Whether you have a new home and a complete blank canvas, want to redesign your garden, or just make some changes to the existing layout, here are some practical things to think about before getting started.
Make a plan of your existing garden: Depending on the complexity of your requirements, this could be a rough sketch for a very small project, or for something larger and more complex, a scale drawing using graph paper to work out accurate dimensions (consider making photocopies of the outline on graph paper so you can try out several design options). Alternatively, you may find free garden design tools online. Draw the shape of your garden as it currently is and mark on the plan any outdoor structures, obstacles, drain covers, pipes etc that will require access or that you need to work around, as well as any trees, plants, or paths that you wish to keep in their current location. Before you get carried away adding in any landscaping features, consider the points below.
Think about your requirements: To help allocate the space accordingly, ask yourself what you want to do in your garden. Is it a space for relaxation and alfresco dining, outdoor cooking, for kids to play in, for growing vegetables, and do you want to attract wildlife, etc? If your garden is going to be a space for all the family, think about dividing it up accurately to suit the needs of everyone who'll use it. Don't forget your pets as they may need considering in the design elements and planting choices. For example, research which plants are toxic to your pets and what landscaping materials or plants may be specifically recommended to stop them digging or trampling through borders. Consider whether a designated area might be appropriate for them and be mindful that some dogs may dig underneath or get through holes in fences, so ensure your fences/boundaries are going to be secure at the base and that they're at least 6ft high.
Think about location: It's really important to study the sun and wind patterns in your garden before deciding on the placement of all your garden elements. Discover which way your garden faces (north, south, east or west) to help you choose the location of your seating areas. For example, if you want a sunny deck, there's no point placing it in the shadiest corner of the garden, and equally if you're wanting a shady patio for lunchtime dining be sure to do your homework before deciding where to place it. Also ensure that the location you've chosen is not affected excessively by wind which might, for example, extinguish a BBQ/fire pit or become annoying. Spend some time sitting in your chosen patio/deck location, noting particular things you want to obscure, such as an unsightly view, or whether you want to make the area more private to avoid being overlooked by neighbours, for example. Equally, you may have garden features or views you wish to accentuate. Don't forget your plants - check if your borders/planters will be in full sun, partial shade, shade, or deep shade, and remember to also consider whether you'd like plants with scents to enhance the whole garden experience. Finally check your soil type as it may vary in different garden locations, then you'll then be ready to choose plants that suit the aspect and soil.
Consider future maintenance: Whilst it's all well and good designing a stunning garden, before you set your heart on any specific landscaping materials, think about how much it will take to maintain the garden you're planning. Consider whether you'll have enough free time, and if you'll actually enjoy maintaining paving slabs, decks, lawns, plants, borders etc. If you're going to find maintenance a chore, decide whether your budget will stretch to paying someone to do it for you. If you do feel maintenance will be an issue, seriously consider maintenance-free landscaping materials such as composite decking, porcelain paving, and artificial grass, which are great alternatives and require very little attention (ask about these options at any Coomers branch). In addition, landscaping fabric helps maintain weed free borders, lawns, paths, patios, block paved drives and artificial grass.
Decide on focal points and themes: A well designed garden will typically feature a focal point, or maybe even a series of them. The main focal point will vary depending on the size of your garden and your own taste. For smaller gardens options could be a garden ornament, sundial, specimen plant, or an arbour/gazebo. For bigger spaces you may need something more imposing - perhaps a large sculpture, water feature, stunning tree or even a series of clipped conifers. Choosing a theme can unify your garden and may dictate your focal point, plant and landscaping selections. Themes could be anything from a highly themed seaside, Japanese or Mediterranean garden, to something simpler such as the use of consistent shapes or colours, or maybe a more natural feel with softer lines throughout your garden. For some, perhaps a cottage or wildlife garden may be preferred ... there are so many options. Also, consider dividing a garden into sections to maximise space or create different areas - this can make an outdoor space feel larger than it actually is and add interest by concealing parts of the garden. You can divide a garden with the use of walls, trellis, fencing, hedges or tall plants. If you like the idea of dividing up your garden but feel you might want to change things around from time to time, there are even options such as modular walling that you can build and later change around as the mood suits you, or fencing with slats which allow you to open or close them to suit your privacy needs.
These low-maintenance porcelain paving slabs from Pavestone's Deckwood range replicate the look of wood and work really well in this seaside themed garden
Check planning regulations: These can vary from area to area and in most cases planning permission is generally not needed unless you are embarking on significant works or terracing, or if your property is a listed building or in a conservation area, in which case you may very well need planning permission. Be sure to double check before embarking on any landscaping project as, for example, decking needs planning permission if it covers more than 50% of the total garden area or if it's more than 30cm above the ground, and there are different rules for paving a front garden. Remember that if you have trees in your garden, you'll need to comply with any tree preservation orders that may exist.
Choosing the materials: If you're incorporating a deck, patio, walling or artificial lawn in your garden design, you'll need some inspiration to choose the materials and there are various places to look, such as magazines, visits to gardens, and online searches. These may help to give you an initial overall feel of the type of look you're trying to achieve, but don't forget to also look at the brochures and websites of the main landscaping suppliers, which often include inspirational images and practical advice (some suggestions are Pavestone, Bradstone, A+G, Grange Fencing, Trex Composite Decking, Millboard Composite Decking, ArtificialGrass.com). Also visit any supplier landscaping displays in your local area, such as ours at Bordon, so you can actually see the products and colours in natural settings. Bear in mind that certain paving, such as natural sandstone, will appear a completely different colour when it's wet to when it's in full sunlight. Be sure to read our blog on Inspiring Garden Ideas for more ideas too, as this also explains some of the low maintenance options and gives more advice.
Dolomite Slate porcelain paving from Pavestone
Let the fun begin: Once you've done all your homework on what you want and where, plus the materials required, you're ready to start planning your garden layout. So pick up your outline drawing of your existing garden layout, make sure you've marked on your plan where the sunny/shady areas are, and get designing! At this stage concentrate on all the hard landscaping features first and experiment with different options. Once you're happy with your final plan, you can then create a planting plan to help you decide which plants will be used where, remembering not only to place plants in the right locations depending on their requirements, but to allow space for them to grow to prevent planting becoming too dense or too close to paths or buildings. Then you can compile a plant list to take with you to your local garden centre. Don't overlook investing in good top soil, mulch, etc, to improve the soil where necessary, giving your new plants the best possible start.
Getting the job done: If you're only working on a small project or are able to lay the slabs or build decking competently yourself, be sure to check beforehand that you're going to be using the correct tools and methods, and importantly according to the manufacturer's recommendations for that product. This is because some types of paving and decking may have recommended ways of laying and cutting which may vary from what you may think is standard practice (examples are porcelain paving and composite decking). In addition, artificial grass also has a recommended laying method. Following these recommendations will not only ensure your finished product looks good and lasts well for years to come, but will also make sure you don't invalidate any warranty that may be offered. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer (many of their websites have helpful "how to" guides or videos). If you decide that the work needed to complete your finished project is beyond your capability, be sure to use a reputable landscaper to do the work for you. Research carefully and to start with it's always worth checking the manufacturer's website to see if they have a list of recommended installers in your area, as many have a "Find an Installer" or similar web page listing trustworthy professionals. (For example, this page gives a list of Pavestone preferred landscapers in your local area when you enter your postcode.) Otherwise be sure to also ask neighbours or family who may have had work done for any personal recommendations, and ask any potential landscapers to let you visit some of their completed jobs. Finally, bear in mind that although social media groups have become a very popular way of asking for recommendations of local reputable professionals, a minority of recommendations being put forward may be from trades recommending themselves, so be sure to check them out thoroughly!
Cost: At this stage you should have a good idea of what your final project will cost. If it's a large project and you subsequently decide it's become too expensive, consider prioritising certain areas first (maybe a modest seating area and a few borders, to begin with) and come back to the other features at a later date in order to help spread the cost. If you still think you'll be over budget, consider whether you really need to deck or pave right up to the edge of your boundaries, or whether you could use fewer materials and fill in around the edges with borders or decorative stone, for example. You could perhaps compromise by exchanging a fully paved path with round stepping stones or rectangular slabs spaced apart with decorative stone filling the areas between them. Also consider whether you or your friends have any existing/unwanted landscaping materials that can be reused in your design, or if you can get away with cheaper utility paving in areas that may be mostly hidden from view. Having said that, if you're going to be paying a professional to lay your paving, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of the paving is rarely the largest outlay, so upgrading from cheaper concrete paving to natural stone or porcelain will usually not significantly increase your overall costs as it generally takes the same amount of their time to lay a patio whether it's premium natural stone or cheaper utility paving (assuming you're not wanting elaborate patterns cut).
Most of all have fun and enjoy your garden!
Dolomite Dust porcelain paving from Pavestone
Images are for illustration purposes only. Information was correct at the time of compiling this blog but always check manufacturer's recommendations before embarking on any project, as well as current regulations.
Whether you have a new home and a complete blank canvas, want to redesign your garden, or just make some changes to the existing layout, here are some practical things to think about before getting started.
Make a plan of your existing garden: Depending on the complexity of your requirements, this could be a rough sketch for a very small project, or for something larger and more complex, a scale drawing using graph paper to work out accurate dimensions (consider making photocopies of the outline on graph paper so you can try out several design options). Alternatively, you may find free garden design tools online. Draw the shape of your garden as it currently is and mark on the plan any outdoor structures, obstacles, drain covers, pipes etc that will require access or that you need to work around, as well as any trees, plants, or paths that you wish to keep in their current location. Before you get carried away adding in any landscaping features, consider the points below.
Think about your requirements: To help allocate the space accordingly, ask yourself what you want to do in your garden. Is it a space for relaxation and alfresco dining, outdoor cooking, for kids to play in, for growing vegetables, and do you want to attract wildlife, etc? If your garden is going to be a space for all the family, think about dividing it up accurately to suit the needs of everyone who'll use it. Don't forget your pets as they may need considering in the design elements and planting choices. For example, research which plants are toxic to your pets and what landscaping materials or plants may be specifically recommended to stop them digging or trampling through borders. Consider whether a designated area might be appropriate for them and be mindful that some dogs may dig underneath or get through holes in fences, so ensure your fences/boundaries are going to be secure at the base and that they're at least 6ft high.
Think about location: It's really important to study the sun and wind patterns in your garden before deciding on the placement of all your garden elements. Discover which way your garden faces (north, south, east or west) to help you choose the location of your seating areas. For example, if you want a sunny deck, there's no point placing it in the shadiest corner of the garden, and equally if you're wanting a shady patio for lunchtime dining be sure to do your homework before deciding where to place it. Also ensure that the location you've chosen is not affected excessively by wind which might, for example, extinguish a BBQ/fire pit or become annoying. Spend some time sitting in your chosen patio/deck location, noting particular things you want to obscure, such as an unsightly view, or whether you want to make the area more private to avoid being overlooked by neighbours, for example. Equally, you may have garden features or views you wish to accentuate. Don't forget your plants - check if your borders/planters will be in full sun, partial shade, shade, or deep shade, and remember to also consider whether you'd like plants with scents to enhance the whole garden experience. Finally check your soil type as it may vary in different garden locations, then you'll then be ready to choose plants that suit the aspect and soil.
Consider future maintenance: Whilst it's all well and good designing a stunning garden, before you set your heart on any specific landscaping materials, think about how much it will take to maintain the garden you're planning. Consider whether you'll have enough free time, and if you'll actually enjoy maintaining paving slabs, decks, lawns, plants, borders etc. If you're going to find maintenance a chore, decide whether your budget will stretch to paying someone to do it for you. If you do feel maintenance will be an issue, seriously consider maintenance-free landscaping materials such as composite decking, porcelain paving, and artificial grass, which are great alternatives and require very little attention (ask about these options at any Coomers branch). In addition, landscaping fabric helps maintain weed free borders, lawns, paths, patios, block paved drives and artificial grass.
Decide on focal points and themes: A well designed garden will typically feature a focal point, or maybe even a series of them. The main focal point will vary depending on the size of your garden and your own taste. For smaller gardens options could be a garden ornament, sundial, specimen plant, or an arbour/gazebo. For bigger spaces you may need something more imposing - perhaps a large sculpture, water feature, stunning tree or even a series of clipped conifers. Choosing a theme can unify your garden and may dictate your focal point, plant and landscaping selections. Themes could be anything from a highly themed seaside, Japanese or Mediterranean garden, to something simpler such as the use of consistent shapes or colours, or maybe a more natural feel with softer lines throughout your garden. For some, perhaps a cottage or wildlife garden may be preferred ... there are so many options. Also, consider dividing a garden into sections to maximise space or create different areas - this can make an outdoor space feel larger than it actually is and add interest by concealing parts of the garden. You can divide a garden with the use of walls, trellis, fencing, hedges or tall plants. If you like the idea of dividing up your garden but feel you might want to change things around from time to time, there are even options such as modular walling that you can build and later change around as the mood suits you, or fencing with slats which allow you to open or close them to suit your privacy needs.
These low-maintenance porcelain paving slabs from Pavestone's Deckwood range replicate the look of wood and work really well in this seaside themed garden
Check planning regulations: These can vary from area to area and in most cases planning permission is generally not needed unless you are embarking on significant works or terracing, or if your property is a listed building or in a conservation area, in which case you may very well need planning permission. Be sure to double check before embarking on any landscaping project as, for example, decking needs planning permission if it covers more than 50% of the total garden area or if it's more than 30cm above the ground, and there are different rules for paving a front garden. Remember that if you have trees in your garden, you'll need to comply with any tree preservation orders that may exist.
Choosing the materials: If you're incorporating a deck, patio, walling or artificial lawn in your garden design, you'll need some inspiration to choose the materials and there are various places to look, such as magazines, visits to gardens, and online searches. These may help to give you an initial overall feel of the type of look you're trying to achieve, but don't forget to also look at the brochures and websites of the main landscaping suppliers, which often include inspirational images and practical advice (some suggestions are Pavestone, Bradstone, A+G, Grange Fencing, Trex Composite Decking, Millboard Composite Decking, ArtificialGrass.com). Also visit any supplier landscaping displays in your local area, such as ours at Bordon, so you can actually see the products and colours in natural settings. Bear in mind that certain paving, such as natural sandstone, will appear a completely different colour when it's wet to when it's in full sunlight. Be sure to read our blog on Inspiring Garden Ideas for more ideas too, as this also explains some of the low maintenance options and gives more advice.
Dolomite Slate porcelain paving from Pavestone
Let the fun begin: Once you've done all your homework on what you want and where, plus the materials required, you're ready to start planning your garden layout. So pick up your outline drawing of your existing garden layout, make sure you've marked on your plan where the sunny/shady areas are, and get designing! At this stage concentrate on all the hard landscaping features first and experiment with different options. Once you're happy with your final plan, you can then create a planting plan to help you decide which plants will be used where, remembering not only to place plants in the right locations depending on their requirements, but to allow space for them to grow to prevent planting becoming too dense or too close to paths or buildings. Then you can compile a plant list to take with you to your local garden centre. Don't overlook investing in good top soil, mulch, etc, to improve the soil where necessary, giving your new plants the best possible start.
Getting the job done: If you're only working on a small project or are able to lay the slabs or build decking competently yourself, be sure to check beforehand that you're going to be using the correct tools and methods, and importantly according to the manufacturer's recommendations for that product. This is because some types of paving and decking may have recommended ways of laying and cutting which may vary from what you may think is standard practice (examples are porcelain paving and composite decking). In addition, artificial grass also has a recommended laying method. Following these recommendations will not only ensure your finished product looks good and lasts well for years to come, but will also make sure you don't invalidate any warranty that may be offered. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer (many of their websites have helpful "how to" guides or videos). If you decide that the work needed to complete your finished project is beyond your capability, be sure to use a reputable landscaper to do the work for you. Research carefully and to start with it's always worth checking the manufacturer's website to see if they have a list of recommended installers in your area, as many have a "Find an Installer" or similar web page listing trustworthy professionals. (For example, this page gives a list of Pavestone preferred landscapers in your local area when you enter your postcode.) Otherwise be sure to also ask neighbours or family who may have had work done for any personal recommendations, and ask any potential landscapers to let you visit some of their completed jobs. Finally, bear in mind that although social media groups have become a very popular way of asking for recommendations of local reputable professionals, a minority of recommendations being put forward may be from trades recommending themselves, so be sure to check them out thoroughly!
Cost: At this stage you should have a good idea of what your final project will cost. If it's a large project and you subsequently decide it's become too expensive, consider prioritising certain areas first (maybe a modest seating area and a few borders, to begin with) and come back to the other features at a later date in order to help spread the cost. If you still think you'll be over budget, consider whether you really need to deck or pave right up to the edge of your boundaries, or whether you could use fewer materials and fill in around the edges with borders or decorative stone, for example. You could perhaps compromise by exchanging a fully paved path with round stepping stones or rectangular slabs spaced apart with decorative stone filling the areas between them. Also consider whether you or your friends have any existing/unwanted landscaping materials that can be reused in your design, or if you can get away with cheaper utility paving in areas that may be mostly hidden from view. Having said that, if you're going to be paying a professional to lay your paving, it's worth bearing in mind that the cost of the paving is rarely the largest outlay, so upgrading from cheaper concrete paving to natural stone or porcelain will usually not significantly increase your overall costs as it generally takes the same amount of their time to lay a patio whether it's premium natural stone or cheaper utility paving (assuming you're not wanting elaborate patterns cut).
Most of all have fun and enjoy your garden!
Dolomite Dust porcelain paving from Pavestone
Images are for illustration purposes only. Information was correct at the time of compiling this blog but always check manufacturer's recommendations before embarking on any project, as well as current regulations.
