Whether developing a new garden from scratch, or reshaping an existing one, understanding and developing basic design skills will help you achive good results, and more importantly, develop a garden with exactly the layout that is best for you.
Changes in your garden’s design need not be profound. Repositioning a tree, for example, erecting a screen, or changing one of your garden surfaces may be small adjustments, but each of them can have a profound effect on the overall appearance.
It is important, when designing your garden, to consider the area as a whole, and to mark out a general framework. The dimensions of a whole plot will make up a main frame, almost like a picture frame, and within that, you must decide on important factors such as internal divisions, pathways and entrances.
Try to arrange for several interesting vistas, since these will make your garden a pleasure to stroll around, as well as providing optimum views from the various key points.
Some aspects of your framework will be pre-decided, and you must work with them: the position of the house, the main gate, where the doors and windows are situated etc.
Final layout will depend on these, and on existing conditions. You will probably want your sitting area, for example, in sun, near the house, but with maximum privacy.
Within these constraints, position such key features as archways, ponds, a lawn or borders where they will create the most pleasing effect.
Never underestimate the importance of a view through the window – especially a window frequently used. Pathways that lead into the distance, attractive borders that change through the seasons, a thoughtfully sited pond – all are examples of garden design that can be enjoyed every day from indoors.
Tags: attractive borders, design articles, doors and windows, important factors, internal divisions, main frame, maximum privacy, pleasing effect, profound effect, repositioning