is a good idea to go out into your garden, with a stack of colored pens and a pad of graph paper, and to make sketches. Take measurements of the garden, decide on the scale – say one grid square equals 2 ft (60 cm) – and then draw the garden in plan and perspective view, with close-up details showing special areas of interest (see below). Draw what you already have, and then draw in any desired changes. Try to visualize how the changes will affect how you use the space. Place markers around the garden so that you can more easily visualize changes.
Use a rope, hose or chain together with some stakes to help you plot out an irregular shape.
A plan view of the garden (viewed from above) can be drawn to scale over graph paper. Coloring in areas can be helpful.
A perspective view of the garden is more difficult to draw than a plan view, but is nevertheless the best way to visualize your design.
Important features can be drawn separately and in more detail.
CHOICE OF INFRASTRUCTURE
When planning the infrastructure of a small garden, there is usually more money available for the construction of each square yard or meter than for a large garden, where economies generally have to be made. Additionally, because the area is small, immediate and more distinctive visual impact is needed. Garden centers and builder’s yards, as well as catalogs from magazines and newspapers, will give you an idea of the materials available.
Are special designs possible?
Walls smothered in flowering climbers, such as Roses, Clematis and Honeysuckle, create color as well as informality.
FENCING CHECKS
You may have inherited an attractive small garden and initially decided not to make radical changes, but if you have children and dogs it is worth checking fences.
• Fencing posts broken at ground level can be repaired by cutting off the base and fitting a spike-ended, metal, post-base. Alternatively, bolt a concrete or wooden post to sound wood and re-concrete into the ground.
• A wide variety of materials and styles are available for fencing. For a more formal setting, use cast iron. For a casual, Western look, choose split rail fencing. If the fence is more than just decorative, as in keeping in pets, opt for appropriately sized fencing.
Problems with clay
Increasingly, high temperatures combined with limited summer rain causes clay to shrink radically. Where foundations of buildings are deep, this creates few problems but, when paving slabs on a patio or path have only a thin concrete base, eventually they deform and buckle. First-aid treatment is to lift and re-cement individual slabs. For a longer-term solution, you will need to lift all the slabs and provide a thicker base for the complete patio or path.
DISPOSING OF RUBBISH
There are several solutions for disposal:
• Rent a rollaway bin – check that the company is insured, that they know about your city’s codes about placement of the rollaway, and that the size they deliver is appropriate for your needs.
• Builder’s bags – these are increasingly used to deliver building materials, as well as collecting rubbish. They are about a yard/meter square and deep. Check with your local builder’s merchant.
• Local authority – may provide a trash- collection service.
Structural elements to consider
• Decking: raised or at ground level.
• Edgings: wide range, including concrete and wood.
• Paths: surfaces and durability.
• Patios, courtyards and terraces: wide choice.
• Pergolas, trellises and arches: for small gardens.
• Porches and entrances: decorative features.
• Sheds and greenhouses: practical features.
• Steps: practical yet attractive.
• Walls and fences: garden perimeters.
THINK ABOUT THE PLANTS
Don’t separate the selection of plants from getting the infrastructure right.
• If you like relaxed plants such as bamboos, ferns and ornamental grasses, you will want an informal garden to complement them.
• For clinical and regimented displays of summer- flowering bedding plants, you will need a formal garden.
MAKING THE MOST OF BALCONIES
These are more sheltered than a roof garden, and with a base that is firm and secure. However, a sun-facing position will rapidly dry compost.
• If the balcony does not have a roof, fit a collapsible sunshade.
• Where a balcony has a roof, but strong, late-evening sunlight still causes dazzle, you can fit a sun shade to the balcony’s upper edge.
• Always make sure that water cannot drip on people or balconies below. Wherever possible, stand pots in large, plastic saucers.
Infrastructure for roof gardens
Persistent and buffeting wind combined with strong sunlight make roof gardens difficult but exciting places for gardening. Additionally, consider the following constructional questions.
• Permission may be required from the building’s owner, as well as from local authorities. Also, check the thoughts of neighbors – it may not impress them.
• The weight of the flooring needs to be light but strong – check with a structural engineer if in doubt.
• The weight of pots and other containers – when full of soil and after being watered – may be excessive.
• Don’t damage felt roofs.
• Make sure excess water is adequately drained.
• A sturdy screen is usually needed to filter strong wind. Make sure
