On 31/01/2013 20:46, David Hill wrote:
On 31/01/2013 18:53, mogga wrote:
On Thu, 31 Jan 2013 10:30:33 -0800 (PST), Rod
wrote:


Oh dear this is going to be another one of my sermons ;~((
For myself - never on paper, at least not in the first instance.
Look at the site - *really look*. Soil type/types, drainage, pH,
aspect/potential microclimates, shade/shelter, nearby landscape you
might be able to incorporate into the garden, manmade objects you may
wish to screen or include, anything worthwhile already on site -
manmade or plants that you may ormay not be able to see atm (better
to observe the site over a full season if poss.)
Then what do you need in the way of access, paths, patios etc,
compost heaps, sheds etc.
Now how much time do you have or want to spend on maintenance
especially with respect to time hungry tasks like mowing, hedges etc
- keep that low and give more time for the pleasure fun thing with
plants etc and time to enjoy being in this lovely place you've made.
At this stage you probably would start thinking about making a budget
around these basic thoughts so you don't start something you can't
afford to finish or something you run out of steam on before it's
complete
*But* if it's going to be a good garden it never will be complete,
things grow and change, mistakes are inevitable and this is where
almost all paper planned gardens fail.
All that sounds a lot but it won't take too long and will save time
and money and lead to a better outcome.
Now get your wellies on and your wallet ready.
This probably isn't much help for the totally artificial task set by
the competition but it's not a bad way to start making a real garden.

Rod


Yes with a space in front of me I could visualise how I'd want things
(And what I'd negotiate that down to with my OH) - but the competition
aspect - I spose you have to imagine the space and then fill it.


So with the hard standing for the caravan, the astro turf and goal posts
for the boys football practice as well as the decking and BBQ area. then
you have problems.........



It's also important to remember the washing line, the dustbin and
recycling bins and, preferably, at least one compost bin.

If I were planning a garden around a family, I would base it around a
small shed with a 'tree'(shed!) house built on top. That would allow
plenty of room for toy/games clutter as well as offering shelter in bad
weather for either girls or boys. It could be made to look quite
attractive. The youngsters could even have their own mini-borders
around their shed, which would help to encourage their appreciation of
the wider garden. That's just a starting place...

To be honest, I'd rather see a competition based on a small front garden
which would incorporate an attractive way of concealing the various
wheely bins, recycling bins and bags that congregate at the front of
houses (and even on the pavement!) these days. Our own road is very
difficult in that respect because it is on a hill. Finding a flat site
to store either three wheelies or their equivalent is very difficult.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay