Concrete to Green Space using Lattice & Flower Beds for Plants

Category: Flower Bed Design

Garden Design Project: FBDOSS001

This project shows how even a Concrete backyard can be turned into a lush Green Space.

The garden is a small garden situated in Gosport, Hampshire. It is part of a top floor maisonette which is based along a main road. The garden itself is detached from the house but in walking distance. Separating it is the lower floors garden. The area itself is solid Concrete and surrounded by brick walls of various heights.

The client had recently moved into the house and had just finished redecorating the inside of the house. She knew she had a 'garden', but because it was only a Concrete square, open to everybody and away from the house, she had not considered what to do with it.

The client was very much into having lots of Plants and at one point was only thinking about putting in a Patio set with a few plant pots.

When we met her, it was very clear that what she really wanted was a garden with Flower Beds which she could look after. She wanted to be immersed in a Green Space amongst such a built up area.

The client wanted an area to relax in after work and a place to entertain friends in the warmer months. As the garden is in direct view of her kitchen window, it also had to have interest all year round and be appealing to the eye.

With such a small area, the client also wanted us to create a sense of Space and make the most of the garden she had. As this is overlooked by other maisonettes, she also wanted a sense of privacy from neighbours.

We had thought of a number of different methods to try and get Plants into the garden, including digging out the Concrete and completely reinvigorating the soil underneath.

We decided to keep the Garden Design very simple and use diagonals as a way to trick the eye into thinking the Space has increased. This element was used throughout the Paving and the Flower Beds themselves.

The lack of privacy for this garden was overcome with a simple Trellis fencing. We used this as the client didn�t want to feel claustrophobic with solid fences or high Walls. Instead the Lattice effect will allow the evergreen shrubs and climbers to eventually cover the boundaries and still give the sense privacy from neighbours in this very communal area.

Brief Overview of Planting

• Fatsia japonica
• Photinia x fraseri 'Red Robin'
• Passiflora caerulea
• Jasminum humile
• Trachycarpus fortunei
• Imperata cylindrical 'Rubra'

We used Raised Beds at various heights to allow The Garden to receive much needed planting. Seating and storage is created by a wooden box seat where the client can store all of her gardening equipment and accessories. The clients' personality and style is reflected through the use of bright green paint and white rendered surfaces.

Submitted By: David Fawcett
Website: www.outerspacesdesign.co.uk

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