Friday, October 2, 2009

Low-maintenance garden

With a garage and a lane at one end of this very long garden (and the house itself the other side of the lane), it was important to draw people into and through the garden to the opposite end. You can add areas of interest at the far end including a pond, decked terrace for eating and a pergola above the extended original patio. Along the side of the garage you created a zig-zag pergola to follow the lines of the ground surface of gravel, grass and planting.

Strong diagonal lines and a range of heights divide this narrow garden into a number of interesting, areas. The paved terrace at the fir end was extended to form a diamond- edged pattern which allows more space and a pergola was added to create interest at a higher level.

The square pond, set at an angle, is edged with paving. It is set below the level of the terrace but at the same height as the decking. The yellow pine decking is pressure- treated to make the pint rot-proof and non-slip when wet. The higher sides provide searing and a love table completes the eating area.

The lawn that follows is edged with sleepers to retain the neat shape. These are set just below lawn level for easy mowing.

Raised beds and potted plants are used highlight the planting and this helps to keep trees and shrubs small. Three triangular raised beds border the sitting areas.

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