Contaminated ground Build over gravel and/or use it as filler. If it is something nasty like asbestos or oil, seek specialist advice.
Waterlogged ground Build a pond, lay drainage pipes and create a water garden complete with bog plants.
Unwanted structures Carefully salvage bricks and use them for walls.
STEP 5: Lawns
Having seen to it that the lawn areas are well drained – with perforated pipes or trenches filled with gravel – bring back the topsoil and carefully level the ground. Spend time getting it right. Finally roll the ground, and put down seed or lay turf. Keep off the lawn until the ground has settled.
STEP 6: Planting
Now comes the exciting bit – the planting. Take your time and do your research. You can make considerable cost cuts by phoning around and comparing prices.
• Have a good long look at the finished garden and plan out the planting positions. Prepare the planting areas with just the right soil. Make a plant list.
• Call nurseries and garden centers, and generally make enquiries about availability. Make contact with specialist nurseries for items like roses, fruit trees, climbing shrubs, pond plants and fuchsias.
• See if you can cut costs by buying in bulk or by getting all the plants at the same time. Compare prices.
• If you are buying large, mature, container-grown trees, make sure that there is adequate height and width access.
• If you have doubts about the total planting pattern, start by planting the main trees and shrubs.
PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES
With all sites there are problems and opportunities, and sometimes areas that initially appear totally inhospitable eventually produce the most interesting and distinctive gardens – unique and full of character. Creating height through arches, trellises and pergolas draws attention away from exceptionally narrow or short gardens, while a levelled area on a steep slope becomes idyllic when turned into a leisure feature, especially if illuminated at night.
Can all sites be made attractive?
TOO SMALL?
Logically, there is a size when it is near impossible to create an area in which plants can be grown. Yet many successful gardens are created in areas at the entrances to basement apartments, where both space and light are limited. In small areas ideals are limited, but a few decorative pots, a hanging basket and window box can be just as cherished as an extensive and well-manicured lawn is to a croquet devotee.
Use climbers to cloak eyesores and barren walls. Hanging baskets and window boxes can be used in a similar way.
SEEING THE OPPORTUNITIES
The ability to recognize hidden opportunities in potential gardens is, in part, gained by looking at other gardens, both locally and nationally. Some large display gardens even have areas where a range of small gardens are featured; even if one of them in its entirety does not suit you, an amalgam of several elements may be practical in your garden. Have a sketch-pad or camera handy and take a few notes that later give clues to opportunities.
Annuals are sown in spring each year to create an inexpensive yet vibrantly colored feast of flowers.
LEGACY PROBLEMS
Often there are existing structures in a garden left from the previous owners (or even before them). It could be poles set in concrete to hang out the wash, or the foundation of an old shed. Regardless, former owners often let these existing obstacles restrict their garden design. When first taking possession of a new garden, the time is now to remove these old structures so you can start from a clean slate.
Raised decking is ideal for creating a distinctive feature, perhaps alongside a stream or a colorful garden pond.
AWKWARDLY SHAPED SITES
TERRACING SLOPES
Brick retaining walls have a formal nature and are suited to relatively open areas, whereas old railroad ties are better for relaxed and informal settings with beds of grasses and deciduous azaleas. Peat- blocks are another solution to soil retention, but not on steep slopes. In open areas, slopes can be grass, with level areas interspersed with 45° slopes. Powered edge trimmers are ideal for cutting grass on slopes.
STEEP SLOPES
Slopes provide added interest in a garden, although moving from one level to another can sometimes be difficult – especially as age progresses. Flights of 6–8 steps – with a resting landing between them – make slopes easier to negotiate.
Creating a flattened leisure area on a steep slope helps to split it up. Where possible, position this feature level with head height when viewed from a patio around the house.
SHORT AND WIDE
Accentuate the shortness by erecting a head-high screen of leafy or flowering climbers across the garden, so that the boundary cannot be seen. Ensure that the screen is not too high, because a glimpse of openness beyond the garden removes any feeling of claustrophobia. A well- kept lawn creates an impression of space, while a bench positioned close to the screen forms a focal point.
LONG AND NARROW
Create the impression of a shorter garden by dividing it into several units, each with a unique feel. In a small garden, a free- standing trellis, perhaps combined with a leaf-drenched arch, takes up less space than a dense hedge. Create mystery by varying the position of a linking path, making it impossible to see the back of the garden from the house.
SOIL PROBLEMS
Soils vary in their nature; most are neutral and neither acid nor alkaline. Others are well drained, some waterlogged. Occasionally they are hot and dry. Plants that prefer specific soils are indicated in the plant directory
