Garden Design Ideas For Awkward Shaped Gardens

The temptation with an awkwardly shaped garden iswhen you've saved up).
either to do as little as possible to it -- maybe a lawnDesigns For An L Shaped Garden
surrounded with flowerbeds -- or to add too manyThe trouble with L-shaped gardens is that the
hidden corners and details, which might work well inslimmest part of the ?L' is often wasted space. Try
an enormous plot, but won't make the best of anand use it to tuck away things you don't want to
average-sized garden. The ideal is to come up with asee from the patio, such as the bins and shed or a
layout that's simple but uses design tricks to correctplay area. Keep the rest of the garden simple and
the shape of the garden. Better still, a clever layoutbreak up the straight lines with a curved patio,
can make the awkward shape an advantage, usingborders and lawn to make the most of the space
odd corners for hidden storage or raised levels toand give it a relaxed feel.
define areas of the garden.Will it take much looking after? The lawn will need
We asked Katrina Wells of Earth Designs to come upcutting in summer, but if you use bark chippings the
with three solutions for three classic problems: akids' play area will be maintenance-free. For borders,
sloping site, an L-shaped garden and a tapering plot.choose long-flowering, care-free perennials, such as
Our advice is to simplify the look of the garden,yarrow, bleeding heart and black-eyed Susan. How
where possible, by using similar shades to unify thecan I cut costs? This garden shouldn't be expensive
different elements such as decking, paving and walls.to create or maintain, as long as you keep the
As for budget, we've suggested where you canborders quite narrow. You can make them seem
make savings. Now all you have to do is pick the plandeeper, though, by planting evergreen climbers, such
that's best for you.as Clematis armandii.
Designs For A Sloping GardenDesign For A Tapering Garden
Make the most of a sloping garden by creatingThe best design for a tapering garden uses strong
different levels, each with its own purpose. Thisdiagonals to trick the eye. The main border comes
design has an area right next to the house forinto the middle of the garden, while the lawn widens
outdoor dining and a barbecue. Then, wide steps leadas the garden narrows, balancing the tapered shape.
down (or up, depending on which way your gardenThe shed hides behind a water feature at the far
slopes) to an area with built-in seats (with lift-up lidsend, making the narrowest part of the garden a
for extra storage) and a water feature, or sandpit ifuseful spot.
you have children. The last level includes a play areaWill it take much looking after? In the summer the
and lawn, plus a shed and compost heap. Hardylawn will need cutting once a week and the plants in
plants that don't need lots of water, such asthe borders will need regular watering. Put down a
osteospermum, are great for a low-maintenanceweed-suppressing membrane (from garden centres)
garden. Will it take much looking after? The lawn willto cut down on the amount of weeding, then plant
need cutting up to once a week in high summer, butthe border with ground cover plants, such as
if you choose raised borders planted with hardygeraniums or catmint. Geraniums, in particular, provide
perennials, such as hosta and astilbe, they won't needgood ground cover and colour through the summer.
much care or constant maintenance. Add splashes ofUse tall pots planted with grasses for an eye-catching
colour with drought-resistant osteospermum anddisplay. How can I cut costs? Replace the pots with
gazania. How can I cut costs? Shifting earth andtall plants set into the ground -- bamboo would be a
shoring up the terraces can be quite costly. In agood choice because it's evergreen and makes a
gently sloping garden, save money by just deckinggood screening plant. Making the lawn area larger and
over the top of the old surface, and swap raisedthe border narrower will also save money.
planters for pots (which you could always add later