about the kind of garden wanted. A little patience at the start of the project will save a great deal of confusion and expenditure later.
Some plants are not visible at certain times of the year. Most bulbs, appearing in the spring, are gone by the summer. Hardy perennials die down during the winter. It is always sensible to wait before digging the plot. Those sleeping plants could add to the eventual garden design.
When designing a garden, consider it in the context of its immediate surroundings rather than as a stand-alone element. For example, it may be in an elevated position but needs shelter from strong winds. The orientation of the garden – which way it faces in relation to the sun is fundamental to design.
The direction of the sun decides the choice of plants and the best places to sit in the garden. Always remember that the sun travels lower in the sky during the winter. A tree or wall will cast relatively longer shadows in winter than in the summer.
Mark the extent of the shadow patterns at different times of year. It will provide valuable information for planting and designing. Record the details of the views beyond the garden on all sides. A good view can dramatically affect the finished design. Note down the places most affected by the prevailing wind as it may have effect on both plants and people.
2. Modifying an Existing Garden:
In the majority of cases, planning involves modifying an existing garden rather than creating a completely new one.
There are many reasons to redesign a garden, for example:
1. Change the existing garden design to suit personal taste.
2. The layout of a garden may need to be adapted for a different use like privacy, space for growing vegetables or space for play areas.
3. Reducing the maintenance cost of an existing garden.
4. A neglected garden may need restoration to re-establish.
In an overgrown garden with full of weeds, shrubs and trees do not start work directly and dig up the entire plot. It is better to proceed with care as the garden may be hiding some useful plants to keep. The inclusion of one or two mature specimens in a newly designed garden can provide a framework to design the planting scheme.
It is sensible to incorporate the best of the existing features of the garden than forcing a predetermined image on the site. If it is possible, try to live with the garden for a calendar year making notes on any features that may be worth keeping. Take pictures of the garden to catch all four seasons during the first year. These pictures may be taken from ground and first floor windows. They help to identify the good and bad points of the garden.
During this initial period, routine maintenance work like removing perennial weeds, pruning damaged and dead wood from shrubs and trees, cutting grass and clipping hedges should be carried out to keep the garden in good condition. Overgrown hedges can be restored over a period of time by trimming and pruning.
Safe old trees can be given a new lease of life as support for climbing plants, climbing frames, space for hillocks and swings to hang. They may provide shade and good screening from wind and ugly views. Shrubs can be moved. Many can withstand a hard pruning.
A thumb rule is to look at the base of the plant, if it has just one stem; it is not likely to grow out new roots. Herbaceous plants can be revived by dividing the original old bunch. One of the major challenges in renovating an old garden is dealing with established weeds. The weeds in the soil may be dealt either organically using fabric mulch over a period of time or by using a chemical weed-killer.
3. Designing a New Garden:
Making a garden on a brand new site is an exciting challenge. Starting with a blank canvas gives more freedom to include the design elements of choice and removes the constraints of an existing garden. It is important to remember that the garden should be designed in relation to its setting. Factors such as climate and soil type should be taken into account.
It is useful to sketch a rough outline of the garden site. Note down the main elements to be included. Mark fixed features like the position of the house and the boundaries. Allocate approximate areas for borders, beds, patio, lawn, pool or any other features needed. Make room for functional fixtures like a tool shed or compost heap. These items should be located away from the house.
In landscaping gardens, there should be number of specimen trees in all large plantings to show their individual good qualities. The selection of suitable trees is most important. Shrubs are indispensable in all types of gardening. A study of the species and varieties is essential. Hardy perennials may be used in almost any situation where plants are wanted.
They may grow under the trees, among the shrubs, in rockeries, along the borders of ponds, on sloping banks, in shade or sun. The annuals have great variety and adaptability to all needs and circumstances making them always indispensable. Round plants have the same capabilities as the herbaceous perennials.
Many of them will live without protection and thrive year after year. Some require winter protection, but last without replanting for many years. The climbers are useful for buildings, fences and to cover unsightly objects. They are also useful for shading and decoration of porches.
4. Deciding on the Garden Style:
There are many types of garden styles, but personal taste is the main deciding factor. One need not limit to just one style of garden. It is possible to combine elements of two or three different types or create something entirely new.
Cottage garden has an informal layout and contains many interesting and unusual plants. It may also include some wild or conservation areas and a water feature. It needs good maintenance and horticultural expertise. Whatever may be the style, few basic design principles should be observed.
Harmony and balance are essential. Try to include features that complement each other. The overall setting should produce a cohesive design. Always choose a garden style that does not require repeated mowing, clipping, weeding, staking and tidying to remain beautiful.
5. Creating Functional Areas:
Make sure that each space performs its designed function. Thinking about how the garden will be enjoyed and used is all part of good garden design. While building a pond, there should be space to sit, relax and watch the fish. While locating a compost heap, there should be easy access. Planting areas need to be planned for easy maintenance. Consider the boundaries as an important part of the overall design. The following space guidelines help to create a garden, which looks beautiful and works efficiently.
1. The height of barbecues and work tops should be 75 to 85 cm (30-33 in). Position them carefully in relation to sun, wind and neighbors property.
2. Boundary walls can cast rain shadows on beds below them. Hedges planted at the backs of borders need to have 30 cm (1 ft) access behind the planting for maintenance.
3. Lawns need to be in sun or light shade. The seed mixture or turf should be chosen accordingly. It is good to construct a mowing edge to the lawn with brick or other frost-proof material.
4. Pergolas and arches should be high enough for adequate head clearance. A head room of 2.1 m (7 ft) is essential.
5. The minimum size for a patio or terrace is 3.6 x 3.6 m (12 x 12 ft). It gives enough space for a moderate table and four chairs.
6. All surfaces should be at least 2 courses of brick below the building damp proof course (15 cm or 6 in).
7. Paving should fall gently from the building (not less than 1:100) to avoid water running towards the foundations of the building.
8. Paths should be no less than 60 cm (2 ft) wide. For access to wheeled toys and barrows 1 m (3 ft) is required.
9. The average garden pond need not to be more than 60 cm (2 ft) deep, with marginal shelves 22 cm (9 in) below the surface. Shelves should be approximately 30 cm (1 ft) wide.
10. Pools should be placed in full sun for water plants, but away from deciduous trees, which may drop leaves into the water.
11. Seating should be approximately 45 cm (18 in) high.
12. Steps should have normally a riser height of 15 cm (6 in) and a tread of 45 cm (18 in). The maximum gradient of a ramp should be not more than 1:10.
6. Hiding Ugly Views:
Many gardens have ugly views inside and outside. It is possible to hide both. The most simple and effective way is to use plants to hide or screen. Boundaries can be a real problem. Consider planting tall evergreen plants in front of high overshadowing walls to soften them or use the wall as a screen to paint interesting scenes.
Manholes are usually located near the building. To mask, use inset covers that can put temporary paving over it. At times manholes are positioned right in the middle of the lawn. Simply stand a pot or other ornament on it to hide it. In the border areas they can be covered with low spreading plants.
Garden sheds can be screened with shrubs or a hedge Dustbins can be hidden with brick, stone or timber enclosures. Compost heaps should be located in a corner of the garden. It is better to create an area for both dustbin and compost bin.
7. Assessing the Site:
An initial assessment forms the basis of a scale drawing. Survey should include factors such as climate and soil type in addition to detailed measurements of the site. This information is very useful to locate shelter, drainage and plants. Always take professional help to prepare a scale plan. After taking the measurements of the site, the location of drains, manholes, ventilation pipes and septic tank covers should be noted.
Fix their position and make a note of their exact size and angle. Ensure that all walls, patios, paths, pools, greenhouse and pergolas have been included in the plan. Indicate the materials of these structures and their condition. Note the condition of the lawn, perennial plants, trees, shrubs and hedges and work out pruning or renovation needed. Make an estimate of the current and ultimate sizes of the trees and shrubs.
This information will help to decide which plants to remove or relocate, and other hard elements to keep or modify. Note down significant level changes at the survey stage as the new design may have to include certain features to include the gradient. A gentle downwards slope away from the building facilitates drainage for a patio or lawn. However, a steep sloping garden may need retaining walls or terraces.
When planning a garden use natural site features as part of the design wherever possible. Banks, slopes and changes in level may provide chance to create retaining walls, terraces, a watercourse, stepped beds, a rock garden or good views out of the garden. Poorly drained and damp areas are difficult and expensive to drain.
Make a building for many bog and moisture-loving plants. If large areas of subsoil or rubble are left after construction, they may be used to form the base of a gravel garden than replacing them with good soil. Gravel gardens require minimal maintenance once they are established.
8. Climate Considerations:
When planning a garden, it will be useful to find out local annual rainfall, sunshine hours, temperatures and any other special climatic influences. Climatic variations will depend on latitude, altitude and a number of other local factors. The geographical setting may also make a difference. Hilltop sites over 150-200 m (480-640 ft) above sea-level may be colder than nearby low-lying places. Coastal gardens are susceptible to salt-laden winds. Town gardens are usually warmer than those in rural, areas.
The microclimate should be considered in planning a garden. Note which way the garden faces and which parts receive most shade and sun at different times of day and different seasons of a year. Try to take advantage of the different microclimates within the garden growing plants that enjoy the available conditions than trying to cultivating unsuitable species.
It is always better to work with nature than fight against it. It means growing plants that enjoy the given conditions than struggling to nurture inappropriate species. The following guidelines are useful with regard to the microclimate conditions.
1. Take the sun position into account while planning the garden. The exact location of the sun in the garden in different seasons and times of the day is very important. Plan patios and places to sit and relax in both summer and winter based on sun movement within the garden.
2. Garden orientation and elevation will affect planting. Gardens on a hill will affect the levels of temperature, light and wind. Gardens with north facing slopes have less sunshine. South facing slopes receive more sun light and heat, and plant growth will be earlier.
3. Always choose plants from climates and habitats similar to existing garden for lower maintenance and a higher success rates.
4. Use existing walls and fences to best advantage when choosing plants. North facing walls will provide a constantly cool and shaded spot. South facing walls will be sunny, hot and dry. East facing walls are moist and cool. West facing walls are warm.
5. Try to filter, baffle and drain than contain wind. Choose hedges such as picket or ranch types rather than solid panels. Choose sheltered sites to sit. Wind causes physical damage to plants, so install a temporary shelter around new trees and shrubs to help them get established.
6. Position kitchen gardens to receive sun to warm up the soil early in the season and avoid placing near frost pockets.
7. Planting around hot walls and patios need care because heat reflected by the paved surface can burn some plant foliage Use deciduous plants to shade patios and the house from hot summer sun. Their bare branches in winter will allow winter sun to warm up the garden.
9. Soil:
It is essential to find the type, texture and acidity level (pH) of the soil. Soils may be light, sandy, heavy clay, chalky or acidic. The soil type affects the type of plants to be grown. It also affects drainage, digging and planting. Check the level of water found naturally in the
ground at different times of the year by digging trial holes in different parts of the garden. Most plant roots grow in the top 45 cm (18 in) of soil.
10. Cost:
Hard landscape features like paving and walling can take up to 75% of the total costs. It is worth doing some market research to check the price of materials. Paving slabs vary enormously in cost. As a general rule, natural paving is more expensive than man-made. The larger the size of each paving element, the cheaper it is to lay. In trying to reduce the cost of the design, always remember that plants, seeds and turf are all relatively inexpensive and do not require labor.
11. Xeriscape Gardening:
Xeriscaping means water efficient landscaping. The term xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros, which means dry. It is not a style of garden design. It is a method of gardening that involves choosing plants appropriate to their site and creating a landscape, maintained with little additional watering. By grouping plants by their water needs, using mulch and drought tolerant plants, water can be saved. It also leads to healthier gardens needing less use of fertilizers and pesticides.
The basic guidelines for Xeriscaping are:
1. Plan garden based on topography, sun exposure and soil. Create planting zones and group plants by their needs. Group the tough, drought tolerant plants in areas exposed to full day sun. Give less tolerant plants some partial shade. Keep the delicate plants near water source. Select most of the native plants which thrive with low water conditions. Try to integrate very few plants needing comparatively more water.
2. Take proper care of the soil by incorporating generous amounts of organic matter. This will improve water holding and penetration in any type of soil. Water holding soil will promote good root development and reduces the need for additional water.
3. Mulching is a naturally occurring process. It controls soil temperature, holds moisture, slows erosion and suppresses weeds. It also gradually decomposes and feeds the soil. At the initial planting stage apply about 4 inches of mulch and check each season for refilling.
4. The placement of lawn should be part of initial design plan. Think about how much water and fertilizer is taken to keep the lawn green throughout the summer. Choose an appropriate grass seed for the lawn exposure. Different seeds do well in different regions. There are other options less labor and water intensive than grass as a ground cover.
5. All plants do not need the same amount of water. Water needs may change with the seasons. Drip irrigation systems are often recommended for efficient watering. All plants need watering for the first one or two years. Watering should become much less frequent after they have acclimatized and developed a good root system.
6. Watering, weeding, pruning, deadheading and sensible pest management is necessary for good garden. Many plants will grow in drought conditions, if they have been selected wisely. No plant will survive forever without some water. Different plants will thrive in different regions and conditions.