garden designed for a friend

Are you going to do all the work in the garden, as well as designing it? It will look great.

The decking is already down and there are the two mature trees.
I shall be helping with all the digging planting etc. I have plenty of plants for him already, just short of a couple of tree ferns, and a few others.

He will be doing the raised beds, or if not him yet another friend. Favours for favours.

Hi where did you learn to design or did you just learn yourself? I used to live in Eastney when I was in the Army but have since left and now live in Norway and have just built a house with large garden areas.

First is 769m2 (31m x 18.5m and 2 sides equal 70m2 each) which I'm prepping to sow lawn seed, but need some inspiration for planting/design ideas. The second is at the rear of the house which is around 1200m2 which I think I'll just lawn with some fruit trees to start. The 3rd is attached to the 1st around 190m2.

What books did you use or website?

Gary (spikehaughton@aol.com)

Hi Gary, I first of all went to college one day a week to do a basic City and Guilds garden design course. This I really enjoyed and passed.
Ive lernt everything from magazines and books. I try to watch any gardening programme that is on the TV.
I am at the moment doing RHS level 2 via correspondence. So that I have a horticultural exam to back up what I currently know.

Depending on what you want to use your space for growing veg, shrubs and flowers or maybe even a themed garden such as a Japanese one.

Think geometric shapes ie large cicles, squares etc tend to work well for planning lawns. Height in the garden gives it interest, so maybe a pergola, arch, trees etc. Water has lots of benefits, wildlife pond or running water like a small pond going into another pond.
Try to make it interesting different areas, my garden is split into a lawned area with plants around the edge that give you different shapes, structure, height and colour. Then a choice of two paths that take you through to some tree ferns and woodland plants as well as the shed and greenhouse. Then two further areas one is for veg growing the other is the compost area and pond.

Pick plants that are suitable for your soil and climate.

There are lots of books on the market, The Ultimate Garden Designer by Tim Newbury, isbn 1-84188-113-9
Has a lot of info and some plans you can adapt for your space. Other than that flick through the web and any gardening mags you come across, such as the Garden design Journal, Gardeners world mag, House and Home as well as country gardens.

If you lived closer I would pop around and give you some pointers.
Good luck. Have a look at my and all the other garden pics on these pages for some inspiration.
Dan..