tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39289086000653097652024-03-13T15:19:26.944+00:00David Andersen Contemporary Garden DesignDavid Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-6779240179367111092013-02-12T12:32:00.003+00:002013-02-12T12:34:03.920+00:00North West Gardens to Visit for Autumn Colour<br />
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<b>1) Bodnant: <a href="http://www.bodnantgarden.co.uk/">www.bodnantgarden.co.uk</a></b></div>
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Bodnant Garden is easily one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK,
spanning some 80 acres situated above the River Conwy in North Wales on ground
sloping towards the west and looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia
range.</div>
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The Garden has two parts. The upper garden which is quite formal around
Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by
trees. And the lower area, known as the "Dell" formed by the valley of the River
Hiraethlyn which contains the Wild garden.</div>
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There are tree and shrubs here which originally came from China, North
America, Europe and Japan, but which are suited to the Welsh climate and soil.
The planting has been done sympathetically with care taken and dramatic plant
associations.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8hbcZtBLAA/URo19vE8oGI/AAAAAAAAANs/FlHV-lRPSoQ/s1600/bodnant+colour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S8hbcZtBLAA/URo19vE8oGI/AAAAAAAAANs/FlHV-lRPSoQ/s320/bodnant+colour.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Image above: Autumn colour at Bodnant, photograph by Gillian Dromey</div>
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<b>Autumn Colour at Bodnant</b></div>
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I know, it’s been a bit wet of late, but a glimpse of sunlight shining
through russet leaves is just the thing to lift the heart. The garden is well
and truly being transformed by the colours of autumn now; there are still
flowers to be enjoyed but it is foliage, berries and fruit which catch the eye
and when the clouds clear away the mountain backdrop provides some breathtaking
panoramas.</div>
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The wild garden is in its full full glory, with rowan, prunus and many
other deciduous trees, native and exotic. Exotics which will stand out include
the pink-leaved Katsura Tree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, with its heart shaped
leaves which smell of burnt sugar, the flame red oak Quercus coccinea, a Prunus
cerasifera ‘Pissardii’ (Purple Leaved Plum), the acer like Sweet Gum,
Liquidambar styraciflua, and Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Ruby Glow’. Berries with
wow factor include the Sorbus hupehensis ‘Pink Pagoda’, the pale green Styrax
japonica (Japanese Snowbell), the aptly named Sapphire Berry Symplocos
paniculata and a red fruiting Viburnum lobophyllum.</div>
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As herbaceous plants wane, the eye is drawn upwards again to the
towering evergreen conifers including firs, cedars, hemlock and the
redwoods.</div>
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<b>2) Ness Gardens: <a href="http://www.nessgardens.org.uk/">www.nessgardens.org.uk</a></b></div>
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This incredible garden set on the Wirral peninsula has extensive
herbaceous borders and a victorian style potager. It also has the UK’s largest
collection of sorbus (Rowans) and a beautiful and impressive collection of
magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias.</div>
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<b>Plants of interest in Autumn:</b></div>
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colchicum (naked ladies/ Autumn crocus/ Meadow Saffron)<br />
potentilla
dahurica ‘Bright Ness’ (cinquefoil)<br />
parrotia persica (persian
Ironwood)<br />
euonymus phellomanus (winged spindle / cork tree)<br />
humulus
lupulus ‘Aureus’ (golden hop)<br />
heptacodium miconoides (Seven son flower
tree)eupatorium maculatum (spotted Joe pyeweed)crocosmia ‘lucifer’
(montbretia)rudbeckia fulgida var.sullvantii ‘Goldsturm’</div>
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<b>3) Arley Hall: <a href="http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/">www.arleyhallandgardens.com</a></b></div>
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Situated near Northwich in Cheshire, these lovely gardens are famous
for their outstanding herbaceous borders. A visit at this time of the year
reminds any gardener of the design value of seed heads and twig and stem
interest, elements which can all play an important (yet often forgotten) part in
the garden designers palette.</div>
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In addition the woodland walk reveals many fine views as the trees
display their incredible autumn hues of reds, golds and purples.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ledql7HX66Q/URo2XIVYPMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZFIdZK9tJSI/s1600/seed+heads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ledql7HX66Q/URo2XIVYPMI/AAAAAAAAAN0/ZFIdZK9tJSI/s320/seed+heads.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Image above: Echinacea purpurea, featured on the Rhone Street Gardens blog</div>
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<br />
"A plant is only worth growing if it looks good when it is
dead”<br />
-Piet Oudolf, Dutch garden designer<br />
<br /></div>
David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-67479099414608480882012-10-23T13:57:00.002+01:002012-10-23T14:00:30.041+01:00Planting in Autumn<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Autumn is a time when it's important to understand the true
nature of how plants work. Although we perceive that it is the time of the year when
mother nature is slowing down, nevertheless this is a good time to plant. </span></div>
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Here
are a few good reasons why:</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8obIqej819w/UIaUA6jJUTI/AAAAAAAAAMM/7tDYE5i-OJc/s1600/autumncolour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8obIqej819w/UIaUA6jJUTI/AAAAAAAAAMM/7tDYE5i-OJc/s320/autumncolour.jpg" width="212" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
temperature is not too hot, that often causes stress to the plants and stress
to the gardener when there is often not enough time to get around and water new
plants.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s not
too cold yet to stop root growth, for although apparent growth of plants seems
halted (no further leaf or flowers produced) this is a good time for root
systems to become consolidated, and to become strengthened.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's a good
time for plants to become established, ready for a showy spurt of growth when
spring comes along.</span></li>
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What to plant?</span></b><br />
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Trees </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s good to bear in mind if you have any space for tree
planting (or hedge planting for that matter) it's good to plant them during
autumn for many reasons:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They get
established better than in summer with no associated watering problems. (
"What watering problems?” I here you ask!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is much
cheaper to buy bare-rooted stock during this ‘bare root’ season from October to
March (dependent on the species of tree).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As
mentioned above the soil is still relatively warm, giving the tree a good start
in its new position.</span></li>
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Shrubs</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s an excellent time to plant shrubs and you may find that
some bare-rooted shrubs are inexpensive, especially many wildlife varieties:
hollies, yew, lonicera (the climbing one), as well as many buxus if you are planning
a box hedge.</span><br />
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Vegetables</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quite a variety of things can be sown in your vegetable plot
at this time: Beetroot, chard, kohlrabi, oriental greens, calabrese, turnips,
spinach, spring cabbage, endive, carrots (if fast growing varieties). You could
also put in strawberry plants.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Bulbs</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recommended bulb plantings include: grape hyacinths,
hyacinths, daffodils, jonquils, ixia, freesia, ranunculus, sparaxis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Image on the right: Acer palmatum atropurpureum just
starting to turn to it's magnificent autumn shades.</span></div>
David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-80652040837767473332012-10-18T10:17:00.002+01:002012-10-18T10:17:39.643+01:00Garden Landscaping Video of the Survey, Design & Build<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/BeBskeuup7k?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here you can see the stages of surveying a steeply sloping back garden, creating
a terraced design to brake up the space into outside rooms and then the process
of building the new garden.<br /><br />The original garden was quite small, but even
so had a differential of over three metres from house to back boundary. We
created dramatic levels using rendered walling (and the upper wall was actually
created using timber sleepers stacked and bolted together, since the upper part
of the garden was made of freshly added ground and therefore could not be
constructed on with mortar).</span>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-73619316000727342782012-08-03T11:57:00.001+01:002012-08-03T12:04:04.757+01:00Traditional Cheshire Garden Made Modern<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As promised in our last post here are images and a short video
from one of our latest finished garden makeovers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At the beginning of this video you can see an original view showing where the hedge and lamppost had to be
removed for access to the proposed driveway. The footage then takes you through the demolition phase and on the finished product!</span></div>
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<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://0.gvt0.com/vi/_Z7gVPsRzbA/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Z7gVPsRzbA&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_Z7gVPsRzbA&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On the left are the
<a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/product.php/79/stunning_front_gates">stunning new gates</a>, both practical and good-looking. The soft grey/green
paintwork and the smooth vacuum treated timber create a welcome alternative to
dull traditional gate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Below is the new entrance and drive under construction shown from another angle. In order to create a level parking area the ground had to be reduced by about 80cms (This can be seen as a wall of soil on the right hand side. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This problem was addressed by constructing a dwarf, brick retaining wall.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IFFAnhacxc/UBusx1IqisI/AAAAAAAAALY/gm-20adnLFs/s1600/Wilmslow9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IFFAnhacxc/UBusx1IqisI/AAAAAAAAALY/gm-20adnLFs/s320/Wilmslow9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On the right is the finished garden shown from the same vantage point as above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Below shows the original garden ...in need of some refurbishment. The clients requested a fresher more contemporary feel.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 4.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSp-LX1yiMc/UButjgWEFyI/AAAAAAAAALo/o074Z5Ccr08/s1600/Wilmslow11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSp-LX1yiMc/UButjgWEFyI/AAAAAAAAALo/o074Z5Ccr08/s320/Wilmslow11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The completed scheme (on the left) as viewed from the driveway area.....is both
simple and elegant. The crushed Cotswold chippings have been detailed with Indian Stone paving, and the rest of the garden </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">has been simplified giving a more contemporary feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another view (this time
looking away from the house) The <a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/product.php/80/driveway_details">parking area</a> has been defined within the
Cotswold chippings driveway and helps break up what would have been a very
large area of just one material.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1k41kScewY/UBuuXk_D3lI/AAAAAAAAAL4/4R6hq7fOmTg/s1600/wilmslowbright2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1k41kScewY/UBuuXk_D3lI/AAAAAAAAAL4/4R6hq7fOmTg/s320/wilmslowbright2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-58792544099606556162012-07-26T12:39:00.000+01:002012-07-26T12:46:32.963+01:00Progress Continues . . .<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eckFACI2bc/UBEqMiYdKwI/AAAAAAAAAKk/GrEgCTiL7ZQ/s1600/yorkstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eckFACI2bc/UBEqMiYdKwI/AAAAAAAAAKk/GrEgCTiL7ZQ/s320/yorkstone.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">It’s been several weeks since my last update </span><a href="http://davidandersengardendesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/snapshot-of-our-of-garden.html" style="background-color: white;">a Snapshot of our Garden Transformations in Progress</a><span style="background-color: white;"> and our projects have come a long
way! On the left you can see this traditional Cheshire garden (before)
has now been stripped, reshaped (below) and is being given a more
modern look. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The renovations need to be completed on the house before we can put down the ipe hardwood deck.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the same site the new driveway is coming together; here you can see the
natural stone border, which surrounds beautiful buff coloured Cotswold stone
chippings.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyB26Ug6Q1U/UBErFUIp5yI/AAAAAAAAAK8/vaOzchkcZGc/s1600/chorni2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UyB26Ug6Q1U/UBErFUIp5yI/AAAAAAAAAK8/vaOzchkcZGc/s320/chorni2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It may not look like much yet, but this terraced
garden in northwest Lancashire is taking shape. The top tier will provide a
deck with views, the bottom will have a natural stone patio seating area and
the middle will bring in colour with lawn and plantings. Below you can
see the before image and on the right is the work in progress. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpMyPoAVMn8/UBErbACIGOI/AAAAAAAAALE/ONX9Zj-Zpj4/s1600/Chorni3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpMyPoAVMn8/UBErbACIGOI/AAAAAAAAALE/ONX9Zj-Zpj4/s320/Chorni3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Check back soon to see photos of the finished
gardens . . .</span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-90751931347780401322012-06-20T09:53:00.001+01:002012-06-20T09:55:50.707+01:00Getting Your Garden Design to the Build Stage<span style="background-color: white;">So you've finally got your garden design!</span><br />
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Now comes the really tricky part: getting it built!</div>
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Let’s look at the two main ways that you can go
about this and some of the advantages and pitfalls of each:</div>
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<b>Do it Yourself</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
main advantage here is that (providing you have some technical expertise and
muscle power!) there will be a great sense of achievement, a feeling that the
garden is very much 'yours'.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course it may be cheaper, that is as long as you have a
good ability to interpret the design properly and avoid making the many
mistakes that even experienced landscapers make.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most landscape schemes are very multidisciplinary, and you
would have to be the proverbial 'jack of all trades' to do everything, but
using skilled sub-contractors for say brickwork may work well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You would also need to be aware of health and safety
requirements, particularly with regard to hiring in diggers and all things electrical.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFIPYQIa46Y/T-GPX1_KQHI/AAAAAAAAAKY/zBitBjC69_o/s1600/Two+rills+under+construction.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFIPYQIa46Y/T-GPX1_KQHI/AAAAAAAAAKY/zBitBjC69_o/s320/Two+rills+under+construction.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Using a Landscaper</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the obvious choice. Make sure you use a reputable
contractor, preferably one who has been recommended. A list can be obtained
from BALI (The British Association of Landscape Industries). It’s always a good
idea to get competitive quotations from up to three different firms, your
designer should be able to prepared tender documents (There would normally be a
charge for this).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be aware that using a contractor your designer
recommends is OK, but there maybe some financial arrangement
between them. (The designer getting a 'sales commission' that is.) This
may be seen as a controversial
arrangement, however if the various parties tell the client about this, it is
often seen as 'above board' otherwise it maybe seen as non-competitive.</div>
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Be aware that cheapest is not necessarily best. A few years
ago, when times were hard (wait a minute times are hard now!) I remember
quoting to build a medium sized garden (£10,000 I recall), I had gone in very
competitively since it was January, I had not much else on. Two weeks later I
was informed that a competitor had been awarded the contract for around £5,000.
Given that I had worked out that materials were £5,500 (trade price) I was a
bit mystified. Some weeks later I had a phone call from the tearful wife saying the landscaper had been desperate for that deposit cheque and had gone in at
under cost price just to keep himself afloat and soon abandoned the garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also with landscapers make sure that they have proper terms
and conditions, proper, well laid out terms of payment, public liability
insurance and written guarantees.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To put the landscapers side for a moment it would be most
unfair to <span style="background-color: white;">expect </span><span style="background-color: white;">them to do things not in the contract. Time and time
again, I get client’s saying (usually on the first day) "Oh while you're here
could you just……..prune that tree". It</span><span style="background-color: white;">
</span><span style="background-color: white;">can be really unfair, especially as you are trying to create a good
atmosphere within your working relationship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">The most common 'extra' to emerge usually quite early on in
the contract is to do with a badly drained or waterlogged site. When I first
started in business over 20 years ago I was struggling to landscape a really
wet garden, using a lot of my own money to put in land drains. I then realised
that another landscape firm were doing a similar garden next door. After two
days I saw them packing up "What’s up?" I asked "Well" replied the boss, "that garden is too waterlogged to landscape. I asked my clients before I
started to get it sorted and so I am pulling off until they do so!" M</span><span style="background-color: white;">y lesson was learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope this helps. Happy landscaping!</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-82405022440129801162012-05-18T09:50:00.001+01:002012-05-18T10:14:00.862+01:00Why Use a Garden Designer?<b>First off: to save money</b><br />
<div>
"What?" I hear you say.</div>
<div>
Well it goes like this: you spend a bit on a well-detailed, well-conceived garden design (well most garden designers charge between £400 -£1,200
pounds for a design. If you are lucky or talented enough designer to have won a
few Gold Medals at Chelsea or had you own TV show you probably charge upwards of
£1,200 per day for your time).</div>
<div>
The thing is, if you have invested money in a good design, you are most
likely going to end up loving he scheme when it is finished and it will give you
years of pleasure. If it is not well thought out in a <a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/section.php/4/1">masterplan</a> then you could
spend far more than the design fee on putting the mistakes right (or even
re-doing the schem altogether).</div>
<div>
The other things is this: last year I had a young couple come to me for a
garden design. They proudly showed me a huge stack of slabs that they had bought
in, in readiness with the phrase "we knew they were good cos they were
really really EXPENSIVE! ". Well ...NO! Expensive does not equal GOOD! I have
some news: CREATIVITY is relatively cheap, compared to acres of the wrong
type of slabbing (thats 'flagging' to you if you live north of
Birmingham).</div>
<div>
You would never try building a house without using a good architect, so why
try and build an expensive garden without the garden designer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6Xql-TB2Y0/T7YNQqrIrDI/AAAAAAAAAKI/5xcDP8vQ0r0/s1600/masterplan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R6Xql-TB2Y0/T7YNQqrIrDI/AAAAAAAAAKI/5xcDP8vQ0r0/s1600/masterplan.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Secondly: An Integrated Design</b></div>
<div>
One of the biggest mistakes that people who devise
their own gardens is that they over-compartmentalise everything.
Example: as a designer I never design a garden with say a lawn over here, a
deck over here, some planting over here, etc, etc. I always make sure there is what I
call an "<a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/product.php/3/7">Integrated Whole</a>", so that the scheme flows together, it's not always
a logical process but one that needs a bit of inspiration.</div>
<div>
Time and time again I see the wrong proportion of hardlandscaping vs
planting. (OK, a masculine priority vs a feminine one ). If the husband has his
way: lots of walling, paving, etc. If the the wife has her way, lots of
planting. Getting the balance right is the challenge. Planting is a great
'harmoniser' and will always work best when given a strong structure to work
with.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Thirdly: Let's Get Bold</b></div>
<div>
As a designer, I do love raising eyebrows and hearing the question
"What?!" when I suggest, for example clearing out some ageing, overmature
lavender. Sometimes people get attached to things simply because they have been
there for ages, when a good clear out helps create 'an artists empty canvas' and
becomes the basis for real creativity.</div>
<div>
I love the sharp intake of breath when I suggest, say <a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/product.php/61/7">water in garden</a> or a
well thought out, <a href="http://www.gardenmagic.co.uk/product.php/57/7">dramatic lighting scheme</a>. I enjoy the process of getting people
to 'loosen up' about the idea of change.</div>
<div>
It's always a wonderful moment when we have finished a scheme and the
client's (or even client's children) start to use their new outside space. I
believe that a good well thought out garden can be a great asset to be enjoyed by
all.</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-78553215930482799792012-05-15T16:42:00.000+01:002012-05-16T12:15:19.427+01:00A Snapshot of our Garden Transformations in Progress<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There has been a hurricane of activity at Garden Magic this
spring. We have garden design projects currently covering the entire Northwest:
Lancashire, Cheshire, Liverpool, Manchester and even Yorkshire!</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is always fun to see the transformations in progress,
so here are a few pictures of gardens before and during construction . . . and
soon we will share the finished spaces!</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dqV2cL1Ids/T7J3vEgLy8I/AAAAAAAAAJg/a0aE71kIqvo/s1600/Belcherbefore1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dqV2cL1Ids/T7J3vEgLy8I/AAAAAAAAAJg/a0aE71kIqvo/s320/Belcherbefore1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Construction is underway in north Manchester (above) as
we take what was once plain lawn and create a luxurious space with sleek decking,
ornamental pond and contemporary patio, framing a perfect bit of lawn we saved. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dqxUsrajIg/T7J4ZTH4wQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/t1BS25Wj7ro/s1600/Chorni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7dqxUsrajIg/T7J4ZTH4wQI/AAAAAAAAAJw/t1BS25Wj7ro/s320/Chorni.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In northwest Lancashire this magnificent home
(above, that was once a barn!) has large contemporary windows over looking the back
garden. The garden has a steep slope, which we are in the process of using to
create a terraced and dramatic landscape mimicking a series of outdoor rooms,
for eating, relaxing, and entertaining. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89UXc-_kg3Q/T7J4qWT4CSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_NB-qX8pRs4/s1600/yorkstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-89UXc-_kg3Q/T7J4qWT4CSI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_NB-qX8pRs4/s320/yorkstone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just started yesterday, the Yorkstone from this traditional garden space in Cheshire (above) was lifted, making way for the transition to a modern look, with simple, clean
lines, defined edges and dramatic vistas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">More updates coming soon . . . </span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-47811669255526425992012-04-16T14:57:00.000+01:002012-04-16T14:57:26.502+01:00Spring is here!After the long, but thankfully not too cold winter, the prospect of warm sunny days fills us with anticipation. We have been busy through the fall and winter preparing gardens for spring. And now that we are enjoying a taste of the warm days to come things are getting into high gear as our clients all want to have the perfect garden for relaxing and entertaining this summer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNUZmucg-yA/T4wlNWcGzII/AAAAAAAAAJY/RJmKQlWLepU/s1600/hereborus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205px" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UNUZmucg-yA/T4wlNWcGzII/AAAAAAAAAJY/RJmKQlWLepU/s320/hereborus.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
This time of year, with mild temperatures and moist soil, is the ideal time to put plans for your summer garden in place. Planting and preparation done now will reward you many times over when the sun shines and you want the garden to look its best.David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-39141724177410070752012-03-28T15:16:00.002+01:002012-03-28T15:17:58.236+01:00Before and After Images of Our Favorite DesignsHere you can see the dramatic transformations created with these before and after images of a few of our past garden design and build projects.<br />
<br />
One project has a series of spectacular canals and waterfalls in a minimalist setting, another an elemental garden and fish pond, there is a contemporary deck with a beautiful bright green water feature back drop, an Edwardian courtyard made modern and a large family garden that is both stunning and functional.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/tMyJxp7IE0Y?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-70267443164916509792012-03-23T16:46:00.001+00:002012-03-23T16:56:39.241+00:00New Contemporary Garden - Just Completed!Check out this recently finished garden complete with waterfeature, garden lighting, topiary, decking and fine cream coloured contemporary sandstone slabs.<br />
<br />
The semi-circular deck has been designed using specially machined, tapered hardwood deckboards. This smaller deck is positioned to catch the morning sun...perfect as a breakfast terrace!<br />
<br />
The individual topiary standards (photinia 'Red Robin') make an excellent strong statement....each has a stainless steel spike spot uplighter....helping to create drama and atmosphere.<br />
<br />
(Planting is complete but needs time to mature)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/udCqU1Q87so?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-80986226968011038102012-01-23T14:36:00.006+00:002012-01-23T16:30:52.141+00:00Sedum Roof: Manchester<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ab2c0kFoVo/Tx2ISMC1pII/AAAAAAAAAI4/G0to5P6SqPA/s1600/DSC_5416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ab2c0kFoVo/Tx2ISMC1pII/AAAAAAAAAI4/G0to5P6SqPA/s1600/DSC_5416.JPG" /></a> Sedum is a wonderful option for a green roof being a fairly tough plant that virtually looks after itself.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Some properties of a green (sedum) roof:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">a) Helps alleviate flooding by delaying the process of rainwater runoff and so puts less pressure on sewerage systems.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">b) Thermal Insulation simply helps create an extra layer and so the room beneath is warmer in winter and kept cooler in summer.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYazgYcv-Qg/Tx2IYxV9M5I/AAAAAAAAAJA/T-c71UwyIa4/s1600/DSC_5415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BYazgYcv-Qg/Tx2IYxV9M5I/AAAAAAAAAJA/T-c71UwyIa4/s1600/DSC_5415.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">c) Natural habitat for birds insects and animals…they all benefit from a green roof.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">d) Aesthetics: it looks good! The only alternative with this scheme was gravel…which intime would have become discoloured with algae. The colours of the sedum roof will change throughout the year providing a truly living roof.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwO3mBqvzf8/Tx2LAPrreFI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/zGjGS7sOLyQ/s1600/DSC_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nfa="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwO3mBqvzf8/Tx2LAPrreFI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/zGjGS7sOLyQ/s1600/DSC_5419.JPG" /></a></div>This closeup shows the drainage layer with small pvc cells which hold the rainwater providing a steady supply to the root system. </div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-46152040438316947442011-11-21T16:16:00.000+00:002011-11-21T16:16:48.208+00:00Antony Gormley "Another Place" Crosby Beach November 13, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg1seI1IQdc/Tsp4mY2y7ZI/AAAAAAAAAII/CulH1_Dq98o/s1600/Crosby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="212px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rg1seI1IQdc/Tsp4mY2y7ZI/AAAAAAAAAII/CulH1_Dq98o/s320/Crosby2.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HiQIuw5BsU/Tsp4RuAQP3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/n5cDDBazAbA/s1600/Crosby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="212px" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4HiQIuw5BsU/Tsp4RuAQP3I/AAAAAAAAAIA/n5cDDBazAbA/s320/Crosby1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was helped enormously by mother nature here. The movement of the sun across the sky on a late November afternoon and the moon doing her job by organising the tide to be way out.<br />
Massive expanse of beach in all directions gives a timeless quality to this dramatic installation.<br />
Ihe individual fugures felt as though they had been here for centuries looking out to the Irish see...waiting waiting.<br />
As a big fan of modern art set in the landscape I feel this has to be one of the best.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBA3O6PidvU/Tsp46PdUk6I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/RZyYiAr8sfg/s1600/Crosby4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="212px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBA3O6PidvU/Tsp46PdUk6I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/RZyYiAr8sfg/s320/Crosby4.jpg" width="320px" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iUkRYp3rCA/Tsp5AldU3nI/AAAAAAAAAIY/XDR2NQ7TNSA/s1600/Crosby6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="212px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3iUkRYp3rCA/Tsp5AldU3nI/AAAAAAAAAIY/XDR2NQ7TNSA/s320/Crosby6.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-10529477029604460082011-11-18T14:36:00.002+00:002011-11-18T14:38:08.371+00:00Tabley House, Knutsford<div style="text-align: left;">One of our recently finished schemes was for one of the cottages within the Tabley House estate near Knutsford. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa_uBksZVZ8/TsZtXrX4BeI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Z1EJJ3UT23w/s1600/Knutsford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa_uBksZVZ8/TsZtXrX4BeI/AAAAAAAAAH4/Z1EJJ3UT23w/s320/Knutsford.jpg" width="263px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The brief here was for a " low maintenance, contemporary, outdoor space for eating, relaxing and entertaining".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The beautiful yellow balau hardwood timber decking (from a sustainable source) creates a welcoming effect in this small courtyard-type area.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The stunning stainless steel waterfeature acts as a perfect focal point and has been offset using the 2m high rendered wall as a backdrop.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Planting is minimal with the cordyline australis creating a dramatic, fairly tropical feel. (After the last two winters, the clients have been left with strict intructions to cover them over when cold temperatures are forecast.)</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-68073509918189663362011-11-10T15:27:00.002+00:002011-11-10T15:32:01.389+00:00Finishing Touches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybtCC_6WAPU/TrvqsXWg75I/AAAAAAAAAHo/tnS5fQEd2tg/s1600/Hazell+almost+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212px" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybtCC_6WAPU/TrvqsXWg75I/AAAAAAAAAHo/tnS5fQEd2tg/s320/Hazell+almost+done.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Putting the finishing touches on the garden. The Indian paving contrast well with the raised sleeper beds. The gravel beds within the paved areas are great for grasses and herbs and the client has introduced his own chimera for keeping warm on chilly evenings!</span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwZm1zlCacY/Trvs79EqjHI/AAAAAAAAAHw/r52rPjpc-qQ/s1600/Hazell2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RwZm1zlCacY/Trvs79EqjHI/AAAAAAAAAHw/r52rPjpc-qQ/s320/Hazell2.jpg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The planting includes three varigated phormium as well as three small trees (to help create privacy): acer 'Bloodgood', cotoneaster cornubia and a small rowan. These tree provide beautiful autumn colour as well as berries for the birds.</span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-86974147254889577842011-10-31T18:21:00.004+00:002011-11-02T16:07:29.634+00:00Progress Continues . . .<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">In this small inner-city Manchester garden the yard is taking shape.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0l5ZUiBx1c/Tq7lbh2pGII/AAAAAAAAAHg/ctZGGmjkFKg/s1600/hazell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e0l5ZUiBx1c/Tq7lbh2pGII/AAAAAAAAAHg/ctZGGmjkFKg/s320/hazell.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Here we can see the natural stone paving (Indian Stone) is going down.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Several large planting pockets are being left within the paved areas, mainly for herbs and small grasses. The original mature bamboo is being left to create some privacy for the small dinging area behind. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">All in all we should be finished next week.... we start installing the lighting and plants on Monday/Tuesday.</span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-75187186187501020072011-10-25T14:36:00.013+01:002011-11-02T16:08:17.019+00:00Sanctuary in the City<div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBsPpHTlcRY/Tqa62yP-gaI/AAAAAAAAAHY/19tmflS3c38/s1600/P+Hazell+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nBsPpHTlcRY/Tqa62yP-gaI/AAAAAAAAAHY/19tmflS3c38/s320/P+Hazell+design.jpg" width="239px" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This has to be one of the smallest gardens we have built for a while.........in sunny inner-city Manchester</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The garden ('backyard' rather) measures a mere 4m x 6m with access via a small cobbled service road at the back of the row of terraced house</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our client wants to create a semi private, relaxing oasis in the midst of a bustling city..a place to unwind and entertain.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">First task is to move the bike shed and this means making a new concrete base. The shed has to be moved because our client has identified the spot it currently occupies as catching late afternoon/ early evening sun.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Second task is to build some timber sleeper retaining walls to help define the plant areas. This will allow the soil level to be built up....allowing new root systems to be well drained.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The next job is to re-build the leaning (and slightly dangerous) brick wall with the new gate aperture moved across to allow for a new, hardwood 'L-shaped' bench to be built for eating out.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are hoping to finish this smallish scheme within the next two weeks (weather permitting!) Keep checking in for progress.=</span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-71622484053000646942011-05-15T15:30:00.001+01:002011-10-25T14:46:17.719+01:00The Well Designed Deck (a new post after a rather long break!)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ryAnP5yHQ/Tc_jTvuC9kI/AAAAAAAAAHU/h6FnU1HBAcQ/s1600/Decking.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U6ryAnP5yHQ/Tc_jTvuC9kI/AAAAAAAAAHU/h6FnU1HBAcQ/s320/Decking.jpeg" width="320px" /></span></a></div><div align="justify"><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span> </pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It is often the way that homeowners tend to build the most basic of decks </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">with little or no thought to design. The truth is, that a well designed deck </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">need cost no more to realise than a basic square or rectangular shape.
The deck illustrated here has a circular theme. It is true that some time needs </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">to be devoted to calculating the tapered deck boards, and the neat stone circle </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">included to 'start off' the ccircular design, but the deck has so much more style </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">and 'wow' factor than would otherwise be the case.
This deck has been constructed from treated softwood.(available from B&</span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Q etc) with the grooved pattern on the underside. The treated softwood joists </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">extend out concentrically form the centre at 50cm intervals and are constructed </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">as octagonal shapes to support the timber deckboards.
The clever addition here (by the clients) of a circular table adds to the sense </span></pre><pre style="line-height: 17px; white-space: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">of style.</span></pre></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-18959482004132122412010-07-12T10:11:00.003+01:002010-07-12T10:19:07.673+01:00Just a short update...<div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just a quick update on what's been going on since the last blog. With summer just beginning and warmer weather on its way (we hope!), we've been keeping busy with designing and building for lots of new clients. We’ve been working particularly hard on a garden design for a large ‘custom-built’ contemporary house. We’ve also done a little commercial work and several other large family gardens. An important consideration in family gardens is the incorporation of an area for the kids and an adult space for entertaining on a summer evening!</span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">The idea of long summer evenings got us thinking about enjoying the garden after dark all year round (an important factor in contemporary garden design is that it can look just as stunning in summer or winter due to lighting placement and the architectural qualities of a contemporary design). So, when a client suggested that they might want a summerhouse from which to enjoy the garden on a cooler evening (let’s face it, without a firepit, heater or several blankets it’s not often warm enough to sit out all evening!) it got us started trawling the web for inspiration. One solution that came up was a high quality shed (don’t let the word shed put you off!). More affordable than an expensive new conservatory, yet they are still stylish and contemporary (we were impressed by a company called ‘<a href="http://www.decoratedshed.com/" style="color: #6aa84f;">Decorated Shed</a>’).</span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you don’t want to go as far a custom built shed, another option is a firepit. Firepits can either be free standing or built into the ground. Many of our designs incorporate firepits, with this one (with firepit built into the hardwood decking) being our favourite.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #999999; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/TDrasPl8eKI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6NYNbgsYXfs/s1600/DSC_0772dedce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/TDrasPl8eKI/AAAAAAAAAG8/6NYNbgsYXfs/s320/DSC_0772dedce.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #999999;"><span style="font-size: small;">Anyway, hopefully the weather will stay warm for just a bit longer! It helps so much for the garden builds.</span></div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-62592519769739388142010-04-13T15:15:00.002+01:002010-04-13T15:15:51.644+01:00Gardens for Relaxation and Meditation<meta content="" name="Title"></meta> <meta content="" name="Keywords"></meta> <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"></meta> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Generator"></meta> <meta content="Microsoft Word 11" name="Originator"></meta> <link href="file://localhost/Users/davidandersen/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">I find increasingly that my clients are requesting a garden ( or a space within the garden) to relax….de-stress…or even meditate.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If we go back to one of the main principles of Japanese garden design we find that one of the most important reasons for a garden to exist would to create a sense of calm, indeed for the user to be at one with his/her surroundings in a spiritual sense. (See Frantisek Staud's photos of the Zen gardens in Kyoto - http://www.phototravels.net/kyoto/zen-gardens-index.html)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The design principles contained in the ancient Indian philosophy of Sthapatya Veda (which predate both Chinese and Japanese doctrines) direct all architects and garden designers in the direction of working in tune with natural law. Very precise principles are laid down in terms of symmetry, orientation, the use of specific herbs and plants etc…..all with the aim of creating balance and calmness within the minds and body of the user. Indeed the ultimate aim of enlightenment or spiritual self-realisation seems at the basis of the design philosophies. (see Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s interpretation of Stapathya Veda)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><u>Q : So…how best can we use and indeed interpret some of these ideas in our own gardens ?<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal"><u><br />
<o:p></o:p></u></div><div class="MsoNormal">A : Usually I would suggest to a client wanting a meditative garden some of the following :<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">1<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>A simple interpretation of the space: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">this means, basically, few elements to the garden and used in a non ‘busy’ or over fussy way. For example, planting can be limited to a few species to create a calming effect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S8R2FaKH5tI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Sy2DSMVHczA/s1600/shack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S8R2FaKH5tI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Sy2DSMVHczA/s320/shack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">2<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Simple, clean lines:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> ……spaces divided up with good,strong geometry.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;">In the example to the right, we used a simple sleeper walkway meandering through a garden space. The walkway forms a perfect ‘S’ shape when viewed from above, but links the house, garden and summerhouse.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">3<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Use natural materials where necessary:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> This same garden was constructed with hardly any concrete or other unnatural materials. We used the simple elements of: timber, water and stone and chose plants carefully to help create a sense of harmony.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">4<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Use water: </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The use of water, whether still or moving, can have a very calming and therapeutic effect on the garden user. Both the sound of running water and the play of light on the reflective surface of a still pool can be calming. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S8R21G6Z_QI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fvpIZFP6Nw0/s1600/DSC_4397.JPG+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S8R21G6Z_QI/AAAAAAAAAG0/fvpIZFP6Nw0/s320/DSC_4397.JPG+.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">5<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Use of plants : </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">using plants which are fragrant (some herbs and flowers have a soothing type of fragrance, for example lemon, lavender and mango - as illustrated by the widespread use of aromatherapy) Some plants are soothing because they move in the breeze (e.g. ornamental grasses such as miscanthus, bamboo etc) Some plants, of course, are reflective just because they look so awesome !<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36pt; text-indent: -18pt;">6<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><b>Sustainability:</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The very essence of sustainable gardening has of course been around since creation began (living in tune with our natural environment). The delights of birdsong or the mere presence of other living creatures can have an instant therapeutic effect. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">I remember a few years ago trying to finish a garden off to a deadline, as the client’s were due back from holiday. The garden was in a rural setting and featured a new, large wildlife-type pond, I was finishing off the last of the planting down by the water’s edge and feeling (bizzarely) somewhat stressed! Suddenly, a stunning damselfly fluttered by and settled on the surface of the water. All at once I felt a sudden inner calm...as if nothing in the world mattered and that everything in the newly created scheme had been worthwhile! I felt instantly connected to everything that really was really important in the universe…something that is so easy to forget in the hurly-burly of everyday life.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-16453674857610686222010-03-08T13:47:00.001+00:002010-03-08T13:49:10.454+00:00Decking Experts - Homes and Gardens Magazine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S5T9uwGl1sI/AAAAAAAAAGc/b_5DvspLD7A/s1600-h/hg+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S5T9uwGl1sI/AAAAAAAAAGc/b_5DvspLD7A/s400/hg+cover.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S5T93r674xI/AAAAAAAAAGk/RbHl1PRAlj8/s1600-h/decking+article+for+website.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S5T93r674xI/AAAAAAAAAGk/RbHl1PRAlj8/s400/decking+article+for+website.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have just been featured in this months (April 2010) edition of Homes and Gardens magazine. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The article gave expert advice on the usage of garden decking and its 'eco credentials'. They also printed a photograph of one of our designs (hardwood deck with seating and circular fire pit). </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Great to see it in print! </span></span> </div><br />
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</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-28428353579765603162010-01-25T13:48:00.001+00:002010-01-25T13:49:12.291+00:00The Finished Garden...night shots!<blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11q11cST-I/AAAAAAAAAGE/Tl22zgy0kFo/s1600-h/DSC_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11q11cST-I/AAAAAAAAAGE/Tl22zgy0kFo/s320/DSC_4625.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11pcxgkGwI/AAAAAAAAAF0/_yQtx7aBXPI/s1600-h/DSC_4618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11pcxgkGwI/AAAAAAAAAF0/_yQtx7aBXPI/s320/DSC_4618.JPG" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11qMalmQwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/l77b4qiE3Sc/s1600-h/DSC_4628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S11qMalmQwI/AAAAAAAAAF8/l77b4qiE3Sc/s320/DSC_4628.JPG" /></a><br />
</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The garden looks great at night, as can be seen from these photographs. I am always amazed at how different a landscape can look at night. In many ways the can client can have two quite different schemes for the price of one. Especially if they have large patio doors or other big windows looking out onto the garden.</span></span></span><br />
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</blockquote>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-11644851885969325622010-01-07T16:40:00.000+00:002010-01-07T16:40:33.321+00:00The finished garden!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X6rllqQdI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ul4517fjEAU/s1600-h/DSC_4368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X6rllqQdI/AAAAAAAAAFk/ul4517fjEAU/s400/DSC_4368.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the view looking away from the house of the finished garden.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The photinia topiary are now in stainless steel pots, as the ground in this area is very boggy.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The view is much opened up now that the 2m high brick wall is gone, and the rendered walls give a light contemporary look to this outdoor space. You can also see the successfully finished (and clamped!) glass water feature in the background (more evening photos of it lit on the way!)</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As can be seen from the photograph, the temperature is well below zero. It would be a good idea to always protect newly planted plant material if it is of a more tender variety. </span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A FEW GARDENING TIPS FOR COLD SPELLS</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- If frost damage does occur, it is important to protect your plants from defrosting too quickly in the morning sun. If the plants can't be moved, then the best way of doing this is by covering them with a thick black plastic.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- It's also a good idea to feed damaged plants with a balanced fertiliser, this will definitely help to encourage healthy growth.</span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">- It's also important to watch out for snow damage (there's enough of it at the moment!). To prevent your trees, shrubs and hedges getting disfigured you should try to shake off any excess snow from their branches.</span><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Something to avoid: walking on snowy grass! It can damage the turf underneath and leave marks on the lawn.</span></span>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-64353575616577133802010-01-07T16:21:00.000+00:002010-01-07T16:21:05.354+00:00RHS Tatton Show 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X8SdTB11I/AAAAAAAAAFs/S_5dmi2SrLU/s1600-h/TATTON+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X8SdTB11I/AAAAAAAAAFs/S_5dmi2SrLU/s320/TATTON+small.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've just sent off our application for the 2010 RHS Tatton show, very exciting! The picture above is the 3d garden visualisation we created using sketchup and photoshop. A friend (Dan Archer http://www.archersculpture.co.uk/) is very kindly going to lend us a great contemporary sculpture, for the week, to finish off the garden. </span><br />
</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We've decided to name the garden 'Tranquility Island' - the idea behind it is that it's intended as a retreat from the hectic pace of everyday life. The snaking sleeper bridge represents the journey through life as a spiritual quest. While arrival at the enclosed decked area is a metaphor for the fulfillment of achieving higher states of consciousness. </span><br />
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</div><div style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The garden is very elemental - it uses water, timber, stone and plants to create a harmonious series of spaces. We have tried to be environmentally conscientious with the design (the offcuts of boulders we're using would otherwise go to landfill), all the materials are going to be locally sourced to avoid unnecessary transport.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">The preliminary planting plan for the scheme is ornamental with a Mediterranean flavour, we're going to use a selection of grasses and perennials set in large drifts. We also want to include 3 - 4 large trees as a backdrop - hopefully some beautiful old olive trees.<br />
</span>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3928908600065309765.post-25780434512923357122010-01-07T15:13:00.000+00:002010-01-07T15:13:59.646+00:00Elemental garden - approaching finish!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X4S3CHcfI/AAAAAAAAAFc/QJRnM-oN_RU/s1600-h/DSC_4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DSa1_YjjbAU/S0X4S3CHcfI/AAAAAAAAAFc/QJRnM-oN_RU/s400/DSC_4397.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Even with the wettest November on record, and with this current cold spell, we have managed to complete this striking elemental garden. We are always excited about schemes which we can build without using concrete or other modern products. This scheme features timber sleepers, huge slices of stone boulder (some as big as 2m x 1.5m!), water and an interesting selection of plants. </span></span><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The plants shown above are euphorbia, phormium and cortaderia. We will have to wait until March to plant the marginal plants (plants like caltha and various iris). </span></span><br />
</div>David Andersenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11314693889044004870noreply@blogger.com0