Advice needed on design

2 months ago

Hi. I'm having difficulties figuring out my garden layout and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas / suggestions to offer. Currently, I have an outdoor dining table set out in the back, close to the portable bbq and two lounging chairs closer to the house (bottom right hand corner on the picture, close to stairs). The back area is more sunny throughout the day and I spend most of the time there. That's all the furniture I have so far. I'm considering adding a swing but not sure where I'll place it yet.

I would also like to renovate the garden with minimal spending, but I'm not sure where to start. Initially, I will clean and paint existing tiles (near the front of the house) but I'm not sure about those at the back as they have become uneven. I'm considering stripping them, evening the ground, putting them back and repainting them or replacing them with stones. I've read about pros and cons of stones and I'm still undecided.

Lastly, I feel as though the whole garden looks quite cold and impersonal. I like minimalist, Japanese style gardens and I've done some research, but I can't seem to figure out what I could do to add some warmth and personality to the space. I'm considering adding a Japanese style tree (cherry perhaps) slightly off the centre off the grass, but otherwise I'm stuck. I'm also not sure if the current layout could be changed.

Any ideas welcome. Pleas

e see the photo attached.

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Comments (3)

Isla Cherry
2 months ago
You need a lot more plants to soften it. It looks cold because there is only grass and paving. Do you really need two patios? It seems to be a new trend even when the gardens are extremely compact. I would imagine its awful for neighbours too. When I lived in semi detached houses all the patio's were off the kitchen or dining room close to the house. Entertaining down the bottom of the garden means the noise carries a lot further and the lights probably affect the neighbours too. If you are going to have a patio at the end of the garden consider planting some tall screening plants for your privacy and the neighbours.
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Amy Martin
Original Author
2 months ago
Thanks, Isla. Plants seem like a good idea. As I mentioned, the sun is only at the end of the garden, not close to the house so using the latter as the main patio is simply not possible because I wouldn't be able to enjoy the garden fully. I live alone and don't entertain much so my neighbours have hardly anything to complain about, too.

I'm considering swapping the dining table with my lounging set so that I have a lounging area at the back, I was just looking for advice on whether I could change the layout of the garden somehow.
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Isla Cherry
2 months ago
last modified: 2 months ago
Wish everyone was as considerate as you! You could make the end of your garden a real sunny sanctuary. Which way does it face? You could garden with pots or plant things into the ground. I'm sure some lovely creepers would make it look fantastic.Have a look on Houzz for small garden inspiration. Is the path useful? I would lift the stones and have a few stepping stones set into the grass. Looks more natural. What about a waterfeature or a pond? There are very compact ones available now and the sound of running water is very relaxing. As you are not really using the patio next to the house I would get lots of big pots of small trees and bushes. There is so much you could do. Budget is always an issue so you could save by buying sale items. As long as you water them regularly they will grow. Ikea has some lovely plants and I often buy potplants from supermarkets.

https://www.houzz.co.uk/ideabooks/query/small%20narrow%20garden%20inspiration

Advice needed on design

Comments (3)

Isla Cherry

Amy Martin
Original Author

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