Hello! I’m helping to rejuvenate this very old French building, and am looking at budget friendly ways of softening the exterior. Passers-by say it’s a bit scary (one of the photos included especially shows this side of it!). Any cost-effective ways or hacks to soften the exterior and make it more inviting? Ideas and especially photos very welcome!
Incredible building. The grey paintwork is a bit grim so maybe paint it cream or an off white like the bottom section. Mind you that would be a task and a half to paint it all!
The grass is actually the back of the building - lol, good scouting skills! It’s updated since, with a garden around the state of Mary, and the trees have grown back their branches. It’s a school that I work in, rather than own, and I’m looking at what I can do outside of the classroom and admin to spruce it up. A full lawn or massive garden is not really ideal at the front, but at thinking of a circular garden with some sort of wall around it, and a summer proof trees and plants. Looking at low maintenance and lower cost - and deffo not painting the whole thing!
So you want to create more greenery outside? Will you be taking up some of the tarmac to create a sort of raised bed, is that what you mean? Planting trees will make a huge difference, creating shade and improving the air. Look at Silver Birch trees (Betula), Jackmanii is particularly lovely with its white bark. They even look wonderful in winter with the white branches, almost ethereal. There are so many wonderful trees you could plant but depends on how much of that space you can use.
I think that would be best - carve out an area for a garden, probably a wall around it with a tree and lavender (which is hardy and evergreen). Ideally an evergreen tree, too.
Most of the Cambridge colleges have really beautiful gardens, it may be worth looking at them for inspiration. I think gravel would really help to soften it too and very typical of France. Just ensure there are paths to the doors
Is there anyway to get any form of funding for this? Or could there be some kind of project with the students/parents
I would just try cleaning the paintwork first then it might not be necessary for a huge paint job. Then plants, plants and more plants. Could the pupils help with the sprucing up as a budget measure? It's absolutely stunning. What a building. Do you have any budget for the garden for example?
Thanks - I think I’ll have to hit the base with the pressure washer (gently) to clean it up a bit, and look at the gardens idea a bit more. I had an idea for a circular one in the middle, but perhaps some on the sides would be more manageable and soften the sides, too.
I would mimic the shape of the courtyard, that is possibly a square or rectangle in the middle filled with planting. You could then create benches around it for people to use whilst having a break, reading, socialising etc. So many possibilities. Here’s a few more ideas. The only evergreen trees I can think of are conifers and holly. Deciduous trees are much more interesting especially in spring and autumn.
Thanks! At the moment, before I propose it, the wall is probably the hardest part for me to do, so maybe a few seats could frame it initially, and a wall later on. I do like the thé deciduous look, but I think an evergreen will maintain a look of life during winter!
Maybe you should have a small budget and then get "Garden Rescue" here (UK) on tv to come and do all the work for you. The garden designers would love it, especially in summer. It would make a fantastic episode to watch. People could volunteer to help and pay for their own travel and accomodation, work as labourers, etc just for the fantastic experience.
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Sonia
minnie101
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Plonk 88Original Author
Sonia
Plonk 88Original Author
minnie101
Isla Cherry
Plonk 88Original Author
Sonia
Plonk 88Original Author
Isla Cherry