How do you design a garden?
First, we listen to your needs and wishes. You may wish to create an open space in which kids can play, a comfortable place for outdoor entertaining, or a peaceful garden in which to simply relax. We look at the “bones” of the garden – where there’s shade, where you’d like to create privacy, where you want to take advantage of a view. Next, we create “spaces” for dining, lounging, playing and so forth. This involves “hard” landscaping, including pathways, patios, decks, fences and pergolas.
Next comes planting, which may include trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers, and plants planted in pots.
In any garden, we try to integrate a variety of textures, including rocks, pebbles and wood. We also help you to source garden furniture, play equipment and lighting.
How do you decide what to plant?
We try to create a variety and balance of color and texture – both of the foliage and the flowers. We also aim to achieve a garden which looks good all year round, bearing in mind that different plants are at their best in different seasons. Trees – whether evergreen or deciduous — are essential, adding height, shade and privacy. (Since trees take years to reach their full size, in some cases it is worth planting trees straight away, even if you need to wait with the rest of the garden).
Most plants are perennial, but many brightly-colored flowers (think petunias, impatiens, pansies and snapdragons) are seasonal, meaning that they need to be regularly replaced. Winter seasonals are planted in the fall and last through the spring, while summer seasonals are planted in spring and last until the winter. Seasonals are relatively inexpensive and provide gardens with a huge splash of color.
What do you think about synthetic grass?
Synthetic grass instantly makes a space look neat and “finished”, and requires almost no maintenance. It is great as a small play area for kids. On the other hand, huge swathes of it can look very artificial, unless it is offset by stonework, wood and plants. Note than synthetic grass gets very hot in the summer.
There is nothing like a natural lawn, but real grass does require watering and regular maintenance.
Do you install balcony gardens?
Of course. Just because you don’t have a “real” garden doesn’t mean you can’t create a great outdoor space. Planters (ceramic or fiberglass) can be bought or can be constructed out of brick, stone or wood. In addition, to maximize the usefulness of your balcony, it’s a good idea to add shade (a pergola or an awning).
Will I need an irrigation system?
Yes. It is simply not practical to have to water a garden in the summer by hand, on a daily basis. Today’s irrigation systems are simple, reliable and relatively cheap. The electronic controllers run either on batteries (replace the battery at the beginning of the spring) or on household electricity (for which you need an outdoor socket). Generally, irrigation systems are shut off when the rainy season starts in the fall and are re-activated in the spring.
Do you install water features?
Yes. A waterfall, fountain or pond (with or without fish!) can take a landscape to a whole new level of enjoyment, and is not as expensive as you might think. Water features require a pump to circulate the water and, generally, a filter as well. These require an outside electrical outlet.
Do all gardens need maintenance?
Gardens do require some degree of maintenance in order to keep plants healthy and ensure their optimal growth.
What does monthly maintenance involve?
A monthly maintenance agreement means that we take care of everything on a regular basis, including:
• Mowing and edging the lawn
• Weeding, trimming and leaf-blowing
• Pruning trees
• Checking and adjusting the irrigation system
• Adding fertilizer
• Preventing damage from insects and disease
• Seasonal planting
Of course, many gardens (especially those without a lawn) do not require intensive maintenance. In those cases, a good clean-up a few times a year should suffice.