Outdoor Tips
- PATHS - A pathway can visually elongate a garden and add drama. Numerous features, such as a garden seat, urn, fountain or lovely old tree can add a focal point for a rear garden pathway. While for a path at the front, the entrance to the home is the focal point.
- THEMES - An effective theme garden requires unity. Ensure all materials, plants and colours work together.
- SPACES - Plan your outdoors to include an open space for easy, casual entertainment or family relaxing.
- LESS IS MORE – Avoid too many colours and aspects within the garden. A busy outdoor area will take away from the relaxing laid back atmosphere.
- MAINTENANCE - AN ideal garden is one with low maintenance. Maintaining a lawn can be tiring and gravel and pebbles can be messy. Paving is a great alternative, particularly in smaller areas, as it requires minimal maintenance.
- BUDGET - When purchasing plants, a great option for saving money is to purchase young plants, as opposed to advanced specimens. This also then provides you with
the opportunity to watch them grow. - SOILS - When planning your retaining wall, ensure you know what sort of soil you will be working with by digging 500mm deep. Hard, sticky soil is most likely to be clay, which is susceptible to slipping and slumping on wet slopes. It’s recommended to check with your local council for design regulations prior to constructing your
retaining wall. - SUN AND SHADE - Sun can determine a number of factors within your garden, i.e. where you will sit and which plants you will grow and where. Plants and trees can be used to enhance your garden to provide shade or an opening for the sun.
- DRAINAGE - Water should always be directed away from buildings. Drainage problems can be assisted with agricultural pipes, retaining walls, seeping pits or trenches.
- CLEANING - To prevent pavers from being stained, seal pavers as soon as they are laid, or opt for a pre-sealed paver. A sealer helps slow down the absorption of any spills, however should ensure that a spill be removed promptly.
