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Blank canvas garden

4 years ago

Hi, we have a very plain back garden, and although I can't wait to get stuck in with some planting I'm really struggling to get any plans together for the actual layout. We'll be starting from scratch really, as the decking by the house is quite rotten, and the current little path and paving areas are dis-jointed.

I can't get my head past a circular lawn but would love to hear any ideas you can inspire me with. I would really like a pergola to add some height at the far end/left hand corner big enough for a table and chairs.

It's a south east plot, and the right hand side by the fence is in permanent shade.

Can't wait to hear any ideas you might have, thank you

Featured Answer

Doo LM
Original Author

4 years ago

Thank you so much Rachel, I was hoping you'd reply! Love the way your sketches have evolved, that third one is inspired! I can see it could be a really good use of space actually and create a real wow, I so want to be brave and do something quite bold.

Yes the shed is staying put, we've not long moved here so have inherited it, but it's really well made and in a very shady corner. I quite fancy planting a climbing hydrangea against the long side, so I can see it from the house.

I can see your third sketch working with some raised planting areas too, and I might even be able to incorporate a little veggie plot.

I think the next step is for me to draw it out to scale and like you say, get some quotes in. Thanks again for your time Rachel

Comments (13)

Doo LM
Original Author
4 years ago
Not sure what happened to that last photo, sorry about that!
rachelmidlands
4 years ago
Hi. Sounds like you have a good idea of what you’d like and where. Did a couple of rough sketches on possible layouts (I’m much quicker at drawing with pen and paper:)) Not to scale or anything, just going by the photos. I assume you’d like to keep the shed where it is? Seems like the best position and plus you can pretty up sheds in so many ways:) I’d get a few landscapers round to see what what could be possible and give you quotes but I agree on replacing the decking. Sketches:
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rachelmidlands
4 years ago
And another one....my favorite:) Went a bit futuristic and sci-fi with this and added lots of keystone shapes within the circle.
rachelmidlands
4 years ago
Aww thanks for your kind words @Doo LM. You’re very welcome:-) just wish I had a compass to draw the circles better;) The moment I saw the plot from above I thought circular same as yourself but I thought I’d try something a little different. Adding differing heights, wether that’s with raised beds, pergola or using plants for height and texture would look awesome too. Best of luck and if you need any more ideas, myself and other Houzzers will hopefully chip in.x
Sonia
4 years ago
I cannot add any more to Rachel's fabulous drawings but just to say climbing hydrangeas are wonderful. They’re quite slow growing, don’t mind shade and are easy to “control”. Hydrangeas are quite a big family and come in many shapes and sizes, all of them lovely. If you can, try and watch Garden Rescue with Charlie Dimmock and the Rich Brothers on BBC1 catch up. They have some great ideas on there. Sounds like an exciting project!
Doo LM
Original Author
4 years ago
Hi Sonia, I'm tempted to buy a climbing hydrangea now and give it a head start before winter sets in, as I'm quite sure it would be a good option for the side of the fence.

I love Friday nights in with the Rich Brothers lol, and always love Charlie's plans... if only they'd pop round and wave their magic!!
Sonia
4 years ago
Hi Doo, great time to put in plants as they bed in better in Autumn and nature waters them in for you! I’ve already bought a couple of plants for a new bed, but I can’t put them in until fencing is sorted. I’m a bit of an impulse buyer!
Doo LM
Original Author
4 years ago
Ooo lovely, what did you buy Sonia?

They would have been well watered in today, we've had so much rain!
Sonia
4 years ago
I bought Crocosmia which I love, and a Fountain Grass, which I’ve since found is not winter hardy oops. The peril of impulse buying!
Doo LM
Original Author
4 years ago
Oh thats a shame.. you'll have to buy some more lol
Doo LM
Original Author
2 years ago
So, after lots of sitting in the garden during last years lockdown, we were able to work out what parts of the garden were best for different purposes. We decided to keep the table by the house as its shady by the evening, which we prefer for eating, and we have various sunny/shaded seating areas. We had the paving done last October and have put the beds in this spring. We decided to incorporate a veggie patch which I'm finding very therapeutic after work, using the old decking to make the raised beds. I thought i wouldn't like looking at them from the house, but they actually make me feel quite proud!

For a first year garden I think the planting is really coming on, and i was worried about planting up the shady border but it's feeling really lush. Looking forward to it all maturing, especially the climbing rose over the arbour, and the little box hedge below it.

I still have a bed to sort by the conservatory (awaiting new roof), and the fences all need attention. Hope you like our update :)
kazzh
2 years ago
What a wonderful space. It shows the time spent thinking about how you use the space and how you wanted to use the space created a cohesive layout. It is such a welcoming space that I bet you find yourself gravitating to the outdoors. Congratulations!

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