More on Gardens

I recently moved house from one with a very mature garden to one which is effectively a blank canvas. My housemate did a great job digging to provide a border and planted daffodils and tulips which look fabulous. He also started on a patch we could grow vegetables, and have a lovely area full of mint, thyme, parsley, chives and rosemary.

It is also that time of the year when plants start to stir and the weeds make themselves known - though some with glossy green leaves may look like lush planting!

While it is too easy to pop along to a garden centre and buy everything you like the look of, a bit of planning helps to ensure your garden looks lush all year round. After all we are talking exterior design, not much different from interior design.

So pen and paper at the ready, sit down and take some time to sketch and identify what you want from your outside space.

The first thing to consider is sunlight. While some plants are happy to be kept in shady spots, others need full sun. Identify where you want your outside seating to be positioned, after all that is one of the perks of having some outside space.

Is there a shed to be built at some point in the future?

Start with the big shrubs or trees. These are your main items of "furniture". Are you happy for all the leaves to fall in autumn, or would you like those shrubs to remain evergreen.

Draw out a basic shape of your garden. This is when you can position paths and areas for planting or lawn. Access to your shed or a path to your table need to be defined. What about a pond feature or somewhere for vegetables. Gardens can take a while to develop so be in no rush if your budget means only some areas can be completed in one season.

While some exposed brick walls look great, some fences may need some covering. Clematis, ivy and vines are perfect. Ivy will stay green all year, while clematis will add leaf and floral colour in summer. They are also not too heavy against fences.

Now the fun part, buying plants. When buying plants opt for ones that are supplied locally as they will generally favour the type of soil in your area which could either be quite sandy, acid or heavy with clay. One tip is to never buy a plant that mostly flourishes 50 miles south if not available locally.

Early spring plants like daffodils inject that bit of colour in borders before other shrubs and plants come into their own. It is always best to group plants for maximum impact. And ask about whether a plant is annual, biennial or perennial - the length of a plan's life.

Consider grasses too, some look green in summer turning a vivid red in autumn. Monbretia is a lovely plant. Be bold with the bigger plants, allowing the little ones to add that little extra pop of colour.

Most garden centres are excellent for those hanging plants or containers. They seem to last all summer when watered regularly.

Will your garden need heating or lighting? Most of the ones used tend to be moveable, although you may want some low level wattage fixed lighting.

The important thing is that you enjoy that space, whether to look out onto, or sit and enjoy a meal and a glass of wine.

Urban Farming

As a conceptual idea to feed yourself  I am really impressed. Let's take a flat roof on a private house or block of apartments and feed ourselves.

No garden, no space - no problem!

Utilise the space you do have to create a sustainable source of food.

So how does this all work?  Sometimes diagrams speak volumes over words.

Only thing I would say is that the fish are also a source of nutrition.

So, no, not a tank of goldfish.

In reality in your own home this is what it could look like. A never ending stream of fresh fish and fresh vegetables.

There is also hydroponics,  essentially without the fish and nutrients travelling from soil through water and pumped back into plants.
At some point this concept will become an everyday green reality.

I am totally in support.

Go see and support a totally dedicated architect that I have great admiration for .
http://www.conceptualdevices.com/2012/09/eliooo-grow-your-food-or-how-to-go-to-ikea%C2%AE-and-build-a-device-to-grow-salad-in-your-apartment/

Outdoor Space

Whether you have a balcony, a yard or a garden -it is rather lovely to have some personal outside space. Having lived and visited some major cities, I am aware of the planning that is required to achieve the beautiful public garden spaces found in Hong Kong, New York and London among many others.

As much as the planting is important, so too is the design and the flow of space. Do you want to have a barbecue, somewhere to dine, somewhere to gaze at the stars or to grow your own vegetables or herbs?

There is no doubt that some of the Feng Shui or Greek Classical elements are often included in great gardens: Wood, Fire, Earth and Water.

Many gardens or balconies either have an open Chimnea or are partial to a barbecue or two. There are now many very attractive Biofuel fires that are suitable for indoor or outdoor use- require no chimney and run off bioethanol fuel. This blog previewed the one shown here from Indian Ocean back in 2010.

Water whether still as in a pond or birdbath, or running as a fountain or waterfall is also hugely popular.

There is something rather soothing about the sound of running water, and without going all Feng Shui, you can kind of feel the flow of energy that the representation here brings.

There are many water features suitable for small areas  available, or why not consider a natural pond?

Lighting is as crucial as warmth if spending time outside. As much as moonlight or candles may be all the low level lighting required for a small area, larger areas may need more illumination.

This fabulous lamp is available on import from the USA.
I don't think I have ever seen anything that comes close to this in the UK.

There is the Levada patio lamp which is good value at under £150 and quite a neat size.

I rather like this quirky outdoor chandelier. I have seen many similar styles using coloured glass too. This is from Etsy 

Tea lights in jam jars hung from branches, outside fairy lights, garden or patio LED lights, pool lights...the choice is improving all the time. 

Solar Powered Plant Pot

Solar powered plant pot that uses , as the name says, the sun to charge internal battery that powers several built in LED's.

With ever changing colours there is no need for a dull garden!

Available from www.firebox.com 

Outdoor Heater

Beautiful outdoor Lamp and Patio Heater.

Incredibly stylish and practical - now that's unusual.

Watch this space for UK stockist details.

Gardens

I love gardens and gardening. I once visited a little cottage and was chatting to the owners about their interior design requirements. It was a dark low ceiling space. Walking round with them I asked to see their garden. That was the turning point. Their garden, wrapped around this cottage was a haven of different areas and planting. A vegetable patch, grapes over a courtyard space, raised area with table and chairs enough for 2 to dine in evening sun. Instantly I knew what to do.

You see, my own back garden is divided into "rooms".

Take one "floorplan" ask yourself what you want from it. Where does the sun rise and set, what time of day most likely used. What would you like to see from window....

Build in structure- the key pieces of "furniture" that will last- trees, shrubs, hard surface, water feature.

Buying Plants
When buying plants buy one that survives about 50 miles north rather than 50 miles south.
Remember A, B, P - life expectancy
Annual - 1 year
Biennial - 2 years
Perennial- hardy more than 2 years life and survives winter usually

Shady and Full Sun.
All garden centres are good at giving advice here. Don't waste money on something that needs full sun and think it will survive in shade. There are plants for shade and with colour. But I'd go for leaf texture and shades of green.  The hosta in the pot in photograph survives in shade, dies to nothing over winter, but looks beautiful in spring through summer. And nice flowers too.

That's the other thing, maintaining interest all year round. I know a garden that is lovely in the summer but looks like an empty plot come the autumn.

If have specific request and want to chat, use my online interior design service- same recommendations planting.

B&Q edible vertical garden RHS Show

Concrete Sofa

Fabulous looking chesterfield made of concrete- seats formed to show classic signs of being used. Can't get much harder or more resilient than concrete for outdoor use. Le Corbusier himself would be impressed!
As a concept product I think it's a great design. Manufacturer's website doesen't give too much away, certainly a one off to show versatility of concrete or concrete formed over a frame...http://www.grayconcrete.co.uk/sofa/
Shown to great reviews at 100% Design 2010

Here Comes The Summer

 I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to more sunny days and an opportunity for several months to be outside in warmth. For too many years I haven't really thought about outdoor furniture- probably because the last lot I bought was in the April when Rhianna's single Umbrella came out and it rained for months!
But I'm kind of taken with the ones on here.
No neutral woods by the way- it's White or

it's Black. Let's face it- if you want to soak up some sun and enjoy a coffee with friends- you don't want to be sitting around a council picnic table.
These items, plus matching sofas and all shapes tables, are perfect for the Courtyard, Decking Area, even Balcony!
Hey, and if budget and space limited- buy something that can sit indoors 9 months of the year and still love being outside when Sun beckons.