 GARDENING TIPS - Planning new features
Winter is probably the best time to sit down and plan new features; at this time there
is not a great deal to do in the garden and so we should have some time to think of ways
of making it more attractive and interesting. Basically, there are two ways of
planning a complete garden, or even small features; either the shapes can be drawn to
scale on paper or, if you are not this way inclined, they can be marked out on the ground,
perhaps using a length of hosepipe or rope, or by trickling sand along the ground.
Positions for any large plants, such as trees, shrubs and conifers, can be marked with
canes, which are easily moved around until you are satisfied you have found the right
position. Although there are really no hard and fast rules in garden planning, it should
be said that all too often people go for square shapes, which do nothing to enhance the
design. So often one finds a small garden with a rectangular lawn and straight
borders on either side or maybe a straight path down the middle. Such an approach is
very unexciting and makes the garden look even smaller. If you are starting from
scratch or if you want to completely redesign an existing garden, then I would suggest you
start with the lawn. This could be of an informal, irregular shape with bold,
sweeping, curving edges. In most gardens the edges of the lawn dictate the shape of
the flowerbeds, so with this approach you will also have irregularly shaped borders with
curving edges. Do not make the curves too tight or it will make mowing difficult,
aim for gentle curves. If you would like a garden path, perhaps this could follow
one of the curving lawn edges, if not, consider using stepping stones across the lawn-not
in a straight line but again gently curving or winding. Even in a small garden you
should try to create ellements of surprise - you should not see the whole of the garden in
one glance. This is easily achieved by erecting some timber trellis screens and growing
climbers on them. Even the patio for sitting and entertaining need not be square or
rectangular and with a wide range of paving stones available in all shapes and sizes, you
can make virtually any shape desired. |
Embarrassing Stories
