What to Consider When Designing Your Garden

Designing your garden is an exciting concept and offers the opportunity to create a space that is uniquely tailored to your personal style, requirements, and lifestyle. You may have recently moved house and found yourself owning a garden that you really have no idea where to start or you may enjoy gardening and have created a few areas in your garden that you love but are looking to expand these and create something that has that ‘wow’ element.  

Your family dynamics may have changed, and so you are looking to incorporate outdoor living with social and play zones. Whether you have a blank canvas or want to rejuvenate an existing space; it is important to consider functionality, visual appeal, and practicality as these will guide you towards and shape your ideal outside space. Additionally, think about how the space can adapt to future changes in your family's needs and preferences.

Functionality

Considering how you use your garden currently and what works well and what doesn’t is a good place to start. Think about what flows and feels natural. This could include the placement of outdoor furniture; if they are located near a door for easy access or if you have to walk over lawn areas or flower beds to get to them, making the transition of indoor and outdoor living more complicated. 

Think about where your children play in the current garden and where you store their toys. The type of play your children engage in will change over time; it may currently be mud kitchens and messy play, but in future years it may be more sport-oriented, with a need for their own area to be with friends. Planning for their evolving needs will ensure that your garden remains a versatile and enjoyable space as your children grow.

Determine if this is better suited near the house or at the end of the garden with a clear, safe pathway to it. If you enjoy gardening, you will probably need storage or a shed, as well as designated planting areas. If you enjoy entertaining, there will be a lot of traffic flowing in and out of your garden, so clear paths may be required for ease of use and access. 

Considering these factors will ensure that the space created meets all your functional requirements as well as your visual and practical needs, maximising the space and your garden's layout. This thoughtful approach will help create a coordinated and functional space that evolves with your family's changing needs and lifestyle.

Visual Appeal

Relaxing, calming, fun, engaging, beautiful, social, and energising. These are all words that come to mind when visualising your new garden. By incorporating elements such as a colour scheme, textures, landscaping, zoning, focal points, and seasonal planting, you can create a visually stunning focal point for your outdoor space that not only looks amazing but also evokes the feelings and emotions you desire.

You might be seeking a calm and relaxing space to unwind after a day’s work or a vibrant area where you can lose yourself among an array of plants and colours. Perhaps you want ample seating for inviting friends over to enjoy BBQs and summer evenings around a fire pit. Or maybe you love vibrancy and fun and are looking to create a garden full of colour, texture, and interest. As part of our design process, we explore this phase in detail to ensure the result is exactly how you visualised it.

Practicality

When designing your garden, it's essential to consider practical elements such as access, maintenance levels, irrigation, lighting, and climate. Determine what type of access you need into your garden and decide if you are happy to regularly maintain your garden or if you prefer a low-maintenance option. Irrigation is a crucial factor to ensure that plants receive adequate water without creating damp areas or dry patches, which can impact maintenance levels.

Additionally, consider if you need or would like extra lighting in your outdoor space to create atmosphere, assist with navigating paths in the dark, or highlight specific garden areas. Ensure that sufficient power and outputs are integrated into your design to accommodate these needs.  Proper lighting not only enhances the functionality of your garden but also adds a layer of security by illuminating dark corners and entry points.

Want to Speak to One of Our Design Consultants?

Here at Rose Hill Design, we are professional garden design experts in Chelmsford, to transform your outdoor space into a stunning living area. Whether you're looking to create a serene retreat, a vibrant social space, or a functional family garden, our exceptional garden design and build services will bring your vision to life. Our team of skilled designers and builders will work closely with you to ensure every detail meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. We can help you create a functional, and inviting outdoor space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come this summer. Contact our team today to find out more.