"There's nothing wrong with it; it just doesn't work for us." This dilemma, often tinged with guilt, is what many of my clients say. The garden they inherited was ok. They really could live with it. But, with outside space at a premium, our gardens need to be more than ok; they need to be ideal. Don't worry about the amount of space you have - or the state it is in; there is always something that can be done to make it work better for you. The following examples show you some of the options, whatever type of space you have or style you want:
Front gardensTiny courtyardsLarge gardensOdd-shaped gardensPenthouses, roof gardens, balconiesJapanese-style gardensPlantingLightingWater[Click on each photo for a larger view]
Front gardens
Seldom used, front gardens are both a public face of a home and a private view from it. Here, a couple with a new baby wanted to be screened from passing traffic, including buses, while being able to see passers-by approaching to avoid collisions when wheeling the pram or pushing the pushchair. A dominating hedge that had blocked their view was replaced by a brick wall with railings; dwarf bamboo provides screening while letting in light (it is likely to grow only to the top of the railings). An olive tree planted in the centre will eventually help screen the view from passing buses. It's low maintenance (the bamboo needs the occasional clip, the rest can easily be swept) and includes a hidden spot for recycling and rubbish bins.
BACK TO TOP
Tiny courtyards
For many Londoners, a small space is all they have so making the most of it is essential. In this 5m x 5m space there is now a courtyard, of sandstone and timber sleepers, for entertaining. The eating area is delineated by a line of ball-shaped box, planted in pebbles. The remaining space, a strip along the house wall, is useful for storing a barbecue. Planting has been kept to a minimum for low maintenance. Small spotlights between the narrow borders enhance the space at night, providing a lovely view through the patio doors.
BACK TO TOPLarge gardens
In suburbia, having an acre or more can be typical; this 270 square metre garden is huge for west London. Whether it is rectangular, square or misshapen there is always scope in large spaces to incorporate spaces for different functions. This family wanted a formal look so there is lots of lawn with formal planting to tie in with the theme. The area near the house is for grown-ups; paving and a large section of planting create a boundary between this area and the children's space. Kids play beyond the arch (where wisteria will grow, creating a pretty boundary) as well as in the Wendy House; there is room in this furthest section for a badminton net.
BACK TO TOPOdd-shaped gardens
Unusually, access to the garden of this house is from the side, through a wrought iron gate so it was important to have a good view of the garden when looking from the front as well as from the back of the house. The challenge was to make the long, straight, narrow passage more interesting and draw the eye through to the garden beyond. Using different materials and large exotic plants did the trick. At the back there are three areas: a patio, a timber seating area and a raised deck for sun loungers.
BACK TO TOPPenthouses, roof gardens, balconies
There can be so much more to roof gardens than the ubiquitous small table, two chairs and a potted geranium. Even the smallest slot can be used creatively. A narrow balcony (or whatever you have) planted carefully can be a herb garden and a decorative dining space or, as in this picture, a contemporary, tropical suntrap. Just add a corkscrew, wine cooler, glasses and...
BACK TO TOPJapanese-style gardens
The tranquillity of Japanese-style gardens, creating a complete contrast from a rush-rush life, is what makes them so popular. Neatness and precision are key; using materials (boulders, granite, stone, slate, gravel) to represent or symbolise aspects of life is essential; arches, patios are musts as are mounded or rounded shapes and water. Towards the end, a formal grey slate path leads to an informal area where purple slate clippings evoke images of a river and green slate represents stepping-stones. Japanese planting - incorporating colour and lots of evergreen - includes bamboo, azaleas, acers (also known as Japanese maple), Japanese grasses and box. Repetition of plants throughout reinforces the feeling of tranquillity. At night a misting machine on the water adds atmosphere.
BACK TO TOPPlanting
Some clients know instinctively which type of plants and look they want; others are less sure. If you haven't a clue I will offer ideas and suggestions with photos or illustrations to help you decide. For example, do you prefer: structural or soft, architectural or country, floral or leafy, colourful or green, modern or traditional, formal or informal, exotic or cottage, minimal or abundant...these photos might help you pinpoint what you like or don't like.
 |
 |
| Formal, structural, architectural | Floral |
 |
 |
| Exotic | Traditional, soft, country |
 |
 |
| Leafy, green | Cottage |
 |
 |
| Minimal, modern | Abundant, informal |
BACK TO TOP
Lighting
Increasingly popular, lighting can be decorative (adding atmosphere) and practical (you can be out of doors for longer). It can be trained on a work of art, tree or water feature, adding a focal point or drawing the eye out from indoors, or used throughout.
 |
 |
Water
Water can add so much to a garden. It provides a sense of tranquillity to make relaxing easier; it can be mesmeric and help you escape from life's pressures; it attracts wildlife and gives scope to use aquatic plants. It can also be incorporated in many ways - ponds, rills, in sculptures or features, moving or still - and it can also be lit, adding atmosphere and interest at night.
 |
 |