Design matters

One of the biggest hurdles in garden design is the small matter of the budget. . . be warned, landscape work can be deceptive in terms of spending.

Consider the excavation, removals, labour and materials that are involved in any given project. Paving and other outdoor materials are usually displayed at a “per meter squared” price, but don’t forget to consider the base or sub-grade that will be layered below to create a solid foundation, and the cost or time involved in order to lay the surface correctly. The supporting materials which will never be seen below the surface may be regarded as a hidden cost, but are an essential element of any garden that will stand the test of time.

Some people will have a figure to which they wish to limit their spending while others may require a couple of quotes from contractors in order to establish a figure. If you have a guideline budget figure, a contractor will be able to guide you on the choice of material that you can afford. Don’t be afraid to consider the project a long term effort, where funds can be allocated over time in order to achieve a desired finish.

This spreads the sting of the spending, and allows you to achieve the desired garden appearance over time. In order for this approach to work, it is essential to have a clear idea of the finished product. You could engage the services of a landscape designer to organise a landscape master-plan. If this isn’t a possibility then use a scaled sketch of your own so that you can be sure separate contractors are pricing for the same layout.

The next question: How do we arrange the space in order to maximise its use, its functionality and appearance? You’ll already have identified the sunny corner of the garden that you want to occupy with furniture and a barbecue on a summer’s day. Using this area as a focal point you can arrange the approach to the space, the foil or backdrop to the area.

Garden sheds are a contentious issue — they are required for garden machinery and bikes but can often look neglected. If possible, locate the shed away from your social space and away from the viewing line of rooms. Similarly with washing lines and the compost bins — if at all possible they are best kept out of sight. Sometimes in a smaller garden it’s possible to install a removable washing line that can be stowed away when you have visitors.

Where space allows, it is useful to gather some of these more functional items, and screen them from general viewing — giving the impression that your garden always looks tidy! Be aware of visual pitfalls such as perennial beds and vegetable plots. During the spring and summer they look fantastic, but will you be happy overlooking a bare patch during the dormant months? Once these key items are addressed you can start working towards that summer space and planning barbecues in your ideal garden.

¦ For further information on garden concepts and ideas, contact The Pavilion Garden Centre by visiting www.thepavilion.ie, www.Facebook.com/thepavilioncork or via twitter @the_pavilion