gardens by design
Vitality, individuality and a strong sense of belonging are just some of the hallmarks of a well-designed garden. Irrespective of its style, the garden should have a discernible sense of place, which means it should work with the topography, the plant life, the built elements, the climate and the overall environment to look as if it was “meant to be”. It should present a pleasing vista when viewed from inside the house — and it should draw you out. And once you are out, it should make you want to linger.
But functionality is just as important, which is why it is pure folly to start building a deck, laying a garden path, erecting a gazebo or planting a garden bed without proper planning. Spur-of-the-moment decisions can lead to gardens that are badly laid out with access routes or outdoor structures in the wrong places, features placed where they can’t be properly seen, entertaining areas that are too small, and trees planted in locations they will soon outgrow. Things can also be forgotten, such as utility areas, and opportunities, such as ways to maximise space, sadly overlooked.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Glenice Buck from Glenice Buck Designs says before you do anything, there are three main questions you should ask yourself. “The first is, how do you want to use your garden? Do you need a lawn area for playing and/or a private relaxation space? Do you want to grow vegies, do you want a garden full of flowers, or do you want both? Most of my clients usually
