Before making a list of the most important features you want in the new garden, the options available need some consideration.
The Paved Sitting Area
Almost certainly you will want this, and it will probably be the garden’s most-used area. Most people, including the enthusiastic gardener, sometimes want to sit outside -rather than staying in or working non-stop on a fine day. So making a level paved area not far from the house is of prime importance. It may act as the transition between house and garden.
In our experience people tend to …

Chinese courtyards, classic Japanese tea gardens, Oriental rock gardens, or any landscape inspired by the exotic Far East can benefit from the vast array of garden props and ornaments available today. The subsequent text discusses a comprehensive array of features for any style Oriental garden and landscape.
Chozubachi (tall basin) and tsukubai (low basin) are two basic types of Japanese water features. Chozubachi come in many styles today but one traditional style for the large basin involves a tall cylinder-shaped stone with a hollowed out basin on its top …

Flowers are produced in several different ways and this has an important impact on pruning. Some species produce flowers on the current season’s growth, such as many buddleia or garden roses. In these hard pruning in the spring encourages a period of vigorous growth, leading to larger clusters of flowers. Other plants only produce them on growth made in the previous year. Many shrub and species roses produce them in this way, if they are cut back severely in the spring, there will be no crop of flowers that year.
Fruits …

If you understand a little about the nature of plants, you can enjoy them more, look after their nutrition, and control pests and weeds, with more confidence.
Plant nutrition
The essential difference between plants and animals is that plants are able to make their own food from raw materials, while animals can only eat either plants or other animals.
In making their food, plants use carbon dioxide, water and sunlight to make sugars, by the process called photosynthesis. Sun­light is trapped by the chlorophyll in the leaves – the substance that makes leaves …

Before attempting to design a garden, or redesign part of one, you need to establish its possibilities and decide what you personally require. Also, consider its existing features. Even the small, flat rectangular garden of a newly built estate house will have features that cannot be ignored and that dictate the nature of the design.
The first question to ask is ‘Who will be using the garden?’ Its design revolves around the answer. Here are three examples of how the owners’ requirements affect garden design.
FOR THE YOUNG WORKING COUPLE
Due to lack …

Lawns – turf or seed
There are advantages and disadvantages to turfing and seeding and it would be wrong to advise ones preference. To a certain extent price is an important consideration. Seeding is certainly cheaper. Turf is variable in quality and price, the best being a specialist seeded turf such as ‘Fescue’ or Bermuda’, which is itself sold in a number of grades. The next is good quality or special meadow turf and at the lower end, standard meadow turf.
If you want a good lawn without coarse grasses you should …

Herbaceous Beds
A traditional herbaceous border without question is a spectacle. Unfortunately, there is a considerable amount of work involved in creating a successful border. To obtain the traditional effect a good deal of space is required. All other planting types are excluded and the achievement is a riot of color during the summer period only. The alternative is to use herbaceous material in groups within other shrub planting. The great advantage of this type of herbaceous planting is that a relatively small area is covered with the time-consuming plants, the …

Before making a list of the most important features you want in the new garden, the options available need some consideration.
The Paved Sitting Area
Almost certainly you will want this, and it will probably be the garden’s most-used area. Most people, including the enthusiastic gardener, sometimes want to sit outside -rather than staying in or working non-stop on a fine day. So making a level paved area not far from the house is of prime importance. It may act as the transition between house and garden.
In our experience people tend to …

The visual design, technical detailing and choice of materials must all be carefully considered together and cannot be isolated. An intricate small garden design with a high proportion of paving and walling will require a detailed pool design that is appropriate. Whether the design be formal or informal, areas suitable for bog plants and oxygenating plants must be included. Fish are not essential to the wellbeing of a pool, but do add a further interest. Let us at first discuss the three main waterproofing materials and their limitations.
Concrete and brick …

Those homeowners who are seeking a unique flair for the backyard should consider the Japanese garden. Japanese gardens can form a soothing and relaxing centerpiece for family life, and the well kept Japanese garden can be enjoyed throughout the entire year.
Japanese gardens are found everywhere, both in Japan and elsewhere. There are Japanese gardens adorning and accenting private homes, as well as those found in temples, shrines and city parks.
While Japanese gardens are among the most versatile of all gardens, there are a number of elements that all Japanese gardens …

The Garden Arch
The garden arch captures the fantasy of gardeners and their visitors alike. Twining roses or greenery can frame an entry into a world where time stands still. Marble statues, gazing balls, topiary, winding paths of stone, bird baths, and colorful flowers and plants can blend to create a haven hidden from daily demands.
Garden Arch Placement
Garden arches are available in many materials and corresponding strength. What could be more delightful and delectable than to enter a quiet sanctuary through a grape arbor? As birds enjoy the bounty, their songs …

How would it feel, if you could walk past those flowers and plants on a sunny day to sit on a bench inside your very own gazebo? Then you could relax there and hear the gurgling of the water from the water fountain. A gazebo acts as your lounging area, and its geometric shape will create a balance between nature and a structured shape in your garden. No matter how big or small your garden is, you need a garden gazebo to complete the look and feel of your garden.
Choosing …