A garden, of whatever size, that can be seen at a glance is far less interesting than one divided into separate areas. As you move from space to space, the garden seems to unfold with a satisfying element of mystery and surprise. In all probability the area will also feel larger than it really is, since you can spend time absorbing the character of each component part before moving on to the next. This technique has been used in the design of many great and famous gardens and, although your backyard may be considerably smaller, the principle remains much the same.

This simple, flower-laden trellis sits on top of a low brick wall that part-straddles the garden. Such a divider is particularly effective as it lets you catch a tantalizing glimpse of the `room’ beyond, making it all the more attractive. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my prime rules of garden design is that you should never be a slave to your valuable outside room. If you are a keen gardener, prepared to spend plenty of time on cultivation and maintenance, then that’s fine. If you are not, a carefully designed composition will ensure you never have to spend more than a minimal amount of time looking after the space. But whether you are a keen gardener or a lazy one, sitting outside on a hot summer’s day is one of life’s great, simple pleasures. The choice of furniture is extensive, ranging from custom-made built-in designs to an almost unlimited variety of off-the peg tables and chairs. The main consideration is that your choice reflects the underlying theme of the garden as a whole. While well-conceived moulded plastic chairs in primary colours can be great to sit in and look perfect in a modern design, they will appear quite awful in a period setting. In other words, think and look carefully before you buy or build, and if you are buying furniture always try it out. It’s surprising how often a really elegant-looking chair can be appallingly uncomfortable. Read the rest of this entry »

In tropical and subtropical countries the light is far brighter than in temperate zones. Garden designers in places such as the Mediterranean and the Middle East have understood and exploited the juxtaposition of light and shade for centuries, making full use of the high drama that is available in such situations. You have only to walk along a Spanish street or through an Italian garden to appreciate this, not only in tonal values but in terms of temperature, shade offering release from the sometimes overpowering heat. Even in more northern countries, where the sun is lower in the sky and the light is altogether softer, the juxtaposition of sun and shade can still be used in rather more subtle ways to contribute to the design and charisma of a garden. The placing of a tree part way down a lawn, so that a long shadow is cast across the area, tends to increase the

feeling of space, the shadow acting as a threshold between two different areas. If those areas are handled in different ways or styles then the effect is reinforced. This is a visual division but with no physical barrier whatsoever. Read the rest of this entry »