Garden levels ideas

The colour and style of your paving and the way it is laid can provide a strong design direction for the entire garden. For instance, grey or white stone laid in a random pattern will set the scene for a French country look; black or silver paving organised in a regular design will form the perfect backdrop to a sleek and modern scheme; while golden stone arranged in a mixed pattern creates an English country feel.

Need some inspiration? Butter Wakefield created an elaborate paving design of 10 interlinking circles in her Ribbon Wheel garden, each one different in design and size and connected to one another by a 'ribbon' of York cobblestones. The circles, created from a combination of limestone and York stone are laid in a mix of setts and cobbles creating a stunning effect.

If you want to create the garden of your dreams, attention to detail is everything. Create a beautiful scheme by coordinating your plants with your choice of paving. For example:

• Grey or white stone looks great with purple and white blooms
• Black and silver paving looks amazing with strong colours such as red, orange and yellow
• Golden paving works with flowers that have soft tones – pink, lavender, and chalky yellow.

Michael John McGarr, director and garden designer at Warnes McGarr & Co, suggests: 'Rather than jet washing the old worn paving, think about something new and exciting like large-format porcelain paving. Porcelain absorbs no water so requires less cleaning than traditional types of paving, meaning less pressure washing and much less hard work when multiplied over future years.'

Regardless, it's a good idea to create a flow of movement from your home into the garden. 'By ensuring your paving is the same level as your indoor flooring, you can blur the lines between the interior and the exterior of the property,' adds Michael.

5. Distinct levels

Is your garden on different levels? If you don't like the idea of incorporating stone steps, you can achieve a seamless look with your existing lawn, for example, by enabling the flow from one space to the next. As seen in the below photo, garden designer Helen Elks-Smith used grass treads, integrating them into the existing lawn to connect the lower patio to the small sun terrace above.

Looking for decking ideas? If you have an uneven or sloping garden, decking is an ideal and cost-effective option for levelling it out. Decking can also have split levels and include steps, making it the ideal space for dining furniture, and due to its use, a decked garden area typically needs to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Environmentally friendly, anti-slip and maintenance-free, Millboard's composite decking boards are an innovative mix of polyurethane and a mineral blend, offering the beauty and versatility of natural wood without the maintenance. This wood-free decking has a non porous outer layer, so it essentially self-cleans so the rain will do the hard work.

6. The furniture




For smaller courtyards and patios, go for folding furniture, or bench seating that can be tucked under a dining table when not in use. L-shaped sofas can be surprisingly compact, while larger spaces can take full-on seating sets, with matching chairs, sofas and tables, sun loungers and day beds, or on-trend hanging egg chairs or swing seats.

Invest in a good garden furniture set that will last for years to come. Consider the space and allow enough room for each person to be able to sit comfortably and pull out their chair without bumping into anything. And remember, you'll also need room to walk around the table with everyone seated. It takes up much more space than you might think!


According to Claire Belderbos, director of garden landscaping specialists, Belderbos Landscapes, 'a dining table works best in the area of the garden that has early afternoon full or partial sun. Put a smaller seating area where you can enjoy the evening sun'.

If, for example, you can't move your three-piece set indoors over winter, buy furniture covers to protect and extend its life. And whatever garden furniture you buy, don't forget to accessorise with outdoor cushions for extra comfort.

And let's not forget other garden must-haves, including fire pits and chimineas, patio heaters, barbecues and pizza ovens – planning space for these is key, as is where they will be stored or protected once it's winter.

7. Pay attention to your boundaries

In a small garden, boundary walls, fences or hedges may be the biggest element in view, so it's really important for them to look good. They don't have to all be the same but try to provide visual links between them. You could have the same type of fence, for instance, and grow climbers up them in coordinating colours. If you aren't able to change the fences, whitewash them or clad them with battens or trellis. Check with your neighbours first to establish whose fence it is and ask permission before doing any work.


Elizabeth MoehlmannGetty Images

The materials you choose are key, too. For example, timber posts don't have to be confined to fencing a garden off from the neighbours. Carefully positioned within a garden, they can be used to frame plants or seating areas and add extra interest to borders or paths.


A really inventive use can be seen in the NHS 70 Garden for Addenbrooke's Hospital by garden landscape company Bowles & Wyer. They used reclaimed oak posts to frame the view along a meandering path at its centre, positioning them at different heights and angles so that new aspects of the space open up to visitors as they make their way through.

8. Screening and zoning

You should also think about screening areas of your garden to create separate 'rooms'. Introduce hard landscaping in the form of pergolas or fences, or through plants. 'You can’t go wrong with hardy rose bushes or tall bamboo,' suggests Jon Holloway, founder of Garden Trading. Alternatively, try a line-up of potted trees.

If space is limited, consider zoning areas of your garden, although this is a good idea for every garden shape and size. 'The garden is definitely an extension of the kitchen and living space,' says Vicky Angell, outdoor living buyer for John Lewis & Partners. 'In part, this is because our homes are, on average, smaller than ever, so we're looking to the outdoors for space to entertain and relax.'

9. Accessorise the fifth room

Think about how you can turn your outdoor space into a relaxing sanctuary with cosy garden decor and tactile furnishings. Essentially you want to create a living room look, it's just outdoors rather than inside, so bear this in mind when on the hunt for decor and accessories.


For example, you could invest in an outdoor rug (Cuckooland sell a great selection of Fab Hab rugs made from recycled plastic) along with chunky knit throws, lanterns, and outdoor cushions for an inviting and snug feel. Reflect light around your chosen spot with a garden mirror; invest in a waterproof speaker; choose citronella candles to keep bugs at bay; keep warm in the evenings with a patio heater, and last but certainly not least, dot smaller potted plants around the space, much as you would with houseplants.

10. Integrate your ornaments

The most important rule with garden ornaments is to nestle them in with the planting. Choose wisely as an ornament or water feature (although it's great for wildlife) that's plonked in the centre of an empty space is unlikely to look good. If it's too small it will look lost and something too big will overwhelm the space; the latter has also been known to devalue your home, so it's something to bear in mind when it's time to sell.

If you like the idea of hearing the trickle of running water in your garden but don't want a fountain, try a simple stone trough and water spout like the one incorporated into Butter Wakefield's Ribbon Wheel garden (below). The antique trough is designed with wall panels hanging above it, incorporating antiqued mirrors to reflect the garden beyond and painted a dark grey to set off the green of the surrounding plants.

11. Install a garden room

A garden room is a great way to maximise and extend your space whether you want a home office or a yoga studio, and planning permission is not usually required. Whether it's a large shed or summerhouse, it can be the perfect space for entertaining guests over summer, and can even be used as additional accommodation for guests. Think about ways to make your garden more than just an outdoor area to eat, drink and soak up the sunshine.

12. Living walls

Living walls are becoming more popular in garden designs, providing a great way to embrace vertical planting and create maximum drama in your outdoor space. You can position a living wall anywhere, just remember to choose the right plants for that part of the garden, just as you would with a border. There are plenty of green wall kits and living wall planters available too, so shop around to find one that best suits your space.

You can also invest in high impact living wall systems, which varies in cost depending on how complex you want it, to fill large expanses of wall.

John Davies incorporated hydroponic walls into the roof and basement gardens of this office building in London. A mix of flowering shrubs and perennials, such as buddleia and fuschia, complements the evergreen planting framework and creates a year-round effect with seasonal colour.


Alternatively, using your garden walls for planting – whether it's with a trellis or containers – is a great way to create an instant living wall. Using climbing plants and wall shrubs such as clematis, roses, honeysuckle or wisteria, will add a vertical element to your outside space.

13. Don't forget the lights




Speaking of lighting, don't underestimate how important it is to create atmosphere in your garden. In exactly the same way that you layer up indoor lighting, do the same for garden lighting and choose a variety of sources (Lights4Fun stock a great range), including fairy lights, festoon lights, wall lights, freestanding lamps and ground lights etc. 'Outdoor lights and a fire pit mean that you can continue to enjoy your space even when the sun sets or if the weather isn't quite what you hoped,' says Jon Holloway.

Whether it's fairy lights or lanterns dotted along a garden path (Lights4Fun stock a great range), the lights you choose will bring character, ambience and atmosphere to your space – and it's essential for dining alfresco well into the evening.

14. Small space solutions

Vertical planting is key. Make use of fences and walls by planting upwards to maximise space and buy hanging baskets (these are great for front gardens too). In terms of paving, switch to gravel; it's much more affordable. The most important thing to remember is that just because you have a small garden, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy it and make the most of it. There are some great space-saving, foldable or stackable table and chair sets that are perfect for compact spaces – invest in a garden bistro set for style and functionality and deck chairs for easy, instant seating.

15. A family garden

Get smart with landscaping to utilise space in a family garden to make it work for everyone. For example, Adolfo Harrison created a hidden playground in this garden in east London, weaving elements of play throughout the design so that both children and adults can enjoy the space.

Monkey bars form a pergola to which swings and slides can be attached, boulder stepping stones are laid out to enable children to jump from one to the other along the length of the garden, and two moon benches provide a snug place where they can sit, set within a living wall to create a playful face. Mirrors are used to make the space feel bigger and a 'ceiling' created by the canopy of long-stemmed bamboos focus attention within the space and create a more intimate atmosphere.


Kids love going out in the garden for some playtime but zoning an area is key, as small family gardens can often be dominated by play equipment, leaving little room for anything else. While you would need to have a large garden to install a slide or playhouse, for more restricted spaces, sand tables or mud kitchen play sets in a corner will work great, and it will entertain kids for hours.

16. Don't forget wildlife

Always consider the impact your garden design has on wildlife. For example, do your best to help bees by planting bee-friendly plants, speak to your neighbours about creating a hedgehog highway, and buy some bird feeders to hang on fences or from tree branches. Bee hotels, wildlife ponds, log piles, plants for pollinators and compost heaps will continue to increase in popularity.

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70+ photos of stylish garden design [Ideas & Landscaping 2019]

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12. 08.2019

Quiet, peaceful place to relax and have fun

Contents

• Garden design: choosing a style
• Country (rustic)
• English
• Ecodesign
• Classic
• Japanese
• Alpine
• Hi-tech

Wonderful landscaping of a country estate

An interesting solution for a corner garden in a modern vision

The design of the garden, regardless of how many acres are allocated for it, should fully support and emphasize the overall style chosen for the site. If the site is new, then it is first necessary to draw up a general design of the garden and vegetable garden:

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• in general, the site can be divided into several zones. The first is residential buildings, the second is utility buildings (utility buildings, a garage and a garden), the third is a garden, and the fourth is a playground. However, this division is rather arbitrary, the style and layout of the garden should take into account the wishes and hobbies of all family members, because the children will need to throw out their energy somewhere, and the grandmother will have to dig in the beds with her own hands
• the design of the winter garden, if it is planned, should be in general stylistics
• to place a garden, it is better to allocate the northern part of the plot so that conifers and deciduous trees do not shade the plot over time. If such an arrangement is not possible for certain reasons, then it is better to plan tree planting from the side of the prevailing winds in this area - this will help make the site more comfortable

Plants for the garden should be selected depending on the level of sunlight in the space allocated for the design. It is this factor that affects the riot of colors during the flowering of many crops

• imagine how you will move around the garden, where you will need to lay paths, where to place flower beds in the open spaces of the plot, and where to create a corner for privacy
• lack of space (especially if the plot is only 6 or 8 acres) can be compensated by using multifunctional buildings, for example, a bathhouse can become a guest house, and a swimming pool can be placed near it. A separate gazebo can be replaced by a spacious terrace, on which it will also be possible to place a barbecue (barbecue)

Before you start designing your garden design, you should walk around the site, fully study it, mentally lay paths, walk along them and determine those places where you feel most comfortable, where you would like to stop and sit

Vertical garden looks very impressive

The choice of style and design of the garden is greatly influenced not only by the number of acres, but also much more by the composition of the soil, the topography of the site, the prevailing winds, the proximity of groundwater, etc. , as well as what you are ready to do with your own hands where you need professional help. But most importantly, thinking through the design of the garden, it is important to decide how and for what it will be used. If for fun meetings and gatherings, then perhaps the gazebo will become the main element of the garden. And if the main purpose of the garden and the plot is to become a place of rest and shelter from the bustle of the city, then it is worth considering the creation of secluded, closed from prying eyes, small arbors.

Garden design: choosing a style

Garden style is certain rules and techniques for planning, the use and combination of different plant forms (trees, shrubs, plants), buildings (terraces, gazebos, fountains, artificial ponds), decorative paving and etc. Today there are about 20 popular styles, among which there are several that you can implement with your own hands in our conditions.

Country (rustic)

A style that looks natural and relaxed in the photo, the main emphasis in which is still on practicality, while fruit trees prevail over other plantings. Plants for planting in the garden correspond to the climatic zone; you should not abuse exotic cultures that are not characteristic of this latitude.

Original fence, painted to look like a green meadow, in a rustic garden design style

Paths are best made with your own hands from natural materials - these can be round blocks or wooden decks, and in order for them to last longer, they must be well treated with antiseptics. Alternatively, you can use natural stone paving. A beautiful flower garden is made up of simple, "old-fashioned" and unpretentious flowers, while the combination of perennials and annuals (especially those that reproduce well by self-sowing) will produce a motley mixture of colors.

A separate place is allocated for a garden, as an option - a garden bed with herbs or medicinal plants. The style of the garden and plot can be emphasized by a few bright details - a wicker fence (tyn) with inverted clay pots or cast iron, a well (decorative or active) and even a garden scarecrow. And most importantly - even 6 acres is enough to get a beautiful, cheerful, albeit somewhat careless garden - and all this with your own hands and at no significant cost.

English

Wherever this garden is located, in the photo it will be a piece of “good old” England. The style is characterized by naturalness, no symmetry - there is not and cannot be here, all landings and elements are placed completely freely. No correct strict geometric shapes, the garden should merge with the environment, even artificial reservoirs should have an irregular coastline with a natural frame - sand, pebbles, water plants.

For planting, mainly plants characteristic of the area are used, and to unite the individual elements of the site, winding paths made of natural materials (stone, pebble, wood) are used.

Ecodesign

In the photo, such a garden looks like a piece of wild nature, and the less it is clear what is done here, the better. This style implies a minimal intrusion into nature, so you can buy an abandoned house somewhere in the village and simply remove plant debris with your own hands.

Naturalness and minimalism will meet us in the eco-style garden

Wicker furniture and natural stone will add an eco-friendly part to the interior of the garden

In this case, you often have to make a choice between aesthetics and decorativeness, because the same piece of wood or frames of dried flowers add naturalness, but their appearance is not very beautiful and attractive. The paths look like they were plowed by glaciers. But such a garden can be created on a plot of any, the most irregular shape, regardless of the number of acres and their location.

Classic

The triumph of geometry, symmetry and order (if you suddenly put the photo in a mirror, nothing will change significantly) - strict flower beds, straight paths, trees and shrubs are impeccably trimmed. The palette of such a garden consists of white, beige, blue, light terracotta, sand and blue colors, and it is decorated with large stone balls, antique sculptures, flowerpots, classical columns, forged benches and pergolas, arches. Often the design of the winter garden inside the house becomes a continuation of the classic garden.

The traditional design of a classic garden - alleys serve as axes of symmetry of the plot, a rectangular lawn, geometric regular (square, round, less often rectangular) flower beds, a fountain in the center, and classical gazebos at the intersection of paths. A frequently used technique in a classic garden is the dominant of one type, for example, roses will dominate in the design of the garden, and all elements will complement. To implement such a garden, at least 10-15 acres of free space and regular follow-up, very costly, care will be required.

Japanese

The focus of calm and peace, a miniature model of a landscape (hilly or flat), a pond is a must, massive and not very stones placed in an original way, decorative lamps that create unusual, elusive lighting, there are no harsh colors, no unnecessary elements , each carries its own semantic load.

Dwarf conifers, rhododendrons set against a background of moss, junipers, water and stone - the composition is revealed gradually, in the photo it looks different every time. It helps, having renounced the external fuss, to know and feel the beauty and infinity of the surrounding world. And since the Japanese are very economical people in terms of space, 6 acres will be enough to implement a Japanese-style garden.

Necessary plants and attributes of Japanese-style garden decoration

Japanese-style garden decoration displayed on a small plot

Alpine

Mountain landscape, usually in such a garden the house is located on a hill. The soul of this garden is a stone, there is a lot of it: these are retaining walls, waterfalls, flower beds and alpine slides. The design provides for zoning on several levels, mosses, heathers, various conifers (spruce, thuja, pine), junipers, from flowers - heathers, various juveniles, Carpathian bell. Phlox subulate, arabis alpine, allisum, etc.

Tip! To make an alpine-style garden, dominated by stone, not look heavy, use inserts of bright colors - yellow, red, pink, blue or purple, they will soften the gray-brown background.

Hi-tech

Individuality, modernity, dynamism, a combination of not only the latest materials, but also plants and flowers, there will not be many of them, but they should look very impressive. Therefore, plants, trees and conifers with an unusual shape of crown or leaves are selected, the highlight of the garden is unusual accessories and designs.

Tip! It is absolutely not necessary to strictly and consistently follow the generally accepted standards of a certain style of garden - Japanese, Chinese, country or classic, especially if the area (these most notorious acres) is not enough. It is enough to clearly withstand a few basic features inherent in this style.

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20+ small garden ideas

Do not be upset if your site is very modest in size. A small garden has many advantages. First, it requires less financial investment. Secondly, it is easier to take care of it. Yes, and he often looks more well-groomed.

In addition, if you try hard, then in a small area you can fit not only what is needed, but also what the soul requires. The main thing is to approach the matter wisely.

Vertical gardening in a small garden

If you don't have enough horizontal surfaces (and this is the biggest problem in a small garden), you need to use vertical ones. It can be anything: a fence, a wall of a house or barn, or tall plant stands. Thus, you will kill two birds with one stone: you will have additional space and you will be able to create a completely unique vertical flower garden.

Flower boxes for balconies can be hung on the fence. They are sold with special holders, so it will not be difficult to fix them. If you decide to place flower pots on a blank wall, first fix a horizontal grid on its surface. It is not necessary to use store pots as containers for plants. Their role can be played by canned food cans (it is better to pre-paint them) or any unnecessary small containers: small metal buckets, watering cans, etc.

Another great way to add greenery to a small garden is to install a trellis and climbing plants.

Plant stands

A vertical garden can also be created using free-standing plant stands. They do not take up much space, are mobile and can be used not only to plant greenery in any corner of the garden, but also as a screen, if you suddenly want to retire and hide from the prying eyes of your neighbors.

If you don't have a ready-made stand, it's easy to make your own. To do this, you will need a pallet, a few nails and stainless steel fastening ties. Nail the ties to the wooden planks and place the pots in them. Keep in mind that plants will grow in size over time, so leave enough space between them immediately.

Succulent beds

If your garden is very small and there is no room for climbing or large plants, create a vertical bed of succulents. It will require a minimum of free space. In addition, a succulent flower garden has one very important plus: you do not have to spend a lot of time and effort on caring for plants.

Succulents can be grown not only in the usual pots, but also in completely unusual containers. We want to offer three original ways of growing these unpretentious plants in the garden.

Do you have old shutter doors? Lean or nail them to the wall, fill the gaps with a nutrient-rich potting mix, and plant the plants in it. To make them feel better, do not place the doors on the south side: direct sunlight can harm even such almost indestructible plants.

Another original container for growing succulents in the garden is a shoe organizer. Hang it on a wall or fence, fill the cells with earth and place plants in them. Don't forget to water from time to time.

Next to a vertical flower bed of succulents, you can put a metal table with low sides, which was previously intended for serving drinks. Fill it with soil and succulents mixed with Irish moss. It will turn out a very small, but attractive green flower bed.

Vegetable garden in a small garden

In a small garden, if you really try, you can place not only flower beds, but also a vegetable garden. Of course, you won't be able to grow all the vegetables you like. Choose crops that grow well in small spaces, such as legumes, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, or leafy greens. Make small raised beds for them and plant several plants of each type in them.

An even more economical option in terms of space use is to make a multi-level garden. In this case, place drooping plants on the lower tier, and those that grow upwards on the upper tier. So cultures in the process of growth will not interfere with the development of each other.

An interesting variant of a mini-garden on a very small area is a raised bed-table. Plant greens in its upper part, and the lower tier will serve as a place to store tools and accessories.

It's hard to believe, but even in the smallest garden you can place a greenhouse for growing plants. To do this, you need a small glass cabinet. Place it on the south side of the house, attach it to the wall, and put potted plants on the shelves. Do not forget about watering, ventilation and shading in extreme heat - and the plants will delight you with the same harvest as in a full-fledged greenhouse.

Small garden lighting

In any garden, large or small, lighting plays an important role. In a small area, there is not always a place for ground-based street lamps, so you have to look for other solutions.

A very simple and inexpensive way to add light at night is to use LED string lights.

An even more budget-friendly lighting option is to place ordinary household candles in glass jars and fix them on a fence or wall. Anyone can make such simple lamps with their own hands.

Floor lamps are a cheap source of light and a romantic addition to any garden - they are also handy for small areas.

Available in many forms, including solar powered, the lanterns fit almost anywhere in your garden and provide a powerful source of light when positioned correctly.

Lamps can be placed not only along the path or on the steps, but also directly in the pots with plants - this will give the evening garden a magical look.

Small garden storage

Where to store gardening tools or, for example, a bicycle in a small area? One of the best options is to install a small corner shed near the border of the site. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your shovels and choppers, and you will always be able to quickly find the right tool.

If your barn is just a dream, try using a ladder for storage. This wonderful invention will allow you to compactly fold small garden accessories that do not yet have another "home". The ladder will fit perfectly into a corner or against any wall in your garden. Most importantly, do not forget to securely fasten it.

Quite often gardeners cannot figure out where to store the watering hose. We want to offer a simple, but at the same time original solution for storing the hose - a large wooden flower pot. Plants are located in its upper part, and the lower part is used as a convenient storage.

Folding garden furniture

Garden furniture is an indispensable attribute of any site. However, for small territories it should be special. The best option is to purchase or make folding chairs and a table with your own hands. Of course, they are not the most convenient, but they are the most practical when there is a catastrophic lack of space. Such furniture does not require special care, but at the same time allows you to enjoy your garden in moments of relaxation. As soon as it is no longer needed, the chairs with the table can be folded and removed so that they do not take up space. To make your stay more comfortable, add non-chair cushions or seat covers.

The most favorite type of garden furniture for many summer residents, which provides maximum relaxation in the fresh air, is a hammock. Hang it in the shade and it will instantly turn your small garden into a place of rest and relaxation and make you feel like you are on vacation. When not in use, the hammock can be simply removed - when folded, it takes up very little space.

Good use of garden space

In a small garden, unlike a large one, every square centimeter of space should be fully utilized. And then even in a small area it will be possible to realize all the dreams.

Different levels in a small garden

You can add originality to a small garden if you make it multi-level. It can be a recessed terrace and a raised lawn, as in the photo. Overhangs and steps will help open up the space by adding extra space for plant pots or garden furniture.

Hidden areas of the garden

Place interesting objects in the corner of the garden and create the illusion that its space is larger than it really is. Choose white garden furniture and place it at the back of the paved area.

"Play hide and seek" by planting large bushes to partially block your view. Thanks to this technique, it will seem that there, behind the plants or around the corner, there is something more that cannot be seen at first sight.

Mirrors as a way to enlarge the space of a small garden

In a small garden it is useful to mask the walls as much as possible. Painting any exposed walls with green outdoor paint enhances the feeling of greenery all around, thanks to the fusion effect.

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