87 Garden design O Slowly Does It
ne of the most fascinating aspects of designing gardens is that you are dealing with living
things. Unlike architecture which tends to remain static, plants are in a constant state of change. No garden is ever the same from one day to the next and like investments, past performance does not guarantee future results. All plants have a lifespan, some lasting thousands of years and some just a season. Plants can also be capricious and despite your best endeavours, some will die just out of sheer cussedness. The hard landscaping or general structure of the garden may not change, but it is quite probable that the way in which the garden is used will evolve over time. For instance, a terrace that starts out as a children’s play space may develop into a relaxed dining area for adults. No garden is ever finished. However, if
you have recently moved into a new house or want to refresh an existing garden, the best piece of advice I can offer you is to wait a while. Take it slowly and get to know your space before you do anything. Learn where you like to sit, which direction the wind comes from, see if there are any frost pockets. Identify what is already flourishing in the area and find out what sort of soil you have. And never rush out and buy a load of plants simply because they look pretty.
Gardens are constantly changing.
Not one of my lupins came back this year!
by Colette Charsley One of the few
Contrary to what television make-over
programmes would have you believe, gardens are expensive, so it is best to get the overall principles right first time. Think about exactly what you need and try to future proof it by second guessing what your requirements might be in a few years’ time. A newly planted garden looks
wonderful. You will have a good start if you make sure you have the right plant in the right place. However, no matter what you do, some plants will thrive and some won’t – they may be eaten, trampled on or simply reach the end of their lives. Be flexible and look upon any gaps that appear as an opportunity to try something different. If you plant trees, which I strongly recommend, don’t forget to take into consideration how large they ultimately grow and plan accordingly. Once you have the basics right,
Never rush out and buy a load of plants simply because they look pretty.
Peonies live for decades.
embrace the gradual changes and tweaks that you will be making over time and view them as part of the enjoyment of your garden.
colette@charsleydesign.com
www.charsleydesign.com t: 01548 581753 m: 07774 827799 Follow me on Twitter @ColetteCharsley Professional Landscape & Garden Design
Creative and beautiful designs for village, town and country gardens
Colette Charsley PG Dip OCGD t: 01548 581753 m: 07774 827799
colette@charsleydesign.com
www.charsleydesign.com
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