Fri 16 Jul 2010
This really depends on your tastes and what you like. Most peoples ideas of a perfect garden are quite different. Someone may like certain trees and plants as part of their landscaped garden but for others they may be horrified at even considering planting the same trees and plants in theirs.
As everyone’s taste is different the best thing to do is to start with your own imagination. Now this is where professional landscapers have a head start because they have had many years of experience and have drawn many designs (probably hundreds over the years) that they can quickly throw out ideas and run with the one their client gets excited about. However, there are things that you as an amateur or novice should be aware of to minimize the chances of a complete mess.
The first thing you have to remember is that there is no right or wrong garden and if you think your garden will be perfect in the style you enjoy then go for it because after all its your garden and you should put a bit of your personality into it.
Secondly, consider your budget and how far it will stretch. If the landscaping project cannot be completed in one go due to time constraints or a small budget, then its probably better to break it down into smaller mini projects so that it does not get overwhelming. Infact it may be even better to pick little projects that can be completed at weekends. This will keep your motivation up as you see progress being made towards the end result.
Thirdly, to help you along its best to invest in some good quality gardening tools. A good set of secateurs will make gardening easier and quicker. On the other hand cheap secateurs will damage plants and make the garden much more difficult to maintain thereby also increasing the time to do the job properly.
Fourthly, keep a watering can handy or (if its a really large garden) a hose. This is especially important in times of short rainfall in the summer months so choosing plants that suit your climate and soil conditions will minimize the risk of losing plantings.
Finally, create a small patch where you can pick fresh flowers to use inside your home. This will avoid you taking flowers from the designed areas in your garden and this will help to maintain its beauty and also allow you to enjoy the flowers from your garden.
Whatever you decide for your perfect garden its best to have some great ideas to get started with. Its probably a good idea to have a look at some landscaping or gardening magazines. Some of the home and garden magazines are also a good bet to give you ideas you can think about. Failing that you can also drive around your neighbourhood to get some ideas on front garden design.
Tue 29 Jun 2010
These ideas for landscaping Nottingham front yards may not appeal to some but they are definitely worth considering. Here they are:
1. If you have green fingers get rid of the lawn and grow some vegetables instead. It may not look as pretty but then you don’t have the problem of mowing the lawn – although the vegetables will still need watering and looking after. It’s actually good for the soul. In any case the lawn was originally a symbol of wealth – by growing grass they could show others how wealthy they were by not needing to grow vegetables. Growing your own organic vegetables taste better and fresher than the ones from the supermarket. You may not be able to survive on them all the year round if you have a large family but nonetheless you will save money and be environmentally friendly to boot.
2. You can form a tree lattice by planting young trees one or two feet apart. They must be angled towards each other and then weave the trees together similar to the design called the Belgium doublet. This design is mainly achieved by intertwining the trees and tying them where they cross. To make sure they will grow together a little bark will have to be shaved off.
3. Shaping and pruning live tree trunks into desired shapes. This practice has been around for many centuries and is called arborsculpture. This seems to be making a comeback and is back in fashion all around the world. Many shapes can be designed from chairs to gazebos to bridges and boats and strange as it may seem these shapes will grow together when grafting is done right as in the tree lattice structure mentioned previously. They can become powerful works of garden art and can help lift the spirit when landscaping Nottingham gardens.
4. Fruit trees can be planted eg. Apple, pear, plum which can help give character to the garden as well as provide ample fruit when in season which is good for the family budget. There is also very little maintenance apart from pruning now and then.
5. Rocks and stones can be used in many ways for a low maintenance garden. There is no weeding or watering involved. Its best to blend different types of rocks and stones in various shapes and sizes so that they blend in with the overall design of the house and complement its features.
Landscaping Nottingham front yards is not as difficult as it may seem. You just need to take the first step and do a little everyday and before you know it you will have a great looking front yard.
Mon 21 Jun 2010
One of the best ways to improve a garden is to install a water feature. Water is very relaxing for the human mind. You have probably experienced it yourself. The scene of a tranquil lake or a still pond is soothing and great for the spirit. But how do we capture these benefits of water and include them in the garden design?
First of all if there is a natural source of water in your garden already then you must use it because you can design the new garden around it and enhance it even more with great looking results. But for most of us that is probably unlikely. So we have to look for other ways to incorporate water features in the garden.
Good quality water features such as waterfalls (also known as water blades) can be expensive but if your budget does not stretch that far or if you have a small garden then a solar powered water feature or a small fountain would be ideal.This is mainly dependant on how much you can afford because costs can be dramatic if you look at the top end of items used as water features. However, great results can still be obtained with cheaper water features. Its always best to stay within your budget as you don’t want to be stressed out on cost. You will enjoy your new garden a lot better that way.
Whatever water features you decide to go for they will enhance the overall design process and layout of the garden and bring you many years of enjoyment. You may want to add a bird bath which will attract more bird activity with the sounds of mother nature’s bird song or (again depending on your budget) a large water feature with the flowing sound of water.
Some larger water features may need you to dig at depth to properly install the fountain and you may need help from electricians and plumbers to do this correctly. In some cases you will probably need the approval of utility companies if their pipes run under your garden. If you do not feel comfortable in handling the garden design yourself then its probably best to use the services of a professional landscape gardener who will iron out any problems that may crop up as well as providing you with a fantastic design that you will enjoy for many years to come.