There is nothing quite like growing your own fresh garden vegetables at home. The taste of home grown produce is always superior in both taste and quality. In a time of ecological degradation and climate change there is no better way to help protect the planet than producing food at home.
Not only does vegetable gardening produce healthy food free of pesticides and herbicides it is also great exercise. Vegetable gardening can burn up to 500 calories an hour and increase core strength and muscle mass. It is a fact that if you start a vegetable garden you are much more likely to provoke healthy eating at home for the whole family. Vegetable gardens are great way to introduce children to healthy living and a healthy diet. If you want to know how to start a vegetable garden from scratch there are some initial things to consider. If you want robust plants you will need to get the conditions perfect t the beginning. Everything from sunlight, water, soil, weeding and site design will have an impact of your vegetable gardens success. Hence we have broken the most important considerations down into 15 essential tips for starting a vegetable garden below. 1. Sunlight
When starting a vegetable garden sunshine is one of the most crucial elements. You will need a minimum of six hours sunshine daily during the season however 8 hours and above is optimum. Hungry plants like vegetables need more photosynthesis than other less demanding plants. Photosynthesis is the process whereby plants use the suns light to produce energy.
It is this stored energy within vegetables which make them nutritious for us to eat. Vegetables such as potatoes are particularly rich in calories as they store this energy in their tubers. Sunlight helps fruit to produce rich sugars that that we love to eat and help fruits set and ripen well. When sighting a potential location for your plots make sure you assess levels of sunlight throughout the day. Bear in mind during spring and autumn the sun will be lower in the sky. This can prevent sunlight from peeping over tall hedges and fences. If you live in an urban garden take extra special notice of vertical shading factors. These can come in the form of hedges, trees and buildings. In these scenarios it can greatly help to raise your growing areas up. This can be done with raised growing beds and planters. 
2. Accessibility
Easy access to your vegetable garden is extremely important for a number of reasons. Firstly vegetable gardens require ongoing development, maintenance and harvesting. This means having effective and comfortable wheel barrow access to your growing areas. You may find yourself transporting quantities of manure and harvested vegetables to and from the site.
In vegetable gardening it is also extremely important to visually monitor your crops on a regular basis. In a perfect world this will be every day during the growing season and within viewing distance of your home. This will allow you to keep an eye on progress even when day to day life becomes busy. The further you physically have to travel to your vegetable garden the more likely you are to miss important duties. Close daily proximity do your crops will allow you to weed, diagnose problems, water and harvest much more easily. However this is not always possible for everyone. Some people do not have the luxury of their own gardens and therefore grow on allotments. If you are starting out on an allotment you will need a strict and regular visit frequency. One of the best ways to encourage commitment to an allotment is to make it as liveable as possible. This means providing infrastructure for extra recreation. This could be a shed or summer house for reading or even a barbecue area to relax with friends. Access to water is also an important consideration when starting a vegetable garden. 
3. Soil
Vegetables thrive in a soil with an open, loamy structure with high fertility and good drainage. Reaching this level of soil conditioning can be one of the most challenging aspects of vegetable gardening. The best way to start developing your soil is to identify its current state. Existing soil types will depend on regional geography, river basins and previous cultivation.
PH
PH level is the measurement of how acidic or alkali your soil type is. Generally vegetables prefer a neutral PH leaning more onto the more alkaline. To find out what PH you have a simple litmus test can be obtained through most garden stores. If your soil does fall into the acidic category lime can be added to help neutralise its PH.
Sandy loams
Sandy loams are typically free draining and nutrient poor. This means they are difficult to irrigate in summer and do not retain nutrients for vegetables to thrive. The positive thing is you are starting with a well drained soil which is difficult to achieve with heavy soils.
The best way to improve sandy loams is dig in plenty of organic material. This can be rotted manure or composted materials. Over time sandy soils can be dramatically improved but seasonal manure should be applied. If you are impatient and have the budget you can buy in clay loams in bulk to apply to the top layer. Heavy Clay
Heavy clay soil is difficult to work becoming rock hard in summer and wet and sticky in winter. In boggy conditions clay can become extremely compacted and lead to plants rotting. Heavy clay soil is one of the most despised soil types for growing vegetables.
Clay does present an initial challenge for a vegetable garden but does also have advantages. Clay soils are extremely good at retaining both nutrients and water. This makes them very good for growing vegetables if you make them more free draining. If your site is particularly boggy perhaps adding a drainage system as an extra precaution. To improve clay soils add plenty of organic matter and free draining material such as sharp sand. Mix these in equal quantities into the soil. This can be carried out by hand or rotavator in early summer when the soil dries out. The sand and organic particles will separate into the clay particles making them crumble apart more easily. This process should be repeated year on year until your soil is lighter, fertile and free draining. Clay Loams
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Broken drainage pipes
Sometimes broken pipes under the ground can cause garden flooding and drainage issues. Many old drainage pipes can be many decades old and made from materials such as clay and concrete. These can loosely be fixed together and can become dislodged after many years.
Tree roots and ground subsidence can cause these channels to rupture leading to silting, blockages and water discharge. This is rarely an issue with sewage pipes as these are set deeper into the ground and typically go through front gardens. However old land drains and storm water networks can run through gardens and become easily disturbed.
Many old drainage channels have become silted and look redundant but are still actually carrying large amounts of water runoff. It is common for contractors to accidently dig them up, assume they are redundant and remove them. I have seen many examples of this including the example images I have put below.
In this instance the old clay pipe was ruptured and left to silt up. This pipe was carrying run off from the homes roof and hard surfaces into a land drain. The result was an extremely boggy garden with constant standing water on the lawn.
Tree roots and ground subsidence can cause these channels to rupture leading to silting, blockages and water discharge. This is rarely an issue with sewage pipes as these are set deeper into the ground and typically go through front gardens. However old land drains and storm water networks can run through gardens and become easily disturbed.
Many old drainage channels have become silted and look redundant but are still actually carrying large amounts of water runoff. It is common for contractors to accidently dig them up, assume they are redundant and remove them. I have seen many examples of this including the example images I have put below.
In this instance the old clay pipe was ruptured and left to silt up. This pipe was carrying run off from the homes roof and hard surfaces into a land drain. The result was an extremely boggy garden with constant standing water on the lawn.
How to fix broken clay, concrete or plastic drainage pipes
If you discover broken pipes under the ground when investigating a drainage issue you must do the following:
Step 1
Excavate around the affected area carefully, try to expose and locate the broken pipe work.
Step 2
Carefully flake away any small parts of broken pipe preferably at the top side. Use these openings to gauge how much the pipe is blocked, silted or filled with standing water.
Step 3
Excavate back on either side of the broken pipes to expose where the pipe is still in good condition. Dig out the full circumference of each good end of the broken pipe section.
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Step 4
Carefully remove the broken section of pipe work. There may be a sudden discharge of backlogged water and sludge, clear this from the area. If the pipes are clay, concrete or plastic try to make sure there are no horizontal breaks or cracks running along the pipe.
If there are these sections will also need removing. Cut back to the nearest pipes in good condition at a neat right angle. This can be done with a diamond cutter or sharp saw for plastic.
Examine each end of the pipes still in the ground. If they are heavily silted do your best clear the pipe work and flush them through with water.
If there are these sections will also need removing. Cut back to the nearest pipes in good condition at a neat right angle. This can be done with a diamond cutter or sharp saw for plastic.
Examine each end of the pipes still in the ground. If they are heavily silted do your best clear the pipe work and flush them through with water.
Step 5
Carefully excavate around each end of the good pipes left in the ground. Make sure you have at least a 75mm section proud all the way around the pipe. Clean the pipe ends with a stiff hand brush and a bucket of water to remove any silt. Once clean leave to dry out or wipe dry with a cloth.
Step 6
Obtain a suitable replacement section of pipe specifically for underground drainage at the same or similar diameter to the existing pipe. It is very typical for old pipes to be made from clay so a new replacement will be plastic. This means you will also need specific adapters for each end of the pipes.
Step 7
Obtain adapters for each new connection. As in the images provided this demonstrates the typical scenario of an older clay pipe being connected to a new plastic replacement. Measure the diameter of the old pipes these are usually between 100-110mm.
Measure the width of the new pipe which is usually about the same width. At a builders merchant locate a rubber adapter with screw ring seal joints that will accommodate your pipes diameters.
Measure the width of the new pipe which is usually about the same width. At a builders merchant locate a rubber adapter with screw ring seal joints that will accommodate your pipes diameters.
Step 8
Offer up the new section of pipe next to the removed section and mark the pipe where you need to cut it. It is important to assess how much play distance the rubber adapter gives you when cutting your pipe. You will need to cut your pipe slightly shorter than the gap itself to be able to squeeze the pipe between the adapters. Cut your pipe at a suitable length to fit the repair distance.
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Step 9
Fit your adapters to each of the existing pipe work, make sure the pipes are clear of dirt and dry. When you are satisfied of a tight fit remove them and apply an external grade waterproof sealant to the circumference of the pipe work. Place the adapters back onto the pipes securely and tighten up the screw ring seal joints until they are tight.
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Step 10
Apply more sealant and spread thinly around the ends of the new section of pipe. Squeeze the section of repair pipe in-between and into the new adapters until they are secure. Tighten up the screw ring seal joints securely. And make sure there is no dripping from each join. For extra strength and reinforcement each join can be set within concrete with a waterproof admixture.
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Step 11
Back fill the trench. If you have disturbed the ground much deeper than the pipe itself it is important to compact the ground underneath it. This will reduce settlement and downward soil, settlement, pressure on the pipes connections.
This can be done with a layer of concrete or compactable mot type 1. When back filling it is advisable to lay 50mm layer of sand or warning tape above where the pipes sit in the ground.
This will give notice to any future excavations they are just above a service of some kind. Back fill the trench and replace any surface medium which was there beforehand.
This can be done with a layer of concrete or compactable mot type 1. When back filling it is advisable to lay 50mm layer of sand or warning tape above where the pipes sit in the ground.
This will give notice to any future excavations they are just above a service of some kind. Back fill the trench and replace any surface medium which was there beforehand.
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Ecological drainage
Ecological drainage is the design and installation of drainage systems which either mitigate the loss of natural habitats or provide drainage which harmoniously interacts with wetland ecosystems. Typical urban, drainage systems allow polluted water from our roads, pavements and buildings to flow into natural watercourses.
This can poison rivers and add dangerous chemicals into the hydraulic cycle which we rely upon. Ecological drainage systems harness waste water and allow them to be absorbed into naturalistic wetlands. Here water can be filtered and even cleaned by wetland plants and microorganisms.
These drainage systems can even become a part of scenic, wetland environments perfect for recreation sports and wildlife conservation. On a local scale ecological drainage can reduce urban runoff, prevent flooding and create wetland habitats such as wildlife ponds.
Some good examples of ecological drainage include permeable surfaces, bioswales, bog gardens and seasonal flooding ponds.
This can poison rivers and add dangerous chemicals into the hydraulic cycle which we rely upon. Ecological drainage systems harness waste water and allow them to be absorbed into naturalistic wetlands. Here water can be filtered and even cleaned by wetland plants and microorganisms.
These drainage systems can even become a part of scenic, wetland environments perfect for recreation sports and wildlife conservation. On a local scale ecological drainage can reduce urban runoff, prevent flooding and create wetland habitats such as wildlife ponds.
Some good examples of ecological drainage include permeable surfaces, bioswales, bog gardens and seasonal flooding ponds.
Permeable surfaces
One of the biggest problems facing our towns and gardens in regard to drainage is impermeable surfaces. Patios, pavements and driveways accelerate the rate at which rain water enters the ground.
They also reduce the surface area of natural ground with a topsoil layer. Topsoil is capable of absorbing very large amounts of storm water. As more and more people pave over their gardens the less possible it is for water to be absorbed naturally.
One effective ecological drainage solution is to install free draining permeable surfaces to your garden. Surfaces such as free binding gravel, loose gravel and resin bound aggregate are good examples of these.
They also reduce the surface area of natural ground with a topsoil layer. Topsoil is capable of absorbing very large amounts of storm water. As more and more people pave over their gardens the less possible it is for water to be absorbed naturally.
One effective ecological drainage solution is to install free draining permeable surfaces to your garden. Surfaces such as free binding gravel, loose gravel and resin bound aggregate are good examples of these.
Bioswales
Bio-swales are landscape channels or depressions which collect storm water channelling it through an ecological cleaning system. As run-off travels through the bio-swale pollution and debris is removed by marginal ecosystems.
Microscopic plant life and bacteria help to break down toxins and water is filtered and oxygenated by the roots of wetland plants. Bio-swales can be large expanses of low lying ground, wetland meadows or smaller rain garden type features.
As well as their ecological drainage function bio-swales can become very aesthetic landscaping features. These can come in the form of linear wildlife ponds or beautifully planted dry river beds.
Microscopic plant life and bacteria help to break down toxins and water is filtered and oxygenated by the roots of wetland plants. Bio-swales can be large expanses of low lying ground, wetland meadows or smaller rain garden type features.
As well as their ecological drainage function bio-swales can become very aesthetic landscaping features. These can come in the form of linear wildlife ponds or beautifully planted dry river beds.
Bog gardens
A bog garden is a garden which makes use of a constant state of soil saturation with excess water. Essentially this will mimic natural wetlands or marsh habitats within nature. These can be artificially created with pond liners or taking advantage of an existing drainage problem.
Either way bog gardens can not only provide you somewhere to drain water they can also look very attractive. Boulders, submerged logs and attractive bog plants can all combine to create a fantastic focal point which attracts local wildlife.
Channels can be installed to collect rain water from your hard surfaces and direct them to a bog garden. This will allow excess rainwater to permeate the ground naturally.
Either way bog gardens can not only provide you somewhere to drain water they can also look very attractive. Boulders, submerged logs and attractive bog plants can all combine to create a fantastic focal point which attracts local wildlife.
Channels can be installed to collect rain water from your hard surfaces and direct them to a bog garden. This will allow excess rainwater to permeate the ground naturally.
Seasonal flooding ponds
A seasonal flooding pond is a pond which water level fluctuates throughout the year. Water levels in such ponds are typically high in winter and low in summer. Such ponds were once commonplace throughout natural landscapes before urbanisation and commercial agriculture. Seasonal flooding ponds and wetlands are vital for many species which rely on this specific seasonal hydrology.
Very much like bog gardens these can become a great way to drain a flooded garden. By acting as a natural soakaway they can draw excess water into them and store it while it absorbs back into the ground. Seasonal flooding ponds can be landscaped with attractive wetland plants, gravels, rocks, and logs. They can drain water from your garden, attract wildlife and look great all at the same time.
Very much like bog gardens these can become a great way to drain a flooded garden. By acting as a natural soakaway they can draw excess water into them and store it while it absorbs back into the ground. Seasonal flooding ponds can be landscaped with attractive wetland plants, gravels, rocks, and logs. They can drain water from your garden, attract wildlife and look great all at the same time.
Wildlife retention ponds
Wildlife ponds are becoming an ever popular landscape installation in many gardens. In reaction to accelerated biodiversity loss across the planet more people are seeking habitat boosters for their gardens. Not only can wildlife ponds help to provide food and shelter for wildlife they can also help alleviate garden flooding.
With clever landscape design wildlife retention ponds can be installed. These are traditional wildlife ponds but with an extra flood zone created out of mounded ground. Garden levels and falls can be directed into channels and swales which feed into the retention pond basin.
In times of heavy rain the retention pond can accept large quantities of extra water within its basin. This controlled flooding means other areas of your garden can drain more freely.
With clever landscape design wildlife retention ponds can be installed. These are traditional wildlife ponds but with an extra flood zone created out of mounded ground. Garden levels and falls can be directed into channels and swales which feed into the retention pond basin.
In times of heavy rain the retention pond can accept large quantities of extra water within its basin. This controlled flooding means other areas of your garden can drain more freely.
Grow more plants
One of the most basic principles of ecological drainage is to allow more runoff to be absorbed nature. The best way to accelerate this is to have as much open soil and planting as possible. Soil naturally absorbs huge quantities of water like a sponge. Its slow release helps feed watercourses, trees and plants with the water they need throughout the season.
Trees and plants take up excess water and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration. When planning a drainage system try to incorporate as much natural ground and planting as possible. This helps to redress to imbalance between natural and hard surfaces which directly causes most garden flooding in the first place.
Trees and plants take up excess water and release it into the atmosphere through transpiration. When planning a drainage system try to incorporate as much natural ground and planting as possible. This helps to redress to imbalance between natural and hard surfaces which directly causes most garden flooding in the first place.
How to drain your garden with a pump
The video below shows you how to drain your garden with an electric pump. This may be necessary if you need to drain a large quantity of water before drainage investigations and works begin.
Conclusion
If you want to know how to drain your garden you must successfully diagnose what is causing the excess water in the first place. Correct diagnosis in the beginning is key to not wasting time and money on the wrong solution. Correct diagnosis depends on familiarising yourself with four key points: Your local floodplain, local topographical features, progressive development and saturation density.
Local flood plain
If your property sits within a low lying part of a river basin it is highly likely you have a high water table. This will means that especially in winter ground saturation will be high. This is more a natural feature of your locality than a specific problem that has arisen. This makes high water table scenarios more troublesome to fix.
By digging a test pit to see how long water drains can give you an idea of your water table level. In these scenarios raising your gardens level with free draining soil layer can be a solution. If your ground is so saturated it is causing damp in your property you should contact your local authority.
By digging a test pit to see how long water drains can give you an idea of your water table level. In these scenarios raising your gardens level with free draining soil layer can be a solution. If your ground is so saturated it is causing damp in your property you should contact your local authority.
Local topographical features
Most of the time garden drainage problems can be put down to topography. This includes low lying areas or neighbours which are higher than you. When assessing your drainage problem look at the levels of the surrounding gardens.
Are you in a low spot? Has one of your neighbours changed their garden levels causing a dam to surface run-off? The best solution here is to re-work your gardens levels so you have a consistent and flush gradient. This allows water to drain downhill stopping it from pooling in your garden.
Are you in a low spot? Has one of your neighbours changed their garden levels causing a dam to surface run-off? The best solution here is to re-work your gardens levels so you have a consistent and flush gradient. This allows water to drain downhill stopping it from pooling in your garden.
Progressive development
If your garden has become steadily more flooded over time it is possibly due to progressive development. Many urban gardens have seen a reduction in soft landscaping such as flowerbeds.
This has been accompanied by a rise in extensions, garden offices, artificial lawns and paving. All of these have made it more difficult for water to be absorbed by the ground. Most of the time excess water simply needs somewhere to escape. A simple drainage channel with a new soak away system is usually enough to solve the problem.
This has been accompanied by a rise in extensions, garden offices, artificial lawns and paving. All of these have made it more difficult for water to be absorbed by the ground. Most of the time excess water simply needs somewhere to escape. A simple drainage channel with a new soak away system is usually enough to solve the problem.
Saturation density
When diagnosing a drainage issue assessing your backyards saturation density can be very important. Saturation density is when your garden is particularly wet in one area and not so wet in another. Normally a high saturation density is a result of a low spot. However if there is no obvious cause in terms of level there may be some other source of your flooding.
Normally a high saturation density in this scenario is nearly always man made. Localised boggy areas can be the location of a broken pipe, an old silted soak-away or where a neighbour’s drainage system meets your boundary.
In these cases it is advisable to gently excavate these areas preferably in summer time. You may discover broken pipe work or an old, failed drainage system. Fixing such issues or installing a new soak-away should solve the problem.
Dense root masses of trees and large shrubs can also cause impenetrable boundaries to surface water. This can cause areas of high saturation. Again a soak away will give the water somewhere to escape and slowly be re-absorbed by the landscape.
Normally a high saturation density in this scenario is nearly always man made. Localised boggy areas can be the location of a broken pipe, an old silted soak-away or where a neighbour’s drainage system meets your boundary.
In these cases it is advisable to gently excavate these areas preferably in summer time. You may discover broken pipe work or an old, failed drainage system. Fixing such issues or installing a new soak-away should solve the problem.
Dense root masses of trees and large shrubs can also cause impenetrable boundaries to surface water. This can cause areas of high saturation. Again a soak away will give the water somewhere to escape and slowly be re-absorbed by the landscape.
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To drain a garden you have to identify where the surface water naturally wants to go, (down hill). If low spots or damming are preventing this you have to allow it a route to get there. If this is not an option a void must be created where the water can run to. Consequently in times of heavy rain water can be captured and slowly reabsorbed by the landscape. For this reason a combination of re-working garden levels and soak-aways are always the solution.
If you require garden drainage services as well as landscaping services feel free to contact us. We cover Buckinghamshire as well as the whole Chiltern area. We also cover Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire Bedfordshire as well as London.
Some of our typical, local project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Some of our typical, local project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Garden edging can be a great way to define varying landscape zones and add structural definition to the garden. Ultimately edging creates a definitive border between two garden surfaces.
Edging can come in a variety of shapes, sizes materials and forms. Typically it is the functionality of edging which comes first and aesthetics second. Garden edging can range from large, permanent installations in the form of hard landscaping to temporary structures. In gardens today the most common reason for garden edging is to separate flowerbed from the lawn.
Edging can come in a variety of shapes, sizes materials and forms. Typically it is the functionality of edging which comes first and aesthetics second. Garden edging can range from large, permanent installations in the form of hard landscaping to temporary structures. In gardens today the most common reason for garden edging is to separate flowerbed from the lawn.
Why install garden edging?
There are many reasons why you may wish to install garden edging but typically it is to separate two defined, outside zones. This can have a functional purpose such as preventing lawn grass from spreading into flower beds.
This is the most common scenario. Traditionally lawn maintenance has required seasonal edging with edging spades and shears. There are two main disadvantages with this; firstly it becomes extra work adding to maintenance duties. Secondly over years it can result in a lawns becoming smaller and beds becoming larger. Installing a flush method of lawn edging will not only prevent this it will also make mowing easier.
Garden edging can also aid in the construction of new garden spaces. This can include retaining the hard materials for pathways such as aggregates or concrete.
This is the most common scenario. Traditionally lawn maintenance has required seasonal edging with edging spades and shears. There are two main disadvantages with this; firstly it becomes extra work adding to maintenance duties. Secondly over years it can result in a lawns becoming smaller and beds becoming larger. Installing a flush method of lawn edging will not only prevent this it will also make mowing easier.
Garden edging can also aid in the construction of new garden spaces. This can include retaining the hard materials for pathways such as aggregates or concrete.
If re-planning or landscaping a whole garden edging can help set out and define new areas. Using bold materials along these lines can create pleasing lines to the eye. This is especially the case if using artistic or architectural forms. In this regard edgings can become very much a part of a gardens design and planning.
Garden edging can not only mark out shapes and aid maintenance they can also help retain elevations. This can be if there is a change in level or quantity of material that needs to be retained. This can be seen with raised beds and sand pits. Sometimes slightly raised edging creates enough of a psychological barrier to prevent people from crossing over a space.
Garden edging can not only mark out shapes and aid maintenance they can also help retain elevations. This can be if there is a change in level or quantity of material that needs to be retained. This can be seen with raised beds and sand pits. Sometimes slightly raised edging creates enough of a psychological barrier to prevent people from crossing over a space.
Flush garden edging
Flush garden edging is simply edging which sits at the same level of surrounding surfaces. This can be the junction between two landscape surfaces such as gravel and flowerbed. Being flush this type of edging has many benefits including defining levels and separating features.
As flush edging is always completely submerged it makes sense to use materials that will not easily degrade. If edging is used to separate two substrates it can be almost invisible by using steel edging strips. If on the other hand it needs to be decorative stone and paving products are typically utilised.
The most common type of flush garden edging is lawn or mowing strip edging.
As flush edging is always completely submerged it makes sense to use materials that will not easily degrade. If edging is used to separate two substrates it can be almost invisible by using steel edging strips. If on the other hand it needs to be decorative stone and paving products are typically utilised.
The most common type of flush garden edging is lawn or mowing strip edging.
Mowing strips
Mowing strips are generally created by edging a lawn with a wide but flat garden edging. The purpose of this is to allow some extra width for lawn mowers to cruise effortlessly over. This results in easy manoeuvring preventing the mower from slipping over the edge and scalping lawn edges.
The most common examples of mowing strips are when a brick border edge has been laid in the original landscaping. This enables a landscaper to create a perfectly level lawn when screeding the topsoil.
Mowing strips can also be installed around an existing lawn. The only disadvantage of this is you have to build to the existing level of the grass. This makes it troublesome to install with long, rigid edging or paving. For this reason brick is the typical material used for flush mowing strip edging. This is a great way to help you maintain your lawn and stop your grass from spreading.
The most common examples of mowing strips are when a brick border edge has been laid in the original landscaping. This enables a landscaper to create a perfectly level lawn when screeding the topsoil.
Mowing strips can also be installed around an existing lawn. The only disadvantage of this is you have to build to the existing level of the grass. This makes it troublesome to install with long, rigid edging or paving. For this reason brick is the typical material used for flush mowing strip edging. This is a great way to help you maintain your lawn and stop your grass from spreading.
Lawn garden edging
Lawn garden edging traditionally is a thin strip of material which separates the lawn from other areas. This can be made of plastic, timber or metal. This type of edging is perfect for keeping a clean edge and preventing a lawn from spreading. Lawn edging does help aid lawn maintenance but not as effectively as a mowing strip. This can be tricky and fiddly to install especially to existing lawns.
Raised garden edging
Raised garden edging can come in a variety of forms and materials with differing purposes. In a nut shell any edging that has a slightly raised level can be defined as raised edging. Raised edging is a good way to create a visual barrier to pedestrian traffic.
A raised edging usually indicates a ‘do not cross’ intention even if there is no physical boundary in place. A common type of raised edging is edging kerbs such as bull nose or PC edgings. These are common place where paving meets flowerbed and has some retaining function to them.
Another type of raised garden edging can be low walls or header courses of brickwork. These can add structural lines to a garden or transition a change in material or function. Some other examples of raised garden edging include wooden picket fencing, bamboo edging and low wire boundary fencing.
A raised edging usually indicates a ‘do not cross’ intention even if there is no physical boundary in place. A common type of raised edging is edging kerbs such as bull nose or PC edgings. These are common place where paving meets flowerbed and has some retaining function to them.
Another type of raised garden edging can be low walls or header courses of brickwork. These can add structural lines to a garden or transition a change in material or function. Some other examples of raised garden edging include wooden picket fencing, bamboo edging and low wire boundary fencing.
Retaining garden edging
Retaining edgings are made of materials which are physically retaining a structure or volume of material. Typical examples of these are retaining walls or raised beds. Retaining edgings have to be made of fairly durable materials depending on what they are retaining.
Generally it is good to use stone materials and not ones that will degrade. Retaining edging typically comes in the form of walls built of brick and concrete. These can be rendered, painted or clad with natural stone. These retaining edges are extremely strong, versatile and can be manipulated in any shape or form.
Retaining structures can also be made out of rocks and loose stone. This can be laid as a dry stone wall or with mortar. Rocks can also be filled into gabions to create raised edgings. Timber can be used as long as it is externally treaded and of a suitable thickness. These can be cut and inserted vertically for curves or laid flat for straight lines.
Generally it is good to use stone materials and not ones that will degrade. Retaining edging typically comes in the form of walls built of brick and concrete. These can be rendered, painted or clad with natural stone. These retaining edges are extremely strong, versatile and can be manipulated in any shape or form.
Retaining structures can also be made out of rocks and loose stone. This can be laid as a dry stone wall or with mortar. Rocks can also be filled into gabions to create raised edgings. Timber can be used as long as it is externally treaded and of a suitable thickness. These can be cut and inserted vertically for curves or laid flat for straight lines.
Brick
Bricks come in a wide variety of colours shapes and sizes. Their manageable size and decorative textures allow them to make the perfect hard landscaping material. When laid together bricks create a visual texture which is pleasing to the eye.
Bricks are truly versatile and can be used in a number of ways. They can lay on edge to create a soldier course or laid flat in succession. When it comes to creating garden edging bricks can be the perfect solution. Bricks can be built into a low wall or laid flush with the ground to create mowing strip like edgings.
Bricks are truly versatile and can be used in a number of ways. They can lay on edge to create a soldier course or laid flat in succession. When it comes to creating garden edging bricks can be the perfect solution. Bricks can be built into a low wall or laid flush with the ground to create mowing strip like edgings.
Concrete Block
Concrete block is not the first material most people think of when they think about garden edging. It can however provide all sorts of edging solutions. This is especially the case when there is soil or landform to be retained.
The great thing about concrete blocks is they can be rendered, painted and clad with natural stone. This can leave the door open to be creative when it comes to garden edging. Block work can make fantastic low walls and built to fit any shape or size. It has to be noted that concrete block work should always have some form of foundation and bonded with mortar.
The great thing about concrete blocks is they can be rendered, painted and clad with natural stone. This can leave the door open to be creative when it comes to garden edging. Block work can make fantastic low walls and built to fit any shape or size. It has to be noted that concrete block work should always have some form of foundation and bonded with mortar.
Paving
Paving can make the perfect garden edging especially if you want to build a flush edging or lawn mowing strip. Slabs can also be cut and used to edge pathways and create borders to other surfaces.
The best kind of paving to use is natural stone. Natural stones colours do not fade with sunlight and much easier to clean than concrete aggregate paving. Natural paving ranges sometimes come with a setts and edging range which are already the correct width for building edging. These are usually thicker so you can have a slightly raised edging if you prefer.
The best kind of paving to use is natural stone. Natural stones colours do not fade with sunlight and much easier to clean than concrete aggregate paving. Natural paving ranges sometimes come with a setts and edging range which are already the correct width for building edging. These are usually thicker so you can have a slightly raised edging if you prefer.
Copings
Copings and capping are generally used to fix to the top of walls and masonry work. They predominantly give a wall a neat finish and prevent water from entering masonry. Cappings sit flush with the walls vertical surface and copings over hang.
This allows rain water to drip away from the wall preventing run marks and algae blooms. It so happens that many copings and cappings are for also edging your garden. These can be impervious natural stone like slate or pre cast concrete. The main restriction with these is they are generally only good for straight features.
This allows rain water to drip away from the wall preventing run marks and algae blooms. It so happens that many copings and cappings are for also edging your garden. These can be impervious natural stone like slate or pre cast concrete. The main restriction with these is they are generally only good for straight features.
Sleepers
Sleepers, typically known as railways sleepers are robust sections of externally treated timber. They can be hardwood or softwood and come in variable specifications. Generally timber sleepers come in 100mm x 200mm x 2.4 metre lengths.
These give you large block like sections which can be bolted together to create garden edgings. Sleepers can be set deep into the ground to become a flush or a slightly raised edging. The only thing to consider with sleepers is they eventually degrade, especially if in contact with damp ground.
The best way to use sleepers for edging is above ground. This generally means acting as a raised border or low wall of some sort. Using lengthways sleepers are only suitable for making straight garden edging. If you wish to create curves try cutting sleepers into sections and laying them vertically in concrete.
These give you large block like sections which can be bolted together to create garden edgings. Sleepers can be set deep into the ground to become a flush or a slightly raised edging. The only thing to consider with sleepers is they eventually degrade, especially if in contact with damp ground.
The best way to use sleepers for edging is above ground. This generally means acting as a raised border or low wall of some sort. Using lengthways sleepers are only suitable for making straight garden edging. If you wish to create curves try cutting sleepers into sections and laying them vertically in concrete.
Rocks
If you are looking for a more naturalistic way of creating garden edging rocks could be an option for you. Rocks can be expensive to buy especially graded into average sizes. However if you are in luck you may live in an area with a topsoil layer full of natural rocks. If this is the case these can be retained during excavations and broken into manageable pieces.
Rocks can be laid together in a dry stone fashion with small rocks filling in crevices around larger ones. This kind of masonry is typical in the rural countryside of the UK. It is best to lay rocks together with mortar but can be laid dry if you have many flat shaped stones. Random larger rocks can also be laid out in a line to create a naturalistic edging in the ground.
Rocks can be laid together in a dry stone fashion with small rocks filling in crevices around larger ones. This kind of masonry is typical in the rural countryside of the UK. It is best to lay rocks together with mortar but can be laid dry if you have many flat shaped stones. Random larger rocks can also be laid out in a line to create a naturalistic edging in the ground.
Logs
If you have logs from a tree fell or are friends with a tree surgeon logs make a rustic but ecological garden edging. Too often today we want too many straight lines and clean edges. If you want a contemporary looking garden perhaps logs are not for you.
If you have enough logs of a similar diameter they really can make very impressive gardening edging. Using logs for edging in this way is particularly great for wildlife gardens. Insects and beetle larvae use the decaying outer layer of wood for food and shelter. This can give a boost to local wildlife and natural ecology in the garden.
If you have enough logs of a similar diameter they really can make very impressive gardening edging. Using logs for edging in this way is particularly great for wildlife gardens. Insects and beetle larvae use the decaying outer layer of wood for food and shelter. This can give a boost to local wildlife and natural ecology in the garden.
Log roll
Log roll is a garden edging product consisting of treated softwood timber cut into semi-circular lengths. The log rolls are connected with an interweaving wire centre. This allows the logs to be rolled out to create a consistent garden edging. These are usually used to line flowerbeds with a higher soil level from the surrounding area.
It is not really advised to attempt to retain a large quantity of soil with these as they can soon rot. Log roll can be a good way of cladding unsightly concrete or stone work acting as garden edging. I personally do not think this is a good edging solution as they tend to degrade after a few years.
It is not really advised to attempt to retain a large quantity of soil with these as they can soon rot. Log roll can be a good way of cladding unsightly concrete or stone work acting as garden edging. I personally do not think this is a good edging solution as they tend to degrade after a few years.
Bamboo garden edging
Bamboo edging is pretty much the same as the log roll edgings and constructed in the same way. The bamboo slices are much thinner than the log roll making them less robust. Having said this, bamboo takes a lot longer to degrade than soft wood and does look more decorative. Once again I would not use this type of edging other than to clad a more solid building material.
Willow garden edging
Willow garden edging can be extremely decorative especially if it is the interwoven basket type. This for me is more low fencing than garden edging but it is sold as garden edging. These can be used to close off small areas including flower beds and do have a natural feel.
These can be effective at creating a small boundary but I would not try to retain anything heavy. Willow edging can be effective but will soon root if it is in contact with the soil or damp vegetation.
These can be effective at creating a small boundary but I would not try to retain anything heavy. Willow edging can be effective but will soon root if it is in contact with the soil or damp vegetation.
Wire garden edging
Wire garden edging is again is more of a low fencing which is used to make a low lying boundary. This type of edging usually comes in a flimsy roll and can be pegged into the ground. I personally really don’t think it’s very good to look and functionally not much better. If you are going to used wire garden edging the rigid decorative panels are the best option.
Picket fences
If you genuinely feel you need this low fence type edging then I find the painted timber picket type the best. These do actually create something rigid and hard wearing along garden edges.
To be honest I never completely see the point of low fencing edging but this type at least can look aesthetic. In terms of a boundary edging this perhaps stands the best chance of creating a physical barrier.
To be honest I never completely see the point of low fencing edging but this type at least can look aesthetic. In terms of a boundary edging this perhaps stands the best chance of creating a physical barrier.
Roll out lawn garden edging
This edging consists of a thin, rigid, tape like roll which can be submerged around the edge of your lawn. It is intended to tightly hug the vertical perimeter or the grass to maintain a neat edge. I have installed this a few times and it can be very fiddly to fix in place.
This material is good for curves but I often wonder if it is robust enough to last the test of time. I personally would not fancy the plastic versions chances against an accidental hit with a strimmer or mower.
This material is good for curves but I often wonder if it is robust enough to last the test of time. I personally would not fancy the plastic versions chances against an accidental hit with a strimmer or mower.
Steel garden edging
If you want to install a robust garden edging which is thin and handle curves this would be my choice. Usually made of stainless steel these metre long sections interlock to create a continuous garden edging.
These are rigid enough to be tamped into existing ground but best if the ground is loosened first. This flexible but strong metal edging can be haunched into position using concrete when landscaping. This can frame a new organically shaped garden lawn beautifully. A commonly used brand I have used in the UK is Everedge.
These are rigid enough to be tamped into existing ground but best if the ground is loosened first. This flexible but strong metal edging can be haunched into position using concrete when landscaping. This can frame a new organically shaped garden lawn beautifully. A commonly used brand I have used in the UK is Everedge.
What not to use as garden edging
With new social media platforms there’s been an explosion of great gardening ideas and precedents. I have to say however I am concerned by some suggested methods of garden edging on some of these platforms.
Hence I have put together some bad garden edging examples you should stay away from.
Hence I have put together some bad garden edging examples you should stay away from.
Shells
Glass bottles
Old plates
Glass bottles
Old plates
All of these submerged vertically into the ground may seem an interesting and resourceful way of making garden edging but I would not recommend it. Any material which can shatter with sharp edges is not suitable for garden edging.
This is especially so if it is standing upright. I would also stress that glass should never be used in this way. Even small garden tools can easily shatter such materials causing a health and safety risk, especially for children.
I wish you luck in deciding what garden edging you wish to choose. My personal recommendation is try to incorporate edging which complement the existing design of the garden. Never let cost or hard work lead to half hearted solutions.
Effective garden edging should be robust and able to last the test of time. For this reason I always go for masonry over timber products.
This is especially so if it is standing upright. I would also stress that glass should never be used in this way. Even small garden tools can easily shatter such materials causing a health and safety risk, especially for children.
I wish you luck in deciding what garden edging you wish to choose. My personal recommendation is try to incorporate edging which complement the existing design of the garden. Never let cost or hard work lead to half hearted solutions.
Effective garden edging should be robust and able to last the test of time. For this reason I always go for masonry over timber products.
If you require a landscape services why not contact Paul and his team. Our landscape gardening teams serve Buckinghamshire and the Chiltern region.
Some of our typical project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Some of our typical project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
The idea of creating an edible garden may not necessarily be an obvious one to most people. However there are numerous benefits to making one and they are more diverse than you ever could imagine. The first thoughts many people have when they think of edible gardens is vegetable plots.
Vegetable plots can be a great way to produce fresh produce but it is not the only way. Many more decorative garden plants are actually edible. Some have edible seeds, flowers, fruits and leaves. It is simply a case of knowing what you are doing and planting the correct plants.
It is indeed possible to put together a beautiful planting scheme completely made up of edible plants. There are actually many to choose from if you live in a temperate climate. In this article I will explain how to make an edible garden and what options are available to you to make this possible.
Vegetable plots can be a great way to produce fresh produce but it is not the only way. Many more decorative garden plants are actually edible. Some have edible seeds, flowers, fruits and leaves. It is simply a case of knowing what you are doing and planting the correct plants.
It is indeed possible to put together a beautiful planting scheme completely made up of edible plants. There are actually many to choose from if you live in a temperate climate. In this article I will explain how to make an edible garden and what options are available to you to make this possible.
What is an edible garden?
An edible garden is a garden which either allows for intensive food production or implements edible plants into its planting schemes. Edible gardens can consist of allotments, orchards, raised growing beds, polytunnels, herb gardens and edible planting schemes.
Typically edible gardens are not just confined to traditional vegetable gardening techniques and varieties. An edible will make use of more permanent types of edible plants such as perennial vegetables and decorative, edible shrubs. Edible gardens can be as simple as a herb growing bed or a food forest full of unusual edibles. These gardens can become several canopies of plantings which harvest the suns light on many levels.
Such edible systems are typical of permaculture design and agro-forestry. These can produce diverse habitats full of fruiting trees, shrubs, perennial vegetables as well as fish ponds, bee keeping and mushroom production. Edible gardens can come in many shapes and sizes and can be extremely productive.
Typically edible gardens are not just confined to traditional vegetable gardening techniques and varieties. An edible will make use of more permanent types of edible plants such as perennial vegetables and decorative, edible shrubs. Edible gardens can be as simple as a herb growing bed or a food forest full of unusual edibles. These gardens can become several canopies of plantings which harvest the suns light on many levels.
Such edible systems are typical of permaculture design and agro-forestry. These can produce diverse habitats full of fruiting trees, shrubs, perennial vegetables as well as fish ponds, bee keeping and mushroom production. Edible gardens can come in many shapes and sizes and can be extremely productive.
Why make an edible garden?
In recent years there has been an increased interest in where our food comes from. A series of supermarket scandals and the questionable long term safety of commercial herbicides has concerned consumers.
We also live in an era of climate change and ecological destruction. The food industry has directly facilitated the cutting down of rainforests with products such as palm oil. Palm oil plantations are slowing replacing rainforests at an alarming rate. This is altering weather cycles and contributing to the extinction of thousands of species.
People are becoming more ecologically conscious and desire to have a much more local food supply. There is also recognition that home grown food tastes much better than supermarket produce. Many famous chefs and restaurants now aim to grow much of their ingredients locally. All of these facts have led to the idea of edible gardens gaining in popularity.
We also live in an era of climate change and ecological destruction. The food industry has directly facilitated the cutting down of rainforests with products such as palm oil. Palm oil plantations are slowing replacing rainforests at an alarming rate. This is altering weather cycles and contributing to the extinction of thousands of species.
People are becoming more ecologically conscious and desire to have a much more local food supply. There is also recognition that home grown food tastes much better than supermarket produce. Many famous chefs and restaurants now aim to grow much of their ingredients locally. All of these facts have led to the idea of edible gardens gaining in popularity.
Vegetable gardens
Vegetable gardens are the most common system for creating an edible garden. These are typically allotment type spaces consisting of rows of vegetables in well weeded beds. Most of the time these are simply large square areas cut out of lawn and ameliorated with well rotted manure.
Vegetable gardens are a great way to exercise with vegetable gardening being capable of burning up to 400 calories per hour. Produce grown in vegetable gardens is far superior in taste to shop bought. Generally this is because supermarkets priority is to stock vegetable strains that give good shelf life but not necessarily taste.
Vegetable gardeners usually pick a few of their favourite vegetables and grow them on mass. Vegetable gardens can bring you a steady supply of great tasting fruit and vegetables throughout the summer.
Vegetable gardens are a great way to exercise with vegetable gardening being capable of burning up to 400 calories per hour. Produce grown in vegetable gardens is far superior in taste to shop bought. Generally this is because supermarkets priority is to stock vegetable strains that give good shelf life but not necessarily taste.
Vegetable gardeners usually pick a few of their favourite vegetables and grow them on mass. Vegetable gardens can bring you a steady supply of great tasting fruit and vegetables throughout the summer.
Raised growing beds
Raised growing beds are a popular choice when creating an edible vegetable garden. Plants respond very well to large volumes of soil. This provides a stable moisture content and generous medium for roots to spread far and wide.
Raised growing beds allow you to control the quality of your soil by having to initially add it yourself. Raised beds allow you to raise the growing area up and closer to you meaning less bending and strain on your lower back. This is particularly beneficial to elderly gardeners and people with disabilities.
Raised beds can be created with pretty much any robust material including large plastic pipes, concrete and brick. The most common method of building raised growing beds is with timber sleepers. These are large and robust sections of timber typically with a width of 100mm. traditionally used to support railway lines sleepers enable you to build raised beds quickly and to pretty much any shape or size.
Raised growing beds allow you to control the quality of your soil by having to initially add it yourself. Raised beds allow you to raise the growing area up and closer to you meaning less bending and strain on your lower back. This is particularly beneficial to elderly gardeners and people with disabilities.
Raised beds can be created with pretty much any robust material including large plastic pipes, concrete and brick. The most common method of building raised growing beds is with timber sleepers. These are large and robust sections of timber typically with a width of 100mm. traditionally used to support railway lines sleepers enable you to build raised beds quickly and to pretty much any shape or size.
Orchards
Orchards are great to incorporate into an edible garden but do require some space. These are really only possible on larger plots but dwarf fruit and nut trees can be purchased for smaller garden. Fruit can also be pruned against fences and south facing walls to utilise all available garden space.
This kind of pruning is perfect for soft fruit like peaches and pears. Nuts can be a reliable crop which are easy to store which are high in calories and omega 3. Orchards are also great for wildlife providing nesting for birds and pollen for insects. Whether you are planning a large scale orchard or just one apple tree fruit trees are perfect for any edible garden.
This kind of pruning is perfect for soft fruit like peaches and pears. Nuts can be a reliable crop which are easy to store which are high in calories and omega 3. Orchards are also great for wildlife providing nesting for birds and pollen for insects. Whether you are planning a large scale orchard or just one apple tree fruit trees are perfect for any edible garden.
Perennial vegetables
Perennial plants die back in the winter and grow up new shoots in the spring and summer. With perennial vegetables therefore you get the advantage of more food every year for little effort. Perennial vegetables usually have a storage facility such as a crown or bulb to store energy so they can burst into life every year.
Some well known perennial vegetables include; Rhubarb, Asparagus, Artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes. However there are also many not so known ones such as Chinese yam, Oca, Mashua, Fiddle head ferns, various mushrooms, Chives, Good King Henry and Babington leeks.
When planting perennial vegetables it is important to realise they will be in the ground a long time. It is important therefore to work the ground deeply with plenty of organic matter and fertiliser. Try to plant things that you like to eat and will make use of throughout the growing season. Try to learn everything about the crops physical attributes before planting them.
For example Jerusalem artichokes are tall and bamboo like. Hence these can be used at the back of a border. Rhubarb is a good looking plant with large leaves which can shade out the weeds. There for it can be used effectively in flower borders and decorative areas.
Some well known perennial vegetables include; Rhubarb, Asparagus, Artichokes and Jerusalem artichokes. However there are also many not so known ones such as Chinese yam, Oca, Mashua, Fiddle head ferns, various mushrooms, Chives, Good King Henry and Babington leeks.
When planting perennial vegetables it is important to realise they will be in the ground a long time. It is important therefore to work the ground deeply with plenty of organic matter and fertiliser. Try to plant things that you like to eat and will make use of throughout the growing season. Try to learn everything about the crops physical attributes before planting them.
For example Jerusalem artichokes are tall and bamboo like. Hence these can be used at the back of a border. Rhubarb is a good looking plant with large leaves which can shade out the weeds. There for it can be used effectively in flower borders and decorative areas.
Edible planting schemes
Many who wish to create an edible garden still want a decorative garden with interesting foliage and flowers. Most of the time selecting edible plants is the easy part the challenge is changing your pallet to widen the scope of what you will eat.
For instance many wild plants such as Nettles and Dandelions are edible but few think of them as being appetising. There are many common flowering plants which are edible such as nasturtiums. Numerous attractive shrubs have edible fruits however they are usually so small and clustered few commercial growers would consider them a worthwhile crop.
If you are interested in learning what options you have in terms of edible plants for a temperate climate I would recommend Martin Crawford’s book. 'Creating a forest garden' has pretty much every unusual edible crop you could imagine including some familiar edibles.
With the correct literature and some in-depth research extensive planting schemes can be created solely with edible planting. You may need to take some time sourcing unusual plants or even growing some from seed to get everything you need. Without a doubt edible planting can be just as beautiful and diverse as inedible.
Just be absolutely 100% sure you know what you are putting in your mouth. Some similar looking non edibles are poisonous.
For instance many wild plants such as Nettles and Dandelions are edible but few think of them as being appetising. There are many common flowering plants which are edible such as nasturtiums. Numerous attractive shrubs have edible fruits however they are usually so small and clustered few commercial growers would consider them a worthwhile crop.
If you are interested in learning what options you have in terms of edible plants for a temperate climate I would recommend Martin Crawford’s book. 'Creating a forest garden' has pretty much every unusual edible crop you could imagine including some familiar edibles.
With the correct literature and some in-depth research extensive planting schemes can be created solely with edible planting. You may need to take some time sourcing unusual plants or even growing some from seed to get everything you need. Without a doubt edible planting can be just as beautiful and diverse as inedible.
Just be absolutely 100% sure you know what you are putting in your mouth. Some similar looking non edibles are poisonous.
Soil preparation
Growing an edible garden will require some ground preparation for your plants to reach their full potential. You will need to prepare your soil especially if you are turning lawn into growing areas. Edible plants do need some extra soil amelioration including adding drainage and fertility.
Planting areas should be dug down deeply and turned over to alleviate compaction and add oxygen. If your garden is in a low lying, boggy area adding sand and organic matter can improve drainage. Soil should be worked to a fine fluffy texture and will benefit from adding a natural fertiliser like manure.
Planting areas should be dug down deeply and turned over to alleviate compaction and add oxygen. If your garden is in a low lying, boggy area adding sand and organic matter can improve drainage. Soil should be worked to a fine fluffy texture and will benefit from adding a natural fertiliser like manure.
Fertility
If you want your edible garden to thrive year after year it will be necessary to have a system for maintaining fertility within the ground. Fertility can be greatly underestimated in the effectiveness of increasing productivity in your growing areas. Commonly people rely on adding large amounts of synthetic fertilisers to plants to give them the nutrition they need.
In nature soil fertility is kept in balance by the continuous recycling of nutrients caused by natural processes. The death of animals, plant matter, animal droppings, nitrogen fixing plants, and fungi all help to keep fertility stable. In gardens this process is not typically present but it is beneficial to encourage as much natural recycling as possible.
This can be achieved by composting as much as possible and diversifying you’re growing areas. Adding continuous organic layers to the soil such as mulching can help invigorate soil life help to keep nutrients in balance.
When planning an edible garden managing fertility in as a natural way as possible is extremely beneficial. For self sufficient crop production year after year the closer to a natural ecosystem your garden is the better.
In nature soil fertility is kept in balance by the continuous recycling of nutrients caused by natural processes. The death of animals, plant matter, animal droppings, nitrogen fixing plants, and fungi all help to keep fertility stable. In gardens this process is not typically present but it is beneficial to encourage as much natural recycling as possible.
This can be achieved by composting as much as possible and diversifying you’re growing areas. Adding continuous organic layers to the soil such as mulching can help invigorate soil life help to keep nutrients in balance.
When planning an edible garden managing fertility in as a natural way as possible is extremely beneficial. For self sufficient crop production year after year the closer to a natural ecosystem your garden is the better.
Permaculture & agro-forestry
Permaculture and Agro-forestry is not the same thing but generally work on the same principles. Both disciplines include creating self reliant edible ecosystems relying on the concept of ecological balance. They work on a low energy input approach to managing the landscape and one that replicates nature.
Acknowledging forests are nature’s way of obtaining ecological, energy equilibrium these systems attempt to replicate what happens in nature. Permaculture and agro-forestry systems attempt to capture the Suns energy on multiple levels like a forest.
Using a combination of annuals, perennials, shrubs, climbers and tree crops bountiful food forests can be created. Some living examples of these edible landscapes can be extremely productive and low maintenance. These systems can also be extremely rich for wildlife.
Not everyone can establish a large food forest in their back garden. However calling on the principles of these disciplines small parts of the garden can become bountiful food forests. Flowerbeds can be structured with low lying edibles at the front and taller fruit trees at the back.
You could grow mushrooms on dead logs in shady damp parts of the garden or train fruit up the sunny side of the home.
Acknowledging forests are nature’s way of obtaining ecological, energy equilibrium these systems attempt to replicate what happens in nature. Permaculture and agro-forestry systems attempt to capture the Suns energy on multiple levels like a forest.
Using a combination of annuals, perennials, shrubs, climbers and tree crops bountiful food forests can be created. Some living examples of these edible landscapes can be extremely productive and low maintenance. These systems can also be extremely rich for wildlife.
Not everyone can establish a large food forest in their back garden. However calling on the principles of these disciplines small parts of the garden can become bountiful food forests. Flowerbeds can be structured with low lying edibles at the front and taller fruit trees at the back.
You could grow mushrooms on dead logs in shady damp parts of the garden or train fruit up the sunny side of the home.
Self sufficiency
Self sufficiency is a lifestyle and series of practices which allow you to live ‘off grid’ or on what you produce locally. The best way to observe self sufficient practices would be in peasant farmer villages across the world. Also comparable to medieval villages in Europe self sufficient communities rely on a combination of crop growing, animal husbandry and preserving.
This practice makes use of ancient wisdoms such as crop rotation to keep the ground productive. To implement self sufficiency into your edible garden project you could combine keeping chickens with vegetable gardens as well as drying and pickling excess produce. There are many books on the subject of self sufficiency to give you ideas and inspiration.
This practice makes use of ancient wisdoms such as crop rotation to keep the ground productive. To implement self sufficiency into your edible garden project you could combine keeping chickens with vegetable gardens as well as drying and pickling excess produce. There are many books on the subject of self sufficiency to give you ideas and inspiration.
Keeping poultry
Keeping chickens has been a human practice for thousands of years. These remarkable birds which originated from jungle fowl in Asia produce both eggs and meat for the table. Food production however is not the only benefit of these amazing birds. Being omnivorous they can eat garden pests and harvest food from the wider environment.
This reduces the need for supplementary feed and allows you recycle food scraps from the kitchen. Chickens can help scratch up the soil adding both oxygen and manure to the topsoil. This can make them very useful for creating new growing areas.
Chicken manure is extremely good fertiliser and adds much soil fertility. High in Potassium and nitrogen chicken manure is a real asset for the edible garden. Keeping chickens after a steady decline after the 1950’s is slowly becoming much more popular.
An ever growing interest in knowing where our food comes from and reducing our food miles could see their revival. Chickens are a particularly productive novelty for the edible garden and they are also a whole load of fun!
This reduces the need for supplementary feed and allows you recycle food scraps from the kitchen. Chickens can help scratch up the soil adding both oxygen and manure to the topsoil. This can make them very useful for creating new growing areas.
Chicken manure is extremely good fertiliser and adds much soil fertility. High in Potassium and nitrogen chicken manure is a real asset for the edible garden. Keeping chickens after a steady decline after the 1950’s is slowly becoming much more popular.
An ever growing interest in knowing where our food comes from and reducing our food miles could see their revival. Chickens are a particularly productive novelty for the edible garden and they are also a whole load of fun!
Raising fish
Raising fish in the garden usually comes in the form of keeping colourful koi carp and goldfish in a small pond. It is possible however to raise edible varieties of carp and catfish in your garden. These can be raised in sizable naturalistic ponds or in more intensive systems. The intensive methods are surprisingly obtainable even for relatively small gardens.
Baby fish can be raised in water butt sized barrels at varying sizes of development and harvested at about a pound in weight. These intensive systems will require some extra energy input in terms of filtration systems and regular feeding. If you are interested on adding fish to your edible garden there is much information on the subject online.
Baby fish can be raised in water butt sized barrels at varying sizes of development and harvested at about a pound in weight. These intensive systems will require some extra energy input in terms of filtration systems and regular feeding. If you are interested on adding fish to your edible garden there is much information on the subject online.
Bee Keeping
Bee keeping is a great way to produce large amounts of locally produced, energy rich honey. Usually the hobby of hard core enthusiasts as bee keeping requires a certain level of intensive commitment to the cause. It is becoming more and more popular in recent times even in more urban settings.
Honeys taste will always reflect the local pollen types of the area. From woodland honeys to urban railway lines there is always a flavour to match your local area. If you are interested in giving bee keeping a go it is best to start studying books on the subject.
If you are sure bee keeping is for you the next step will be to join a local group or association. These can now be easily found online or social media groups.
Honeys taste will always reflect the local pollen types of the area. From woodland honeys to urban railway lines there is always a flavour to match your local area. If you are interested in giving bee keeping a go it is best to start studying books on the subject.
If you are sure bee keeping is for you the next step will be to join a local group or association. These can now be easily found online or social media groups.
Growing mushrooms
Growing mushrooms is not as difficult as you may think in a garden environment. One of the best ways to get starting is by inoculating logs with mycelium laden dowels.
These can be bought online and simply hammered into pre drilled holes into the logs. Certain species of mushrooms grow better on specific tree species. For best results find the types of mushrooms you wish to grow first.
Contact local tree surgeons and ask to help remove logs when a specific species project is coming up. When sourcing logs you need to obtain ones that have been freshly cut. They must then be retained for a few weeks off the ground. This is to let natural fungicides in the timber disappear. Logs can then be inoculated and you simply have to wait for the mushrooms to sprout.
Mushrooms will usually sprout in autumn or in moist, damp conditions. Some of the most reliable varieties for log growing are Shitake and Oyster mushrooms. There is plenty of information available both in books and online if you wish to add growing mushrooms to your edible garden.
These can be bought online and simply hammered into pre drilled holes into the logs. Certain species of mushrooms grow better on specific tree species. For best results find the types of mushrooms you wish to grow first.
Contact local tree surgeons and ask to help remove logs when a specific species project is coming up. When sourcing logs you need to obtain ones that have been freshly cut. They must then be retained for a few weeks off the ground. This is to let natural fungicides in the timber disappear. Logs can then be inoculated and you simply have to wait for the mushrooms to sprout.
Mushrooms will usually sprout in autumn or in moist, damp conditions. Some of the most reliable varieties for log growing are Shitake and Oyster mushrooms. There is plenty of information available both in books and online if you wish to add growing mushrooms to your edible garden.
Eating weeds
As uninviting as it sounds there are many varieties of common weeds which are edible. Nettles, Dandelions, Sorrel and Plantain are just some common examples of wild edibles.
These may not seem very substantial to amount to much of a meal but are super foods in their own right. These wild plants typically contain phytochemicals which have been found to be extremely beneficial to health.
It is thought that these could have made up a large proportion of our foraging ancestors diets. There are some great books identifying edible wild plants and some useful recipes for cooking them.
These may not seem very substantial to amount to much of a meal but are super foods in their own right. These wild plants typically contain phytochemicals which have been found to be extremely beneficial to health.
It is thought that these could have made up a large proportion of our foraging ancestors diets. There are some great books identifying edible wild plants and some useful recipes for cooking them.
Saftey
It is important to understand that although there are many opportunities to eat wild plants you must always know what you are doing. Even in a planted edible garden always be 100 percent positive you know what you are eating. Some toxic wild plants look very similar to edible ones so if you are in any doubt do not eat it.
Edible gardens are an exciting way to make use of your outside plot. Not only can you make a great looking planting scheme you can also become more self sufficient. Edible gardens are the gateway to a more active and ecological existence. With so many ways they can be implemented into your plot what is stopping you? What edible elements from this article would you like to see in your garden?
If you need landscaping advice and services in an around Buckinghamshire or the Chiltern region please do not hesitate to contact us.
Some of our typical project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Some of our typical project locations include; Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
London and the southeast is one of the most populated parts of the United Kingdom. Consequently there are many gardens which require plants that will not only look good but thrive in local conditions.
Within a relatively small geographic region however growing conditions can vary greatly. Variables such as soil conditions, geology, topography, aspect, positioning and microclimate can all make a difference to growing outcomes.
Generally however London and the Southeast do have a general temperature range and average rainfall measure. Hence in this article I will explain the extremities of varying conditions but still list plants that will thrive in this region.
I will describe plants that will not only adhere to general conditions but also provide seasonal interest. The plants selected will also be as hardy and as low maintenance as possible.
Within a relatively small geographic region however growing conditions can vary greatly. Variables such as soil conditions, geology, topography, aspect, positioning and microclimate can all make a difference to growing outcomes.
Generally however London and the Southeast do have a general temperature range and average rainfall measure. Hence in this article I will explain the extremities of varying conditions but still list plants that will thrive in this region.
I will describe plants that will not only adhere to general conditions but also provide seasonal interest. The plants selected will also be as hardy and as low maintenance as possible.
Climate
London and the Southeast falls within the hardiness zone of between 8 and 9. These zones rarely fall below minus 10 degrees and generally have warm summers. Very urban areas within this region particularly London can almost reach Mediterranean levels of heat in warm summers. This makes it easier to grow much warmer loving species.
In contrast to this more rural areas of the Southeast and further inland can experience much more extreme night time lows. This can be accelerated by being located on higher ground. Hill ranges such as the South Downs, North Downs, Surrey Hills and Chiltern Hills can be as much as 5 degrees cooler than lower areas.
This is especially so for very exposed hillsides at elevation. If you live within the Southeast of England you may wish to consider which one of these applies to you. This will make you more successful in selecting suitable plants for your site.
In contrast to this more rural areas of the Southeast and further inland can experience much more extreme night time lows. This can be accelerated by being located on higher ground. Hill ranges such as the South Downs, North Downs, Surrey Hills and Chiltern Hills can be as much as 5 degrees cooler than lower areas.
This is especially so for very exposed hillsides at elevation. If you live within the Southeast of England you may wish to consider which one of these applies to you. This will make you more successful in selecting suitable plants for your site.
Micro-climate
Especially relevant to London and urban parts of the southeast microclimate can be a factor in plant species selection. A micro climate is when a landscapes physical surroundings enables temperature or weather conditions to be manipulated.
Commonly this is shelter provided from cold northerly or easterly winds. South facing walls can provide suntraps and warm microclimates perfect for growing fruits or Mediterranean plants.
Urban areas typically suffer from the ‘heat island effect’ this is where concrete and hard surfaces absorb and reflect the suns heat. This creates an unnaturally warm environment in sunny weather. When selecting plants in the Southeast examine the sites landscape features. Is it protected from cold winds? Does it have an urban setting? Is there a warm suntrap?
Commonly this is shelter provided from cold northerly or easterly winds. South facing walls can provide suntraps and warm microclimates perfect for growing fruits or Mediterranean plants.
Urban areas typically suffer from the ‘heat island effect’ this is where concrete and hard surfaces absorb and reflect the suns heat. This creates an unnaturally warm environment in sunny weather. When selecting plants in the Southeast examine the sites landscape features. Is it protected from cold winds? Does it have an urban setting? Is there a warm suntrap?
Shelter
Shelter can be provided by fences, walls, buildings, hillsides, or shelter belt planting. If is surprising just how badly plants can suffer in very exposed positions. If planting in exposed areas such as large gardens or commercial zones consider adding some shelter. This could be by planting a hedge or adding some fencing.
Frost pockets
Frost pockets are typically low lying areas where cold air pools especially during winter nights. Always survey surrounding topography to predict where cold air will congregate on winter nights.
Frost pockets should be planted by more cold hardy varieties and plants which can take some water logging. Frost pockets do not have to be just in low lying areas. Walls and buildings can act as a dam pooling freezing air on its way down a slope. It is extremely advantageous to recognise these features before planning a planting scheme.
Frost pockets should be planted by more cold hardy varieties and plants which can take some water logging. Frost pockets do not have to be just in low lying areas. Walls and buildings can act as a dam pooling freezing air on its way down a slope. It is extremely advantageous to recognise these features before planning a planting scheme.
Rain shadows
Rain shadows are areas of the garden that due to being next to vertical structures receives less rainwater. As rain falls from the sky the wind carries it at a slight angle. This typically leads to dry flowerbeds around buildings and fences.
When choosing plants ones which can take dryer soil conditions are best in these areas. Also bear in mind fence boundaries can have level changes which affect soil moisture content. Be aware that planting beds next to walls will have concrete foundations and commonly builder’s rubble under the soil.
When choosing plants ones which can take dryer soil conditions are best in these areas. Also bear in mind fence boundaries can have level changes which affect soil moisture content. Be aware that planting beds next to walls will have concrete foundations and commonly builder’s rubble under the soil.
Theme & design
When planning a new flower border or planting bed try to think about a design and theme. London and the southeast is blessed with a relatively mild climate and good annual rainfall totals.
This gives much choice when it comes to plant selection. Perhaps you have happy memories of Mediterranean holidays and want such a theme in your garden. Olives, palms and succulent plants will grow happily in the Southeast, especially London.
You will need a sunny garden and make sure you have a free draining soil.
If you have a modern home perhaps you could use architectural plants and bold mass plantings.
This gives much choice when it comes to plant selection. Perhaps you have happy memories of Mediterranean holidays and want such a theme in your garden. Olives, palms and succulent plants will grow happily in the Southeast, especially London.
You will need a sunny garden and make sure you have a free draining soil.
If you have a modern home perhaps you could use architectural plants and bold mass plantings.
Biodiversity
Today in our times of greater ecological awareness many are attempting to grow plants which encourage biodiversity. This can be the installation of wildlife gardens or planting plants which provide shelter and pollen for insects. In the past 20 years there has been a dramatic reduction in essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
There has also been a substantial drop in beneficial species which consume pests such as small mammals like hedgehogs and amphibians. Some of the ways you can add a boost to these species in your flowerbeds is to add shelter. Hedgehog homes, nesting boxes, insect hotels, log piles and nooks and crannies can all help these creatures hide and nest.
Plants which benefit wildlife are generally more adaptable, less maintenance and easier to establish. When selecting a planting scheme it is advised to think about how you can boost local biodiversity. This will not only help local species to thrive it will also allow you to experience nature on your doorstep.
There has also been a substantial drop in beneficial species which consume pests such as small mammals like hedgehogs and amphibians. Some of the ways you can add a boost to these species in your flowerbeds is to add shelter. Hedgehog homes, nesting boxes, insect hotels, log piles and nooks and crannies can all help these creatures hide and nest.
Plants which benefit wildlife are generally more adaptable, less maintenance and easier to establish. When selecting a planting scheme it is advised to think about how you can boost local biodiversity. This will not only help local species to thrive it will also allow you to experience nature on your doorstep.
Ornamental trees
Although many gardens in London and the Southeast are not particularly large trees are not completely out of the question. There are many smaller ornamental trees which are perfect for most gardens. Ornamental trees can soften boundaries and bad views and provide cool spots in summer. Ornamental trees are also good for wildlife allowing you attach bird boxes and insect hotels.
Acer Palmatum
Amelanchier
Betula pendula ‘tristis’
Eucalyptus pauciflora
Robinia pseudoacacia
Catalpa bignonioides
Magnolia
Rowan
Acer grisium
Crab apple
Amelanchier
Betula pendula ‘tristis’
Eucalyptus pauciflora
Robinia pseudoacacia
Catalpa bignonioides
Magnolia
Rowan
Acer grisium
Crab apple
Acer palmatum
|
Eucalyptus Pauciflora
|
Magnolia
|
Crab apple
|
Catalpa
|
Betula pendula
|
Large shrubs
Large shrubs can add structure to the garden and help to cover unsightly areas. The great thing about larger shrubs is they can add blocks of foliage at eye height to create a backdrop.
The attributes of large shrubs are very diverse including coloured leaves, flowers and interesting forms. Large shrubs often create secure zones for wildlife and particularly birds. The southeast of England provides the environment for a whole range of interesting large and diverse shrubs to choose from.
The attributes of large shrubs are very diverse including coloured leaves, flowers and interesting forms. Large shrubs often create secure zones for wildlife and particularly birds. The southeast of England provides the environment for a whole range of interesting large and diverse shrubs to choose from.
Rhododendron
Camelia
Photinia x Fraseri ‘Red Robin’
Viburnum tinus
Ceanothus
Hydrangea
Choisya ternata
Philadelphus
Buddleja davidii
Pyracantha
Camelia
Photinia x Fraseri ‘Red Robin’
Viburnum tinus
Ceanothus
Hydrangea
Choisya ternata
Philadelphus
Buddleja davidii
Pyracantha
Rhododendron
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Camelia
|
Hydrangea
|
Choisya
|
Buddleia
|
Viburnum tinus
|
Small shrubs
Small shrubs allow you to create pockets of interest throughout your flowerbeds. Small shrubs grow in a variety of forms including weeping habits and domes. Some are best clipped into varying shapes like box or privet. Small shrubs are truly versatile in the border and can be used as an intermediate zone between large shrubs and herbaceous plantings.
Hypericum hidcote
Ribies sanguineum
Rosmarinus officinalis
Pieris japonica
Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple
lonicera nitida
Spiraea japonica
Callicarpa japonica
Nandina domestica
Phormium
Ribies sanguineum
Rosmarinus officinalis
Pieris japonica
Cotinus coggygria Royal Purple
lonicera nitida
Spiraea japonica
Callicarpa japonica
Nandina domestica
Phormium
Hypericum hidcote
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Rosemary
|
Pieris japonica
|
Cotinus
|
Callicarpa
|
Phormium
|
Ground cover
Ground cover plants are usually climbers or low growing shrubs which can create blanket foliage over the ground. This is very useful when attempting to crowd out weeds from growing in your flower borders. Ground cover plants grow at the perfect height to provide a transition from flat surfaces to flower beds.
Cotoneaster Horizontalis
Hebe Pinguifolia
Vinca minor
Bergenia
Mahonia aquifolia
Juniperus Squamata 'Blue Carpet'
Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’
Hedera Colchica
Hebe Pinguifolia
Vinca minor
Bergenia
Mahonia aquifolia
Juniperus Squamata 'Blue Carpet'
Euonymus fortunei ‘Silver Queen’
Hedera Colchica
Mahonia
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Cotoneaster
|
Hebe
|
Hedera
|
Euonymus
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Vinca
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Perennials
Perennials are plants which come up every year and then die back down for the winter. They are perfect for boosting seasonal interest and drama during the growing season. Typically perennials are great for planting around patios or in full view of where people congregate.
Most of these plants shoot up quickly and have fantastic blooms to amaze onlookers. The very seasonal nature of their appearance makes them even more valued and appreciated.
Most of these plants shoot up quickly and have fantastic blooms to amaze onlookers. The very seasonal nature of their appearance makes them even more valued and appreciated.
Anemone japonica
Sedum herbstfreude ‘Autumn joy’
Echinacea
Hosta
Rudbeckia
Alchemilla mollis
Iris
Verbena bonariensis
Hellebores
Lupinus
Sedum herbstfreude ‘Autumn joy’
Echinacea
Hosta
Rudbeckia
Alchemilla mollis
Iris
Verbena bonariensis
Hellebores
Lupinus
anemone
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Iris
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Verbena
|
Lupin
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Hosta
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Hellebore
|
Bulbs
Bulbs are a much long awaited taste of colour during the long months of winter. Usually associated with spring it is important to note there are also many summer flowering bulbs you can add to the garden.
These are perfect for planting in groups through lawns or underneath trees. Just like perennials they provide excellent seasonal interest to the garden. Here are some which are perfect for London and the southeast.
These are perfect for planting in groups through lawns or underneath trees. Just like perennials they provide excellent seasonal interest to the garden. Here are some which are perfect for London and the southeast.
Galanthus
Narcissus
hyacinthoides non-scripta
Tulip
Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocus
Hyacinths
Narcissus
hyacinthoides non-scripta
Tulip
Crocosmia Lucifer
Crocus
Hyacinths
Gallanthus
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Narcissus
|
Hyacinthoidies non-scripta
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tulip
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Crocus
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Hyacinths
|
Grasses
Grasses are always a novelty in the garden. Although one of the most common plants on the planet the shear range of forms and colours make them irresistible. From tall, tubular grasses to compact ground covers there is always a use for grasses in planting schemes. Grasses are particularly good for adding movement to the garden as their delicate leaves dance in the breeze.
Miscanthus giganteus
Festuca Glauca
Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus
Molinia caerulea
Hakonechloa macra
Stipa gigantea
Pennisetum advena
Cortaderia richardii
Imperata cylindrical
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens
Festuca Glauca
Miscanthus sinensis zebrinus
Molinia caerulea
Hakonechloa macra
Stipa gigantea
Pennisetum advena
Cortaderia richardii
Imperata cylindrical
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens
Festuca
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Miscanthus
|
M Sebrinus
|
Ophiopogon
|
Imperata
|
Stipa
|
Bamboos
Bamboos can give a garden a tropical feel and are very hardy in the Southeast. Native to China and Southeast Asia these tall plants have a beautiful vertical line in the landscape.
Their delicate leaves flicker in the wind and can also give off a soothing rustling sound. Bamboos come in a wide variety of types, sizes and shapes. Below are some which are perfect for the Southeast of England and London.
Their delicate leaves flicker in the wind and can also give off a soothing rustling sound. Bamboos come in a wide variety of types, sizes and shapes. Below are some which are perfect for the Southeast of England and London.
Pleioblastus viridistriatus
Fargesia nitida
Phyllostachys nigra
Chimonobambusa marmoreal
Hibanobambusa tranquillans shiroshima
Pseudosasa japonica
Fargesia nitida
Phyllostachys nigra
Chimonobambusa marmoreal
Hibanobambusa tranquillans shiroshima
Pseudosasa japonica
Fargesia
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Phyllostachys
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Pseudosasa
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Climbers
Climbers have long vertical stems which reach up for the light climbing over anything that will support them. Wild climbers ramble up trees in an attempt to take advantage of sunlight. This make them perfect garden plants for growing over structures. Climbers can be used to cover unsightly areas, grow over arches and cover pergolas.
Honeysuckle
Clematis Armandii
Wisteria
Jasminum officinale
Vitis coignetiae
Trachiospernum jasminoides
Hydrangea anomala petiolaris
Pyracantha
Clematis Armandii
Wisteria
Jasminum officinale
Vitis coignetiae
Trachiospernum jasminoides
Hydrangea anomala petiolaris
Pyracantha
Wisteria
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Jasminum
|
Honeysuckles
|
Trachiospernum
|
Hydrangea petiolaris
|
Clematis Armandii
|
Thank you for reading our article on best outdoor plants for London and the Southeast. If you found it useful why not share it with your friends? Buckinghamshire landscape gardeners provides landscaping services across most of Buckinghamshire including:
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Large gardens are a pleasant luxury for those who can afford them. However the best landscaping ideas for large back gardens are not always obvious. Large gardens mean expansive amounts of time and money to keep them well tended for.
The ultimate question is what to do with all the extra space? If you have found yourself in the situation of having lots of land there are always multiple and exciting ways of developing it. Some in this scenario will have large budgets and ambitions, others may seek maximum impact and functionality with the minimum of input and cost.
In this article I have tried to cover a spectrum that would facilitate the two. From food production to scenic and even wildlife habitats we have put together the best 30 landscaping ideas for large back gardens below.
The ultimate question is what to do with all the extra space? If you have found yourself in the situation of having lots of land there are always multiple and exciting ways of developing it. Some in this scenario will have large budgets and ambitions, others may seek maximum impact and functionality with the minimum of input and cost.
In this article I have tried to cover a spectrum that would facilitate the two. From food production to scenic and even wildlife habitats we have put together the best 30 landscaping ideas for large back gardens below.
Woodland gardens
Not many people know that woodlands are nature’s way of creating an ecological equilibrium. Established woodlands create a diverse and low maintenance environment where visual chaos is expectable.
What type of wooded garden you create will depend on how large your garden is. It will also depend on what sort of environment you wish to create. Large trees are expensive and difficult to remove once established so be meticulous in your planning. Woodland gardens are most effective when good landscape design and planning is applied.
Tree species should be selected for their ecological and scenic value as well as their eventual height and spread. By planning for a climax canopy of varying heights and forms woodland gardens can create some of the most breath taking landscapes.
Woodland gardens can take at least ten years to become established so get ready for a timely process. On the other hand well planned, miniature forests can provide perfect places for play, and wildlife habitats for the whole family.
What type of wooded garden you create will depend on how large your garden is. It will also depend on what sort of environment you wish to create. Large trees are expensive and difficult to remove once established so be meticulous in your planning. Woodland gardens are most effective when good landscape design and planning is applied.
Tree species should be selected for their ecological and scenic value as well as their eventual height and spread. By planning for a climax canopy of varying heights and forms woodland gardens can create some of the most breath taking landscapes.
Woodland gardens can take at least ten years to become established so get ready for a timely process. On the other hand well planned, miniature forests can provide perfect places for play, and wildlife habitats for the whole family.
Mazes
Mazes are the ultimate garden luxury and status symbol. Mazes are a series of interlocked pathways which may or may not lead to the desired end point. Mazes usually have a start point and end point with other alternative routes confusing the direct journey. These can be fun and frustrating at the same time. Typically the destination point has some reward such as a raised platform or object of interest.
To create a maze takes months of planning and years of establishment. However if you think a maze will be no work when the initial installation is complete think again! Mazes require intensive maintenance regimes which can be costly. On the other hand they are a true wonder for any larger garden.
Mazes are created with both hard and soft landscaping. Normally a series of pathways are created with parallel planting beds on either side. Then fine textured hedging stock such as privet, buxus or yew is planted. Meticulous care and trimming are then required for around five years for the maze to reach its full glory.
If you are on a limited budget or require a low maintenance landscape a maze is certainly not for you! However if you have heaps of time, money and patience a maze could be the ultimate garden ego trip!
To create a maze takes months of planning and years of establishment. However if you think a maze will be no work when the initial installation is complete think again! Mazes require intensive maintenance regimes which can be costly. On the other hand they are a true wonder for any larger garden.
Mazes are created with both hard and soft landscaping. Normally a series of pathways are created with parallel planting beds on either side. Then fine textured hedging stock such as privet, buxus or yew is planted. Meticulous care and trimming are then required for around five years for the maze to reach its full glory.
If you are on a limited budget or require a low maintenance landscape a maze is certainly not for you! However if you have heaps of time, money and patience a maze could be the ultimate garden ego trip!
Vineyards
Vineyards can create scenic landscapes more typical of Mediterranean climates. There attractive horizontal line in the landscape can compliment rolling hills and undulating landscapes. Although not the first thought for many when planning a garden vineyards can be small as well as large.
If you fancy a go at making at your own wine or just producing your own seasoned grape harvest. Vineyards can be a real way to show off to your friends and family. For the best results your grapes should be grown on a chalky soil on a south facing slope. Buying many young plants of a specific variety at once however can be expensive.
The best way therefore is to buy a few plants, grow them on and take cuttings or clones. This is relatively easy to do in autumn. There are many different varieties of grapes so do your research before you invest a lot of time and effort into it. With some pre planning before long you will have your own grape growing empire with some amazing wine to match.
If you fancy a go at making at your own wine or just producing your own seasoned grape harvest. Vineyards can be a real way to show off to your friends and family. For the best results your grapes should be grown on a chalky soil on a south facing slope. Buying many young plants of a specific variety at once however can be expensive.
The best way therefore is to buy a few plants, grow them on and take cuttings or clones. This is relatively easy to do in autumn. There are many different varieties of grapes so do your research before you invest a lot of time and effort into it. With some pre planning before long you will have your own grape growing empire with some amazing wine to match.
Crazy golf course
Crazy golf is enjoyed by millions of people across the world every year. Most people associate this whacky form of golf with amusement parks and public spaces. However creating a crazy golf course in your garden really isn’t that...well crazy.
The fact that there are no real rules to how each hole should be put together really means you can do pretty much whatever you feel! This can become a fun and creative landscaping project for the whole family!
Perhaps you want to recreate features of a course you have visited? Or perhaps you want to create a more personalised course for you? Maybe you love wildlife and want to create the world’s first wildlife habitat crazy golf course?
The fact that there are no real rules to how each hole should be put together really means you can do pretty much whatever you feel! This can become a fun and creative landscaping project for the whole family!
Perhaps you want to recreate features of a course you have visited? Or perhaps you want to create a more personalised course for you? Maybe you love wildlife and want to create the world’s first wildlife habitat crazy golf course?
Multi use sports lawn
In recent times many have decided that having a lawn is just too much hard work. The rise of artificial lawns has sent many gardeners on the quest of reaching a truly maintenance free garden. However like most things in life the perfect vision rarely becomes reality. In reality mowing is actually one of the easiest ways to maintain large areas of land.
There is good reason large swathes of our countryside are grass. Lawns allow us to stay away from weeding and pruning with one simple maintenance schedule. However what most people miss completely about lawns is they are the perfect multifunctional surface. Lawns are perfect for dinner parties, absorbing water and the physical shock of multiple sporting activities.
Lawns create a dense thicket of foliage and root mass creating a soft, cushioned surface perfect for impacts. One of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens is to capitalise on this fact. A multi-use sports lawn can be created by landscaping a large, expansive level surface and preparing it for new turf.
A newly defined rectangle of freshly laid lawn can be created to the exact size specifications to accommodate; Tennis, Badminton or Football.
There is good reason large swathes of our countryside are grass. Lawns allow us to stay away from weeding and pruning with one simple maintenance schedule. However what most people miss completely about lawns is they are the perfect multifunctional surface. Lawns are perfect for dinner parties, absorbing water and the physical shock of multiple sporting activities.
Lawns create a dense thicket of foliage and root mass creating a soft, cushioned surface perfect for impacts. One of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens is to capitalise on this fact. A multi-use sports lawn can be created by landscaping a large, expansive level surface and preparing it for new turf.
A newly defined rectangle of freshly laid lawn can be created to the exact size specifications to accommodate; Tennis, Badminton or Football.
Orchards
Not only can orchards produce a handsome crop of fruit every year they can also be extremely scenic within the landscape. Neatly planted rows of fruit and nut trees can create an idyllic place to rest and play within the garden.
Many fruit and nut trees have fantastic displays of blossom every spring creating a seasonal delight. Orchard trees can be bought on a smaller rootstock meaning they will not grow into huge trees staying manageable wihin a garden setting.
Instead of growing all one type of tree why not mix up your crops to give you variety and choice. Nuts like sweet chestnuts, almonds and walnuts are easily stored and apples, plums and pears can be dried, fermented or turned into pickles.
Many fruit and nut trees have fantastic displays of blossom every spring creating a seasonal delight. Orchard trees can be bought on a smaller rootstock meaning they will not grow into huge trees staying manageable wihin a garden setting.
Instead of growing all one type of tree why not mix up your crops to give you variety and choice. Nuts like sweet chestnuts, almonds and walnuts are easily stored and apples, plums and pears can be dried, fermented or turned into pickles.
Polytunnels
Many presume having a polytunnel is only a venture for the hardened horticulturalist. It has to be said however that polytunnels are just perfect for beginner gardeners or just novices.
Even if you have never really enjoyed gardening polytunnels allow you to take advantage a dry, warm and sheltered environment in the garden all year round! If the weather is bad during an outside event move everyone inside for drinks and nibbles. These light covered spaces enable you to grow exotics like lemons, bananas and even Avocados.
Polytunnels give you the opportunity to produce edible crops all year round and can extend the growing season. Even if you just like to experiment with germinating seeds and growing floral displays, these structures can help propagate a whole new passion for gardening. There are now many polytunnels for gardens which come in all sorts of shapes and sizes online.
Even if you have never really enjoyed gardening polytunnels allow you to take advantage a dry, warm and sheltered environment in the garden all year round! If the weather is bad during an outside event move everyone inside for drinks and nibbles. These light covered spaces enable you to grow exotics like lemons, bananas and even Avocados.
Polytunnels give you the opportunity to produce edible crops all year round and can extend the growing season. Even if you just like to experiment with germinating seeds and growing floral displays, these structures can help propagate a whole new passion for gardening. There are now many polytunnels for gardens which come in all sorts of shapes and sizes online.
Gravel gardens
Using gravel as a garden surface can evoke mixed reactions as some people love it and some hate it. Gravel does allow you to create a multifunctional surface from a place to park cars or somewhere just to sit outside and relax. The great thing about gravel gardens is you can add different visual textures and colours to surfaces relatively cheaply.
Little skilled labour is required to spread and level aggregates making it easy to install. Many worry about the establishment of weeds but in our experience as long as a tough membrane is applied and at least a 50mm depth there should be no problem.
Gravelled spaces can add a Mediterranean theme to the garden providing rustic textures and warm colours. Plants with architectural form can be planted which can complement the fine textures of the stones. Gravels can also warm up in the sun provide warm micro-climates. These can make for good places to sit outside or grow warmer loving plants.
Little skilled labour is required to spread and level aggregates making it easy to install. Many worry about the establishment of weeds but in our experience as long as a tough membrane is applied and at least a 50mm depth there should be no problem.
Gravelled spaces can add a Mediterranean theme to the garden providing rustic textures and warm colours. Plants with architectural form can be planted which can complement the fine textures of the stones. Gravels can also warm up in the sun provide warm micro-climates. These can make for good places to sit outside or grow warmer loving plants.
Wildlife ponds
Wildlife pond has become an ever increasing rarity in the landscape since the dawn of mechanised agriculture. This has also meant a dramatic reduction on the wildlife species that rely on them for survival. Many of the species associated with pond environments are actually very beneficial to gardeners. Amphibians like frogs and newts help control pest species like slugs and snails.
When looking for the best landscaping ideas for large gardens ponds do not always spring to mind but they have many benefits. For example if you create a large pond with a considerable depth and surface area it will be a very low maintenance feature. This will require the approach of reaching an aquatic ecological balance. By planting native, wild plants and allowing wildlife to colonise slowly will create the perfect low maintenance wildlife haven.
Large ponds can also be used to raise fish whether for decoration, interest or even food production. Fresh water fish such as carp and catfish can be easily reared for the table.
When looking for the best landscaping ideas for large gardens ponds do not always spring to mind but they have many benefits. For example if you create a large pond with a considerable depth and surface area it will be a very low maintenance feature. This will require the approach of reaching an aquatic ecological balance. By planting native, wild plants and allowing wildlife to colonise slowly will create the perfect low maintenance wildlife haven.
Large ponds can also be used to raise fish whether for decoration, interest or even food production. Fresh water fish such as carp and catfish can be easily reared for the table.
Garden kitchens
Spending time outside in summer is a real treat and a great way to catch up with friends and family. Traditionally a barbecue is the best way to get the senses alive and the taste buds dancing. However with a general reduction in meat consumption and sometimes rather charred results garden kitchens are becoming a popular alternative.
These typically include a kitchen work surface with a wash basin and an oven of some sort. These could be inbuilt Tandoori ovens, or pizza ovens. Garden kitchens can be built under cover or on the sunny side of the home or patio. Although these do take some planning and cost to get right they make the perfect setting for family get togethers.
These typically include a kitchen work surface with a wash basin and an oven of some sort. These could be inbuilt Tandoori ovens, or pizza ovens. Garden kitchens can be built under cover or on the sunny side of the home or patio. Although these do take some planning and cost to get right they make the perfect setting for family get togethers.
Keeping chickens
Humans have kept chickens for thousands of years! They reduce pests, help fertilise the soil, and produce tasty organic eggs for the family. Chicken keeping is lots of fun and a great way to utilise the extra space of larger gardens.
In fact chickens can feed themselves from the environment so the larger the garden you have the less you will have to supplement their diet with feed. All chickens need is a warm and dry place to sleep and a run. The best way to keep chickens is with a secure aviary system so they can come and go as they please.
On days when you are around you can let them roam freely across the garden. Chickens do have to be locked up at night to prevent predators from taking your stock. If you are interested in keeping these fabulous birds here is a great book on the subject. Chickens are the perfect way to make use of large garden spaces.
For more information on keeping garden chickens check out this thorough article on the subject here.
In fact chickens can feed themselves from the environment so the larger the garden you have the less you will have to supplement their diet with feed. All chickens need is a warm and dry place to sleep and a run. The best way to keep chickens is with a secure aviary system so they can come and go as they please.
On days when you are around you can let them roam freely across the garden. Chickens do have to be locked up at night to prevent predators from taking your stock. If you are interested in keeping these fabulous birds here is a great book on the subject. Chickens are the perfect way to make use of large garden spaces.
For more information on keeping garden chickens check out this thorough article on the subject here.
Wildflower meadows
Wildflower meadows were a typical feature of most agricultural landscapes before commercial agriculture. These grasslands were cut twice a year to provide hay for grazing animals over the winter.
This was vital for the keeping of animals to produce milk and meat. Since animals now eat agricultural feed many meadows have simply been replaced with intensive grazing. Due to seasonal cutting wildflowers within the meadow were allowed to flower and set seed. This provided much food for pollinators and the long grass provided shelter for wildlife.
Today there is nothing more splendid that seeing a majestic wildflower meadow in full bloom!. Creating a wildflower meadow in your garden can be a great way to encourage wildlife and reduce mowing! To turn traditional lawn into meadow simply scrape off sections of lawn and sow wild flower seeds local to your area. These are perfect for large gardens which require a lot of mowing.
This was vital for the keeping of animals to produce milk and meat. Since animals now eat agricultural feed many meadows have simply been replaced with intensive grazing. Due to seasonal cutting wildflowers within the meadow were allowed to flower and set seed. This provided much food for pollinators and the long grass provided shelter for wildlife.
Today there is nothing more splendid that seeing a majestic wildflower meadow in full bloom!. Creating a wildflower meadow in your garden can be a great way to encourage wildlife and reduce mowing! To turn traditional lawn into meadow simply scrape off sections of lawn and sow wild flower seeds local to your area. These are perfect for large gardens which require a lot of mowing.
Garden bars
There is nothing quite like spending time with friends especially in a cool bar. These special occasions however do not have to be expensive or a cab journey away. Garden bars provide the perfect venue for such fun occasions and with some clever design can be used all year long.
Outside bars typically associated with holiday resorts with some vision can make an excellent addition to a garden patio. Garden bars can be a simple shelf with a drinks rack or a full on circular bar with thatched roof and outside speakers.
There are hundreds of creative designs and styles to choose from including some great ideas on Pinterest. Among one of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens, garden bars are great for those special family get togethers.
Outside bars typically associated with holiday resorts with some vision can make an excellent addition to a garden patio. Garden bars can be a simple shelf with a drinks rack or a full on circular bar with thatched roof and outside speakers.
There are hundreds of creative designs and styles to choose from including some great ideas on Pinterest. Among one of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens, garden bars are great for those special family get togethers.
Wildlife watching dens
Although creating wildlife gardens has become ever more popular in recent years many do not yet realise how to get the most out of a wild space. It is true that if you go into any wildlife habitat you will only begin to experience nature once you have sat motionless for a good while.
Becoming motionless and unnoticeable in the landscape is easier said than done but becomes a breeze with wildlife watching dens. These simple garden installations are easy and quick to build and allow you a front seat to your gardens wildlife.
Natures soon becomes accustomed to the hide in the landscape allowing you to sneek in and start nature watching whenever you like. Wildlife watching dens can also be decorated with green walls and roofs to make you even more concealed and hidden.
Becoming motionless and unnoticeable in the landscape is easier said than done but becomes a breeze with wildlife watching dens. These simple garden installations are easy and quick to build and allow you a front seat to your gardens wildlife.
Natures soon becomes accustomed to the hide in the landscape allowing you to sneek in and start nature watching whenever you like. Wildlife watching dens can also be decorated with green walls and roofs to make you even more concealed and hidden.
Tropical gardens
A great way to make use of a large garden is to set up a tropical garden. These exotic jungles can cover a large garden space and the large bold foliage can help shade out any weeds. There is a surprising amount of tropical looking plants which can take cold and wet climates, see our article on best tropical garden plants for temperate climates here.
Tropical gardens are typically evergreen meaning they will look good even in the winter time. Tropical gardens usually create dense, shady thickets perfect for creating a secret place or screening unsightly views.
If you have a large garden there is nothing like creating your own bit of tropical paradise just outside your home.
If you are interested in creating a tropical garden, why not check out our article on best plants for a tropical garden in cooler climates here.
Tropical gardens are typically evergreen meaning they will look good even in the winter time. Tropical gardens usually create dense, shady thickets perfect for creating a secret place or screening unsightly views.
If you have a large garden there is nothing like creating your own bit of tropical paradise just outside your home.
If you are interested in creating a tropical garden, why not check out our article on best plants for a tropical garden in cooler climates here.
Courtyards
When many think of a courtyard they contemplate large, country estates and royal palaces. To the contrary however courtyards do not have to be large or luxuriant. Courtyards can be simple square patio spaces enclosed or framed by various landscape features.
A simple rectangular hard surface in a garden corner can be decorated to give whatever feel you desire. Perhaps you would like to add some palms, log burners and Moroccan hanging lanterns to make an amazing Moroccan courtyard.
These can be become fantastic places to sit out and entertain with family and friends. These courtyard spaces can also be covered and heated to allow them to be enjoyed even in winter time.
A simple rectangular hard surface in a garden corner can be decorated to give whatever feel you desire. Perhaps you would like to add some palms, log burners and Moroccan hanging lanterns to make an amazing Moroccan courtyard.
These can be become fantastic places to sit out and entertain with family and friends. These courtyard spaces can also be covered and heated to allow them to be enjoyed even in winter time.
Amphitheatres
Some of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens are commonly the most unusual. When it comes to the unusual there is nothing quite as extraordinary as a garden amphitheatre to inspire great events and performances.
Amphitheatres a conception of the ancient Greek and Romans are circular, terraced structures designed to accommodate large audiences with a centralised arena. These were cleverly designed to help amplify sound from the centre outwards so the audience could hear the performers or lecturers speak.
There are many ways amphitheatres can be integrated into the landscape including concrete, timber and landform formations.
Amphitheatres a conception of the ancient Greek and Romans are circular, terraced structures designed to accommodate large audiences with a centralised arena. These were cleverly designed to help amplify sound from the centre outwards so the audience could hear the performers or lecturers speak.
There are many ways amphitheatres can be integrated into the landscape including concrete, timber and landform formations.
Dry gardens
Dry gardens and Mediterranean gardens are a fantastic idea for large sunny open spaces. These gardens make use of simple architectural form and rustic features. Their use of gravels and rocky surfaces mean they can both look great and be extremely low maintenance.
Typically a dry garden will consist of dry stone walls, gravels, rocks and Mediterranean planting. Succulents, yuccas, palms and grasses can add that little bit of an exotic touch to the planting. These gardens soon warm up in the sun creating the perfect microclimate environment. This can provide the perfect places to sit out and enjoy a barbecue.
If you have a large expansive area which is free draining and gets a lot of sunshine dry gardens can be very effective features.
Typically a dry garden will consist of dry stone walls, gravels, rocks and Mediterranean planting. Succulents, yuccas, palms and grasses can add that little bit of an exotic touch to the planting. These gardens soon warm up in the sun creating the perfect microclimate environment. This can provide the perfect places to sit out and enjoy a barbecue.
If you have a large expansive area which is free draining and gets a lot of sunshine dry gardens can be very effective features.
Allotments
Some of the best landscaping ideas for large back gardens are the ones that actually improve your life. Growing your own fresh fruits and vegetables can be such a rewarding way to make use of extra space.
Creating an allotment is an exciting process which will not only make you abundant in home produce it will also make you fitter. Allotment gardening can burn up to 500 calories and hour as well as helping to develop core strength.
Allotments typically consist of rectangular plots of well prepared ground and apparatus for supporting climbing vegetables. These can actually look very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. One of the biggest benefits of allotment gardening is realising just how much better home grown produce tastes over shop bought.
Creating an allotment is an exciting process which will not only make you abundant in home produce it will also make you fitter. Allotment gardening can burn up to 500 calories and hour as well as helping to develop core strength.
Allotments typically consist of rectangular plots of well prepared ground and apparatus for supporting climbing vegetables. These can actually look very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. One of the biggest benefits of allotment gardening is realising just how much better home grown produce tastes over shop bought.
Grottos
Grottos are a fun and exciting way to make use of extra space in a large garden. Grottos are effectively man made caves which can host a number of different activities.
These manmade caves create a cool, dark environment perfect for resting on hot sunny days and candle lit dinners on warm evenings. Grottos usually are combined with water features in landscaping schemes.
This can come in the form of a waterfall or pond. Grottos can be built with concrete, concrete block, brick or natural stone. Typically they are set into the ground with a covering of soil for a natural look. Although an unusual garden installation grottos add a bit of fun and mystery especially for young children.
These manmade caves create a cool, dark environment perfect for resting on hot sunny days and candle lit dinners on warm evenings. Grottos usually are combined with water features in landscaping schemes.
This can come in the form of a waterfall or pond. Grottos can be built with concrete, concrete block, brick or natural stone. Typically they are set into the ground with a covering of soil for a natural look. Although an unusual garden installation grottos add a bit of fun and mystery especially for young children.
Food forests
Food forests are an absolutely fantastic way to make great use of large unused gardens. In simple terms a food forest is a series of woodland plantings with an open structure that captures the suns light on many levels.
This allows you to grow many permanent and seasonal food crops with hardly any energy input. A typical food forest structure will include large fruit and nut trees followed by smaller trees, shrubs, perennial vegetables and edible tubers and herbaceous plants. Foot forests can actually be very beautiful also combining plants for pollination, wildlife and aesthetic value.
The naturalistic environment and abundant food crops also make them a great place for wildlife. Whether it’s to secure your food supply or to simply create a naturalistic, low maintenance environment, food forests are a great addition to large, expansive gardens.
This allows you to grow many permanent and seasonal food crops with hardly any energy input. A typical food forest structure will include large fruit and nut trees followed by smaller trees, shrubs, perennial vegetables and edible tubers and herbaceous plants. Foot forests can actually be very beautiful also combining plants for pollination, wildlife and aesthetic value.
The naturalistic environment and abundant food crops also make them a great place for wildlife. Whether it’s to secure your food supply or to simply create a naturalistic, low maintenance environment, food forests are a great addition to large, expansive gardens.
Bee keeping
Sometimes thought of as the hobby of hermits and eccentrics bee keeping can be a great way to get lots of free honey. Although on the surface this may not be thought of as a landscaping idea bees require pollen and nectar to produce there sweet bounty.
Today bee hives are readily available and combined with suitable surrounding landscapes can provide delicious honey. The flowers from which bees collect their nectar can greatly influence the taste of the honey they produce.
This means by growing different trees shrubs or even a wild flower meadow can influence the honeys subtle flavours. If you want to get into bee keeping it will be good to join your local bee keepers association.
Today bee hives are readily available and combined with suitable surrounding landscapes can provide delicious honey. The flowers from which bees collect their nectar can greatly influence the taste of the honey they produce.
This means by growing different trees shrubs or even a wild flower meadow can influence the honeys subtle flavours. If you want to get into bee keeping it will be good to join your local bee keepers association.
Raised decks
Some of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens are the ones that actually allow you to enjoy the surrounding landscape. This usually requires having a good vantage point over the garden to enjoy the environment.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is to install raised decks. These can be built with large 150mm posts and 6x2 joists to create perfect landscape platforms. These raised decks can be perfect places to relax, read or even have garden parties.
Raised decks can be elevated into woodland canopies and combined with tree houses to provide the ultimate play or even camping experience.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is to install raised decks. These can be built with large 150mm posts and 6x2 joists to create perfect landscape platforms. These raised decks can be perfect places to relax, read or even have garden parties.
Raised decks can be elevated into woodland canopies and combined with tree houses to provide the ultimate play or even camping experience.
Chamomile lawn
Chamomile is a hardy perennial plant which grows about a foot high with feathery foliage and daisy like flowers. The flowers make a an effective tea for relaxation and sleep with a pleasant taste.
Due to Chamomiles compact habit and dense foliage it is actually perfect for creating a bushy lawn. This is known as a chamomile lawn and works very well with stepping stones. These can become an impressive landscape feature and Ideal if you intend to harvest your own Chamomile flowers for tea making.
A chamomile lawns quirky look lends itself comfortably to certain garden styles including Japanese gardens and tropical gardens.
Due to Chamomiles compact habit and dense foliage it is actually perfect for creating a bushy lawn. This is known as a chamomile lawn and works very well with stepping stones. These can become an impressive landscape feature and Ideal if you intend to harvest your own Chamomile flowers for tea making.
A chamomile lawns quirky look lends itself comfortably to certain garden styles including Japanese gardens and tropical gardens.
Adventure play grounds
If you have particularly large gardens why not create something special for the children? An adventure play ground can be a great way to boost their physical fitness and provoke their imagination.
Creating an adventure playground may seem like a daunting prospect but these do not have to be intimidating. These can be as simple as natural play equipment combined with imaginative landscaping. Small woodlands can be planted with woodland walkways and even nature trails.
Tree houses and raised platforms also make fun and exciting places to play and explore. There are simply so many exciting ideas and installations to include within adventure playground landscaping.
Creating an adventure playground may seem like a daunting prospect but these do not have to be intimidating. These can be as simple as natural play equipment combined with imaginative landscaping. Small woodlands can be planted with woodland walkways and even nature trails.
Tree houses and raised platforms also make fun and exciting places to play and explore. There are simply so many exciting ideas and installations to include within adventure playground landscaping.
Large patios
Having a large garden can be a blessing but they can also be timely and costly to maintain. Landscaping installations that save you maintenance therefore are a welcome thing. Large patios can be fantastic places to have gatherings with family and friends.
Furthermore they can also provide the perfect maintenance free surface. Even more maintenance free than most decking large patios can save you time as well as looking amazing.
The only drawback is cost, most new patios cost at least £100 per square metre especially using natural stone. Large patios can also stage outside kitchens, hot tubs and outdoor rooms.
Furthermore they can also provide the perfect maintenance free surface. Even more maintenance free than most decking large patios can save you time as well as looking amazing.
The only drawback is cost, most new patios cost at least £100 per square metre especially using natural stone. Large patios can also stage outside kitchens, hot tubs and outdoor rooms.
Bog gardens
When visualising the perfect way to landscape a large garden a bog garden may not sound very appealing. If you have a particularly low lying or damp zone in the garden bog gardens can be beautiful and functional.
Many urbanised landscapes today have issues with drainage. This is due to our love of extensive impervious surfaces. It is much better however to keep as much excess surface run off within the boundaries of your property.
This is more ecological and reduces pressure on the drainage network. Using landform and swales water can be channelled into manmade bogs and seasonal flooding ponds. These can act as excellent wildlife habitat and actually become a landscape feature.
Pond liners can be submerged into the ground to create bog gardens where natural hydrology is scarce. These can be planted with decorative bog plants and have added features such as sunken logs and boulders.
Many urbanised landscapes today have issues with drainage. This is due to our love of extensive impervious surfaces. It is much better however to keep as much excess surface run off within the boundaries of your property.
This is more ecological and reduces pressure on the drainage network. Using landform and swales water can be channelled into manmade bogs and seasonal flooding ponds. These can act as excellent wildlife habitat and actually become a landscape feature.
Pond liners can be submerged into the ground to create bog gardens where natural hydrology is scarce. These can be planted with decorative bog plants and have added features such as sunken logs and boulders.
Model village
Probably one of the most niche ways to landscape large gardens model villages can come in many forms.
If you have an interest in model making building a miniature village can become a work of landscape art! If you have ever visited a model village in person they are extremely captivating and beautiful! If you have a larger garden and struggling to find something to do that can become an interactive hobby a model garden could be the one for you.
Not only are these landscape features fun they usually start small and can become more developed over time. They can eventually grow into small towns complete with churches, rivers and even small forests and fields. If you have a passion for hobby crafts and loads of space in your garden why not start a model village this summer?
If you have an interest in model making building a miniature village can become a work of landscape art! If you have ever visited a model village in person they are extremely captivating and beautiful! If you have a larger garden and struggling to find something to do that can become an interactive hobby a model garden could be the one for you.
Not only are these landscape features fun they usually start small and can become more developed over time. They can eventually grow into small towns complete with churches, rivers and even small forests and fields. If you have a passion for hobby crafts and loads of space in your garden why not start a model village this summer?
Nature trails
Some of the best landscaping ideas for large gardens are the ones that create a journey of discovery and provoke curiosity.
When landscaping on a large scale it can be a good thing to let nature do its thing and allow wildlife to flourish. These two fundamentals can combine to create the most exciting of all garden journeys, a nature trail. These can be a circular path or a route which connects two other garden areas.
Nature trails generally consist of dense vegetation and wildlife habitats. These combine areas of open views and enclosure for a journey of discovery. Wildlife watching huts and feeding stations can be installed to allow for more interaction with nature. Nature trails are a great way to add excitement to a large garden and especially beneficial for children.
When landscaping on a large scale it can be a good thing to let nature do its thing and allow wildlife to flourish. These two fundamentals can combine to create the most exciting of all garden journeys, a nature trail. These can be a circular path or a route which connects two other garden areas.
Nature trails generally consist of dense vegetation and wildlife habitats. These combine areas of open views and enclosure for a journey of discovery. Wildlife watching huts and feeding stations can be installed to allow for more interaction with nature. Nature trails are a great way to add excitement to a large garden and especially beneficial for children.
Rain gardens
Rain gardens are landscape schemes which harvest excess rain water from buildings, landform or a landscape drainage network. They channel this water through decorative landscaping installations such as waterfalls, swales, dry river beds and retention ponds.
In a sustainable sense rain gardens are very ecological as they allow rain water to permeate back into the landscape.
This alleviates pressure on the local drainage network in times of heavy rain. These are especially effective in larger gardens with large potential to absorb large quantities of water. As well as functional rain gardens can also look fantastic as well as create great habitat for wildlife.
In a sustainable sense rain gardens are very ecological as they allow rain water to permeate back into the landscape.
This alleviates pressure on the local drainage network in times of heavy rain. These are especially effective in larger gardens with large potential to absorb large quantities of water. As well as functional rain gardens can also look fantastic as well as create great habitat for wildlife.
If you are looking for landscaping services including design & construction please do not hesitate to contact Buckinghamshire landscape gardeners. We cover Buckinghamshire and the surrounding Chiltern area. Many typical project locations include:
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Landscaping ideas for front gardens can sometimes be a little overlooked which is not surprising.
Typically more emphasis is focused on developing back gardens can which provide a larger more private space. However it is crucial to point out that front gardens offer the very first impression to your property for others. A well thought out and designed front garden dramatically improves the first impressions of the property and the occupants who reside there.
There is an element of functionality which needs to be considered with front garden landscaping. Bin stores, easy access and security are all factors that should be considered and planned for. However with functionality in mind there is no reason your front garden can not be practical and beautiful at the same time.
Front gardens can really add some greenery to dull, urban streets and encourage wildlife to the streetscape. A newly landscaped front garden can provide a tropical paradise perhaps or a place to sit out and watch the world go by.
In this article I will set out some of the fundamentals of landscaping front gardens, what you should think about and what are the possibilities.
Typically more emphasis is focused on developing back gardens can which provide a larger more private space. However it is crucial to point out that front gardens offer the very first impression to your property for others. A well thought out and designed front garden dramatically improves the first impressions of the property and the occupants who reside there.
There is an element of functionality which needs to be considered with front garden landscaping. Bin stores, easy access and security are all factors that should be considered and planned for. However with functionality in mind there is no reason your front garden can not be practical and beautiful at the same time.
Front gardens can really add some greenery to dull, urban streets and encourage wildlife to the streetscape. A newly landscaped front garden can provide a tropical paradise perhaps or a place to sit out and watch the world go by.
In this article I will set out some of the fundamentals of landscaping front gardens, what you should think about and what are the possibilities.
Frame the home
Framing the home is a great way to enhance its appearance using landscape elements. This is commonly achieved using horizontal and vertical elements. A well cut hedge or regimental trees can both soften buildings and frame the homes geometric aesthetics.
One of the most striking ways to do this is with vertical lines at either sides of the building. Using tubular trees like Italian Cypress you can really compliment the architecture of the home. Well trimmed Box hedging can mirror the right angles of the house visually connecting home and garden.
Vertical structures such as pergolas, trellis and screens can also help to frame the home.
One of the most striking ways to do this is with vertical lines at either sides of the building. Using tubular trees like Italian Cypress you can really compliment the architecture of the home. Well trimmed Box hedging can mirror the right angles of the house visually connecting home and garden.
Vertical structures such as pergolas, trellis and screens can also help to frame the home.
Spatial hierarchy
One of the things that bring visual order to a front garden is spatial hierarchy. This can create a comfortable aesthetic to the eye and influence how people use and perceive the space. Spatial hierarchy can be achieved by using bold lines to guide the eye to landscaped focal points.
With front gardens typically a structure is created which builds emphasis towards the entrance of the home. Occasionally a central area is given more importance with a water feature or statue providing a focal point.
When designing your front garden space try to think about what you want to emphasise, the home, the centre of the garden, or a specific feature. Sketch out what landscape elements you want and build them up in layers in order of importance.
With front gardens typically a structure is created which builds emphasis towards the entrance of the home. Occasionally a central area is given more importance with a water feature or statue providing a focal point.
When designing your front garden space try to think about what you want to emphasise, the home, the centre of the garden, or a specific feature. Sketch out what landscape elements you want and build them up in layers in order of importance.
Show off your attention to detail
Front gardens are usually much smaller than back yard garden spaces. They also provide a greater opportunity to impress and create a show to the outside world. This is where you can make a statement about yourself and how you see the world.
Clean lines and intricate details can really make a house and garden look amazing. By integrating visual textures and smooth surfaces small details and juxtaposition can be celebrated. There is no better way to show you are an organised, perfectionist to the world than with your front gardens landscape design.
Clean lines and intricate details can really make a house and garden look amazing. By integrating visual textures and smooth surfaces small details and juxtaposition can be celebrated. There is no better way to show you are an organised, perfectionist to the world than with your front gardens landscape design.
Watch the world go by
This is often thought of as a front garden pursuit by those only living in the Mediterranean. The fact is front gardens provide a fantastic opportunity to relax and watch the world go by.
Many don’t even think this is a socially expectable thing to do but can be liberating in so many ways. You will have positive conversations with neighbours you never knew you had, make new friends and start a social revolution.
The best way to start watching the world go by is to simply make the front garden a great place to sit. A new patio or deck is a great way to make a front garden appealing. Raised beds and a cool planting scheme can provoke impact and evoke compliments and conversation. This landscape approach is even more effective if your front garden gets afternoon sun.
Many don’t even think this is a socially expectable thing to do but can be liberating in so many ways. You will have positive conversations with neighbours you never knew you had, make new friends and start a social revolution.
The best way to start watching the world go by is to simply make the front garden a great place to sit. A new patio or deck is a great way to make a front garden appealing. Raised beds and a cool planting scheme can provoke impact and evoke compliments and conversation. This landscape approach is even more effective if your front garden gets afternoon sun.
Security
Security is something that should always be taken into account when landscaping your front garden. It is important to recognise that not everyone will be stopping by your home to appreciate the landscaping.
The important thing to remember is criminals like places to hide so large shrubs and climbing plants should be avoided. Try not to give them anything to climb on directly next to the home. The use of gravels that are noisy to walk are a put off for burglars.
Hence if crime is high in your area you may want to consider gravel in the front garden. Security is always a worthy factor when planning a front garden. Although it is usually rare some opportunistic crime can occur in any area.
The important thing to remember is criminals like places to hide so large shrubs and climbing plants should be avoided. Try not to give them anything to climb on directly next to the home. The use of gravels that are noisy to walk are a put off for burglars.
Hence if crime is high in your area you may want to consider gravel in the front garden. Security is always a worthy factor when planning a front garden. Although it is usually rare some opportunistic crime can occur in any area.
Gravel gardens
Gravel gardens are a great way to implement free draining, attractive surfaces to a front garden. Gravel can create a very attractive effect especially if it is combined with architectural planting.
Gravel gardens are one of the most affordable ways to create a hard wearing surface. To create a gravel garden all perennial weeds must be removed and a robust weed resistant membrane installed. An aggregate of choice should then spread to a depth of around 50mm.
If you wish to make a gravel garden more interesting you can combine different zones with varying colours and textures. These can be separated by some form of edging usually steel or treated timber gravel board. Gravel front gardens are effective for security purposes and also look great!
Gravel gardens are one of the most affordable ways to create a hard wearing surface. To create a gravel garden all perennial weeds must be removed and a robust weed resistant membrane installed. An aggregate of choice should then spread to a depth of around 50mm.
If you wish to make a gravel garden more interesting you can combine different zones with varying colours and textures. These can be separated by some form of edging usually steel or treated timber gravel board. Gravel front gardens are effective for security purposes and also look great!
Formal lawns
Lawns are not always the first choice when planning a front garden but can be very effective. Usually the practicality of dragging a mower through to the front is too much for some people.
However if you like to show the world you are regimentally neat, tidy and organised a front lawn could be just the thing for you. When landscaping a new lawn in a front garden it is good to go for a small and formal shape. These lawns benefit from a well planned edging such as a brick on edge or steel border.
These allow you to set the perfect level, a good quality soil loam can then be spread and a good quality turf laid. Make sure your lawn has at least six hours of sun a day and is in a relatively free draining area.
However if you like to show the world you are regimentally neat, tidy and organised a front lawn could be just the thing for you. When landscaping a new lawn in a front garden it is good to go for a small and formal shape. These lawns benefit from a well planned edging such as a brick on edge or steel border.
These allow you to set the perfect level, a good quality soil loam can then be spread and a good quality turf laid. Make sure your lawn has at least six hours of sun a day and is in a relatively free draining area.
Tropical front gardens
Tropical gardens are the ultimate wow factor in a garden. It is surprising just how realistic some tropical gardens are in colder climates. There are many frost hardy palms, yuccas and other shrubs which give that exotic touch to the garden.
This is no less the case in a front garden. A combination of palms, bamboos, grasses and large leaved shrubs can make the perfect jungle paradise. This really requires a south facing front garden in colder climates but can make a real statement.
Be cautious of making your tropical garden too much of a dense jungle. With front gardens there is always the threat of litter and giving places for people to hide. Why not check out our article on Tropical looking plants for jungle gardens here.
This is no less the case in a front garden. A combination of palms, bamboos, grasses and large leaved shrubs can make the perfect jungle paradise. This really requires a south facing front garden in colder climates but can make a real statement.
Be cautious of making your tropical garden too much of a dense jungle. With front gardens there is always the threat of litter and giving places for people to hide. Why not check out our article on Tropical looking plants for jungle gardens here.
Mediterranean front gardens
For front gardens a Mediterranean garden could be just the thing to celebrate your properties entrance. These gardens typical of Greece and Italy have a beautiful rustic charm with simplistic, architectural planting, warm colours and textures.
Perhaps you could build a dry stone wall planted with aromatic herbs or succulents. You could plant drought resistant trees such as Olives and Almonds. These gardens work very well with a combination of paving, gravel and rocks.
Perhaps you would like a more formal Mediterranean theme such as a Moroccan courtyard. Mediterranean gardens should really have a south facing aspect to be successful. The benefit with most Mediterranean plants is they usually require little water and are generally low maintenance.
Perhaps you could build a dry stone wall planted with aromatic herbs or succulents. You could plant drought resistant trees such as Olives and Almonds. These gardens work very well with a combination of paving, gravel and rocks.
Perhaps you would like a more formal Mediterranean theme such as a Moroccan courtyard. Mediterranean gardens should really have a south facing aspect to be successful. The benefit with most Mediterranean plants is they usually require little water and are generally low maintenance.
Victorian front gardens
Victorian gardens are a classic theme for the English town house but can be applied into any garden. Victorian gardens are typified by their geometric lines and decorative pathways. Victorian gardens are neat, tidy and orderly using hedging and edgings to create strong lines and order. This theme is great for small courtyards and urban gardens.
Go potty with pots
Front gardens are fun to landscape and can become great places for decoration. However the typically hard surfaces and rain shadows can mean planting them is not always easy. This is where pots can add a floral boost to front gardens.
Pots are decorative within their own right but with a cool planting scheme they can be an exceptional delight. In sunny positions architectural palms, grasses and succulents can be grown while in shaded damp corners ferns are a great choice.
The benefit of landscaping your front garden with pots is you can move them around and change the planting scheme at will.
Pots are decorative within their own right but with a cool planting scheme they can be an exceptional delight. In sunny positions architectural palms, grasses and succulents can be grown while in shaded damp corners ferns are a great choice.
The benefit of landscaping your front garden with pots is you can move them around and change the planting scheme at will.
Add colour with hanging baskets
Hanging baskets can really add a special effect to the front of your home. Traditionally thought of as a thing of summer hanging baskets do not just have to be for summer flowers. Baskets can also be planted with bulbs, small shrubs and perennials for all year round interest. Hanging baskets now come in some differing forms including hanging green walls and cascading pots.
Soften the home with climbers
Landscaping for impact can often be challenging with the home being such a bold feature. Sometimes it is good to find ways to soften the hard lines of the building to maximise the gardens impact. One of the best ways to pursue this strategy is to grow climbing plants up the front of the home.
This can be done with a cable system or trellis. Some climbers offer seasonal blooms, some fruit and some offer attractive foliage. When choosing the best climbers for your home be cautious, Some can grow very robustly and damage the integrity of the building. Try to use climbers which to not develop a very thick trunk and that grow slowly and delicately.
This can be done with a cable system or trellis. Some climbers offer seasonal blooms, some fruit and some offer attractive foliage. When choosing the best climbers for your home be cautious, Some can grow very robustly and damage the integrity of the building. Try to use climbers which to not develop a very thick trunk and that grow slowly and delicately.
Frame the door with Italian Cypress
A really flavoursome method of giving hierarchy to your homes entrance is to plant two tall, structural plants on either side. This in effect frames the entrance giving it more importance and focus within the landscape.
This is no better executed than with Italian Cypress trees. These tubular evergreens have a fantastic, vertical line which is perfect to compliment the geometry of the building. Furthermore this helps to integrate and harmonise the garden and home. Italian Cypress is perfect for framing a doorway or creating a corridor along a path.
This is no better executed than with Italian Cypress trees. These tubular evergreens have a fantastic, vertical line which is perfect to compliment the geometry of the building. Furthermore this helps to integrate and harmonise the garden and home. Italian Cypress is perfect for framing a doorway or creating a corridor along a path.
Create a focal point
A really effective way to add interest into your front garden is to create a focal point. This can be a religious ornament, mosaic or water feature. Creating focal points can allow you to dazzle onlookers and emphasise a point of interest. Having such a feature will allow you to organise the surrounding landscaping to stage the focal point.
This can be done with bold lines, planting and visual textures. For example in Japanese gardens upright boulders can be set into circular zones of gravels. These can be raked in a circular pattern to give the impression of water ripples.
This can be done with bold lines, planting and visual textures. For example in Japanese gardens upright boulders can be set into circular zones of gravels. These can be raked in a circular pattern to give the impression of water ripples.
Create a rain garden
The idea of celebrating the hydraulic cycle through front garden landscaping may sound a little crazy but it is an ecologically sound one. Rain gardens collect seasonal storm water and channel it through the landscape creating a feature.
This can be a dry river bed, gravel system or a seasonal flooding pond. Most ecological degradation of our rivers and fresh water ecosystems is due to urban water runoff. To be as ecological as possible it is recommended to retain as much storm water runoff on your property as possible.
This allows rain to slowly permeate back into the ground naturally. This means pollutants from our surfaces and motor cars do not run directly into the drainage network. Rain from our roof gutter systems and hard surfaces can be collected in our front gardens as rain gardens. These can become a spectacular feature as a series of small gravel pools or even a wildlife pond.
This can be a dry river bed, gravel system or a seasonal flooding pond. Most ecological degradation of our rivers and fresh water ecosystems is due to urban water runoff. To be as ecological as possible it is recommended to retain as much storm water runoff on your property as possible.
This allows rain to slowly permeate back into the ground naturally. This means pollutants from our surfaces and motor cars do not run directly into the drainage network. Rain from our roof gutter systems and hard surfaces can be collected in our front gardens as rain gardens. These can become a spectacular feature as a series of small gravel pools or even a wildlife pond.
Create a cool pathway
One of the best landscaping ideas for front gardens can be a pathway. Even though this can seem an extremely obvious idea there are so many ways they can be executed. If you want to celebrate the entrance to your home you can have a straight and direct path with bold lines and decorative borders.
Many Victorian and Georgian homes have decorative tiled pathways which have become typically associated with London town houses. Pathways can be bordered with high garden elements such as raised beds or edging features. If you have a larger front garden perhaps you may wish to make a less direct garden pathway.
This could even be a meandering journey which takes people through interesting planting and garden features. Pathways can be realised in a multitude of varying materials and styles, why not search for precedent images of great garden pathways for ideas?
Many Victorian and Georgian homes have decorative tiled pathways which have become typically associated with London town houses. Pathways can be bordered with high garden elements such as raised beds or edging features. If you have a larger front garden perhaps you may wish to make a less direct garden pathway.
This could even be a meandering journey which takes people through interesting planting and garden features. Pathways can be realised in a multitude of varying materials and styles, why not search for precedent images of great garden pathways for ideas?
Create a feature wall
Creating a feature wall can be a great addition to your front garden landscaping. This can either be a wall of the home or a separate wall which is just a part of the landscaping.
Feature walls can be smooth, or textured and provide a back drop for other elements inside the garden. Feature walls can be built using timber, brick or concrete and tiled or clad with external cladding. Feature walls can also have small recesses to allow extra decoration with lights or candles.
The colour of a feature wall can allow for contrast when using planting types in front. For instance a climbing red rose can be the perfect accompaniment to a smooth white wall. External cladding such as stack slate cladding can also be very effective.
Feature walls can be smooth, or textured and provide a back drop for other elements inside the garden. Feature walls can be built using timber, brick or concrete and tiled or clad with external cladding. Feature walls can also have small recesses to allow extra decoration with lights or candles.
The colour of a feature wall can allow for contrast when using planting types in front. For instance a climbing red rose can be the perfect accompaniment to a smooth white wall. External cladding such as stack slate cladding can also be very effective.
Create a green wall
Green walls are slowly becoming more accepted within the world of domestic landscaping. These now come in so many forms from simple cable structures with climbers to modular systems. Most of the time a green wall is simply trying to cover a building with vegetation.
This has many benefits including providing wildlife habitat, cleaning the air, insulating the building and helping to keep the building cool in hot summers. Green walls for front gardens can visually soften the building and help green the wider urban landscape.
A variety of planting colours, patterns and even numerals can be created. This is even more plausible using modular green wall systems. These consist of individual planting pockets fixed on to walls. These are the most expensive systems and do require intensive irrigation. They do however also look the most effective.
This has many benefits including providing wildlife habitat, cleaning the air, insulating the building and helping to keep the building cool in hot summers. Green walls for front gardens can visually soften the building and help green the wider urban landscape.
A variety of planting colours, patterns and even numerals can be created. This is even more plausible using modular green wall systems. These consist of individual planting pockets fixed on to walls. These are the most expensive systems and do require intensive irrigation. They do however also look the most effective.
Grow a scented garden
It is amazing just how scent can change your experience of an outside space. Scented gardens can create a sense of beauty and serenity for all who visit them. Do you remember the last time you were stopped in your tracks by a fantastic fragrance from a nearby plant?
When landscaping front gardens planting scented plants can really add that little bit of magic to a space. This can even help to improve the mood of people journeying from the street and into your home. Scented plants do not just have to be effective in summer.
There are also many winter flowering plants and with careful planning can experience floral aromas all year round. Many front gardens are reasonably sheltered making them perfect for pleasant smells to linger.
When landscaping front gardens planting scented plants can really add that little bit of magic to a space. This can even help to improve the mood of people journeying from the street and into your home. Scented plants do not just have to be effective in summer.
There are also many winter flowering plants and with careful planning can experience floral aromas all year round. Many front gardens are reasonably sheltered making them perfect for pleasant smells to linger.
Add a water feature
Water can transform a space like no other element. Water features can capture your attention both visually and with sound. From water fountains to vertical rocks water features come in a wide array of interesting forms and styles.
These are perfect for creating a central focal point in your front garden. If considering a water feature you may need to install an external electricity supply so consult an experienced and qualified electrician.
These are perfect for creating a central focal point in your front garden. If considering a water feature you may need to install an external electricity supply so consult an experienced and qualified electrician.
Incorporate hidden rock speakers
Music is not always the first thought when considering landscaping a front garden. However the ability to play music at will can dramatically enhance the mood and feel of a space.
External speakers like these rock speakers are perfect for integrating into a rockery or flowerbed. Being inconspicuous can make them perfect for adding music to your front garden during get-togethers or just sitting back and watching the world go by.
These speakers can even be set up to play a security message if anyone enters your front garden at night. They can hook up to your mobile device and be activated at the touch of a button.
External speakers like these rock speakers are perfect for integrating into a rockery or flowerbed. Being inconspicuous can make them perfect for adding music to your front garden during get-togethers or just sitting back and watching the world go by.
These speakers can even be set up to play a security message if anyone enters your front garden at night. They can hook up to your mobile device and be activated at the touch of a button.
If you require landscaping services including design & construction please do not hesitate to contact Buckinghamshire landscape gardeners today. We cover Buckinghamshire and the surrounding Chiltern area. Many of our typical project locations include:
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
Amersham, Aylesbury, Beaconsfield, Berkhamsted, Chalfont, Chesham, Gerard's Cross, Great Missenden, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough and Wendover.
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The
Author
Paul Nicolaides
BA (Hons) Dip
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Paul Nicolaides has over 30 years of recreational gardening and 20 years of professional landscaping experience. He has worked for landscape contractors including design and build practices across London and the South East. In 2006 he qualified with a BA Hons degree and post graduate diploma in Landscape Architecture. In 2009 he founded Ecospaces an ecological landscaping practice which aims to improve social cohesion and reduce climate change through landscaping. In 2016 he founded Buckinghamshire Landscape Gardeners which designs and builds gardens across Buckinghamshire and the South East. This blog aims to provide easy problem solving information to its audience and encourage others to take up the joy of landscaping and gardening.
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