Landscape & Urban Design Issue 56 2022 | Page 22

GARDEN DESIGN

A BEGINNER ’ S GUIDE

TO LANDSCAPING :

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR GARDEN

Since ‘ lock down ’, gardens have increasingly become an ‘ outdoor room ’ that can be specifically designed to suit your lifestyle , whether for sunbathing , entertaining friends or even cooking !
Although there are multiple elements to consider including seating , plants , shade / shelter and any structural features , gardens should reflect your personality , cater to your needs and importantly , fully utilise the potential of the space .
With this in mind , here are a few main points to remember when landscaping and designing a garden :
Blend & balance
One of the main principles of garden design is being able to blend and balance your needs and wants with the space you ’ ve got . Regardless of the size of your garden , you need to consider how the space will be used , when and who it will be used by .
Each area should be specifically designed to fulfil its dedicated purpose . Whether it ’ s an outdoor kitchen , hot tub or decking area , it needs to incorporate the right elements at the right scale to work effectively , including the use of plants , paving or a structural feature such as a pergola .
Form follows function
Initial focus should be on creating a practical ‘ outline ’ of the garden , ensuring each area or zone is accessible and interlinked with good circulation .
Assess where the sunny / shaded areas are , which areas are open to any prevailing winds and which areas are more sheltered etc . in order to fully understand your outdoor space and what it ’ s like at all times of the day , and throughout the seasons .
This will determine factors such as what views can be captured
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