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May 20

Top 10 everlasting perennials

Created by Anna Kapuvari

Using vivid flowers in your garden design is one of the greatest things you can do because they give your borders life and draw bees and butterflies. Our selection consists of the floweriest cultivars that, whether they are grown in a border or a container, will keep you interested in colour throughout time.

  1. Libertia grandiflora

    An indigenous plant species from New Zealand that thrived in London and other parts of the UK. a grass-like perennial that forms clumps and has tall white flowers and berries that last all winter. needs a bright, protected area in order to thrive in the event of a frost.

  2. Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’

    This perennial favorite’s spiky purple blossoms will add spice to any garden setting. Balkan clary will continue to produce new flowers if consistently deadheaded and placed in a sunny area. Part shadow is also acceptable, but it won’t be as active.

  3. Agapanthus africanus

    The African lily is a perennial with summer blooms, although it has year-round foliage. It will survive in the shade but won’t grow any blossoms. It enjoys acidic soil and full sun.

  4. Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’

    One of our favourite wallflowers, this plant will flower pretty much all year around if you keep pruning back the dead flower heads. It is a bushy, evergreen plant with a wooden base that needs enough of sunlight for its profusion of blossoms. For roof-top containers, it works just fine.

  5. Centranthus ruber




    A Mediterranean species with faintly aromatic flowers is the red valerian. If you allow it, this semi-evergreen plant with a wooden foundation will readily self-seed in your garden. To avoid it getting invasive, trim down the flower-head in late July before they set seeds.

  6. Geranium ‘Rozanne’

    One of the best trailing plants for gardens; great for raised beds made of repurposed brick or wood. It is a perennial that spreads quickly. Its extended flowering season lasts from early summer to late October. It thrives in the majority of soil types and even blooms in partial shade.

  7. Verbena bonariensis

    The Argentine vervain, which can grow up to 2.5 metres tall, is one of the tallest perennials you can buy for a garden. Bees adore its clusters of purple blooms, but you can only enjoy them if you cut this hardy perennial back each year and continue to deadhead it as well.

  8. Alchemilla mollis

    Another excellent ground cover and trailing plant that works great in raised beds. The greatest part of the lady’s mantle is its somewhat hairy, soft-green foliage, which possesses dewetting characteristics and holds on to the water droplets like tiny pearls. It also blooms during the summer with pale yellow flowers.

  9. Nepeta x faassenii

    Although it has wonderful smelling silver-green leaves, this garden cat mint is not the real cat mint and won’t drive your cats or the cats of your neighbours insane. The violet flowers appear during the Summer, and if kept deadheaded will stay on until late Autumn.

  10. Erigeron karvinskianus

    The tenth and final member of this list is perennial, which blooms from early spring through late autumn. It makes a beautiful sunny ground cover and can survive in any type of soil. The Mexican fleabane forms a continuous mat throughout its growing season and contains daisy-like white flower heads. It prefers direct sunlight and cannot thrive in clay soil.

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May 18

Garden office for family garden

Created by Anna Kapuvari

You need a peaceful setting to work, reflect, or just be by yourself for a time. It has no place in your home, do you? Create a spot in the garden for yourself! Here is a case study of one of our most recent projects that we conducted in Fulham.

The garden’s appearance both before and during construction is seen in the photographs below.

 

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during

 

Here are some pictures taken immediately after the raised timber beds were planted with fragrant, bee-friendly herbaceous plants including Erysimum, Campanulas, Verbenas, Salvias, and Agastaches.

 

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The office is located at the foot of the garden and is partially obscured by the planter in front of it.

 

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Thanks to our meticulous soil preparation, the seedlings have already begun to flourish one month later.

 

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When the plants finished their task two months later, the garden was teeming with bees, butterflies, and delightful aromas. Walking through the garden to go to this tiny office for work is pleasant.

 

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May 12

Recent 3D designs

Created by Anna Kapuvari

This is one of our most recent SketchUp 3D designs for a garden in Queen’s Park; it features cottage planting, raised beds, and a secluded spot in the back where an author can get some writing done in peace.

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There is a Shepherd’s hut and an outdoor eating area shaded by a pergola on the rear patio, which is surrounded by railway sleeper terracing and steps leading up to the level of the back garden. From inside the home, we can see the garden like this:

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Our bird’s-eye view of the garden allows us to take in its intricate layout in its entirety:

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As we exit the kitchen, this is the vista that greets us; the raised beds contain fragrant herbs that will be used in the culinary process.

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All across the landscape, you can find terracotta pots holding annual bedding arrangements.

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A look at the borders, which are densely planted with annuals, herbs, and perennials that spread by self-seeding. Fences made of hazel hurdles draped in fragrant climbers will surround the area.

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Back patio seating area, complete with twinkling fairy lights.

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Imagine yourself curled up with a good book and some grapes from your vine in the seating area next to the path.

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May 4

Top 10 Overhead beams and vertical gardening

Created by Anna Kapuvari

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Vertical gardening is one of the best ways to enlarge your planting space and create different layers in the garden. The materials range from wood to metal, and it is always advisable to choose a custom design to create something truly one-of-a-kind and well suited to the available area.

 

  1. Timber pergola

    timber-pergola-simple-but-greatA simple but effective way to create slight shade and structure for your climbing plants. It creates a secluded space that is only partially confined.

  2. Painted pergola with hanging features

    pergola-with-swingWhy not hang swings and hammocks from your pergola? Nothing better for the youngsters than a garden full of surprises.
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  3. Archway with trellis

    timber-archway-with-trellis Wooden archways can provide a sense of entrance into your garden as you may step into the quiet and tranquil space. The use of square trellises can direct the upward growth of vines in the intended direction.

  4. Metal pergola

    metal-pergolaTo add a romantic aspect in your garden you can use this rustic handmade pergola made of corrugated iron. Climbing roses look especially lovely with this feature.

  5. Arch with fairy lights

    arch-with-fairy-lightsNothing better for a backyard party then lighting up your features with decorative lighting. You can place fairy lights on your timber arches among the climbing plants.

  6. Vertical gardening with crates

    vintage-crates-fixed-to-the-wallOur design in this pub herb garden incorporates ancient wine crates packed with herbs which are used in the kitchen for cocktails and cooking. Reusing old materials guarantees a one-of-a-kind quality that is both inexpensive and kind to the earth.

  7. Brick archway

    brick-archSuited for more spacious gardens, this brick arch invites you to the garden giving a beautiful entry with a scented lavender walk.

  8. Pergola with bamboo screen cover

    pergola-with-bamboo-coverTo protect ourselves from the sun or the constant rain of leaves from a nearby tree, we can install a bamboo screen, which is both inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing, especially in an exotically themed garden.

  9. Trick entrance

    timber-arch-with-fairy-lights-and-mirrorAt the beck wall, a mirror is concealed in a timber arch, suggesting that this might be the gateway to a magical forest. With strange stepping stones and logs leading into the wooden archway, this garden was created with children in mind.

  10. Simple posts with wires

    timber-post-with-wiresIn order for climbing plants to achieve the ideal closure, only a few wires need to be strung between vertical poles.

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April 28

Top 10 Storage units and bin sheds

Created by Anna Kapuvari

We all suffer from shortage of storage spaces especially in some front gardens. Creating a tidy garden starts with an appropriate- sized shed. These are some instances of bin stores and storage containers that were cleverly built.

  1. Cedar bin shed

    Nothing extravagant, simply a basic IPE hardwood building with shelves inside, flush with the existing yew hedging. Stores up to four bins and creates a straightforward yet effective structure.

  2. IPE hardwood bin store with planting on top

    Would you wish to get rid of the garbage regions’ odour? The best solution is to plant some fragrant Mediterranean herbs on top to cover up the odours.

  3. Tall shed for garden tools

    A straightforward building built to house all of your gardening tools vertically, including a fork, a spade, a lawnmower, and a separate shelf for smaller tools, is the cedar clapboard shed with a cedar shingle roof.

  4. Spacious bin storage for wheelie bins

    Shed sizes can be increased if you have the room and a lot of items to store. You may effortlessly pull out your bins with the aid of a tall, cosy construction.

  5. The absolute rustic

    You just have a small path to move on; there isn’t much room around you. This long, narrow storage container made entirely of rustic, salvaged materials fits perfectly in a front yard.

  6. Softwood shed

    If it’s raining, you don’t need a large store, but you’d still like to store your chairs there. Employ a structure like this light softwood shed to go with the colourful cottage landscaping around.

  7. Reclaimed wood and planting on top

    3 storage places in a reclaimed pinewood bin storage box. Using aromatic herbs to mask bad odours, the top planting continues the cottage-style planting of the front garden.

  8. Shed combined with pergola

    The pergola joined by a cedar framework. A lovely narrow building that is perfect for storing gardening equipment and tableware for the tiny coffee table and chairs.

  9. Seat storage

    If you don’t have enough room for a shed, you can still use the space under the bench for a cleverly hidden storage box.

  10. The ultimate fit

    We can build a shed that will accommodate your bins even in the most awkward locations, and we can add some vegetation to the top to add some lighting.

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April 20

Recent 3D designs

Created by Anna Kapuvari

Check out one of our most recent SketchUp 3D designs, an Ealing family garden. An L-shaped patio with a dining table serves as a passageway between the kitchen and the garden as you leave the house. The lawn area, the symmetrical borders on either side with multi-stemmed birch trees, the pergola, and the raised bed in the backyard can all be seen from the dining table.

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The pergola accomplishes two tasks: it creates a play area for children with swings, a slide, monkey bars, and a raised platform, and it provides support for climbing plants.

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From the dining table, looking out:

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Natural stone steps and a retaining wall lead to the bamboo area, which conceals the children’s trampoline, and natural stone steps lead up to the raised area.

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April 13

Ideas for a small garden

Created by Anna Kapuvari

How to Make the Most of a Small Garden

A few tips what you can achieve in your small garden

Planting

  • Plant some Salvia ‘Caradonna’ in a small border or planter because of its long bloom time and the vertical interest it adds. It will keep blooming for years if you just remove the spent flowers.
  • The dried seedheads of Aquilegia varieties are attractive even after the flowers have faded, and they make a pleasant rattling sound when the wind blows through them.
  • Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a hardy, long-blooming, trailing plant.
  • Small, compact, and evergreen Pittosporum tobira ‘Nana’ is a great substitute for box balls (as boxes are hard to keep healthy nowadays, prone to disease)
  • The small Amelanchier lamarckii fruit tree. The multistem varieties are a great choice for a compact garden because they do not spread too quickly, they bloom in the late spring, and they bear delicious berries in the summer (if you can get to them before the birds do) In the fall, it turns beautiful shades of red and orange, and in the winter, it becomes a sculptural focal point.

What to avoid:

  • It can be difficult to enjoy the benefits of a large room when it is filled with too many different textures and colours.
  • The same holds true for a product’s feature set; if there are too many options, it may be better to pare them down and focus on those that users will actually benefit from the most.
  • Avoid boring one-level designs by adding height variation, even if it’s just a raised bed. Grow some climbing plants, twisting grapevines, and other such things to add atmosphere and privacy using the vertical plane by attaching them to overhead beams or constructing a small pergola.

How to enlarge space:

  • Mirrors are a great addition to any garden because they reflect light and give the illusion of more square footage if placed strategically.
  • Many common shrubs and trees can now be purchased as dwarf varieties, meaning you won’t have to give up your favourite plant just because of space constraints.
  • Increasing your available growing space can be accomplished by taking advantage of vertical surfaces, such as by constructing raised beds, pergolas, or wall-mounted boxes.
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March 22

Top 10 Benches in gardens

Created by Anna Kapuvari

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The majority of us will concur that relaxation is one of the nicest things about gardens. There is nothing more enjoyable than relaxing in the sunshine with a magazine, admiring our flower arrangement in the borders, or conversing with our friends. Watch the grass grow, as they say in gardens. This is our lovely assortment of outdoor sitting options.

  1. Oak bench to tie in with the oak decking
    1_Oak bench (1)
    A small garden requires a balance of materials, so we avoid using too many distinct textures. Box balls and ferns assist frame the benches, which have reclaimed brick retaining walls as their backs.1_Oak bench (2)
  2. Softwood sleeper benches
    To access the seating area, stepping stones are placed throughout the grass. Ferns are planted beneath the benches to soften their geometric features.
    A thick, jasmine-scented, evergreen canopy forms the background.
    2_Softwood sleeper benches
  3. Bench for lounging and entertaining3_Bench for lounging and entertaining
    A location where people can have fun, dine, and drink. The benches are constructed from hardwood decking boards and supports with climbing wires.
  4. Hidden bench
    This old bench, surrounded by Geranium “Rozanne,” fragrant jasmine, and blue Agapanthus, is the ideal spot for sundowning. constructed with recycled bricks and repurposed sleepers.
    4_Hidden bench
  5. Decked topping with rendered look
    5_Decked topping with rendered look
    An contemporary example from today where the natural York stone paving and the render of the walls mix together.
  6. The zig- zag bench
    A planting of evergreens that creates a floating impression. The bench is made of balau decking boards which adds to the contemporary jungle appearance.
    6_The zig- zag bench
  7. Concrete bench
    7_Concrete bench (2)A secret area at the back of the garden that is capped in sandstone to match the rest of the landscaping. A small area for meditation near the water feature where you may hear the water flowing and take a break from everyday life.7_Concrete bench (1)
  8. Hardwood deck boards
    The zigzag pattern frames the green planting by trailing behind the planted beds. The iroko’s dark wood and the travertine’s light colour complement each other well. The bench’s dim lighting is ideal for a gathering.
    8_Hardwood deck boards
  9. Oak sleepers on rendered raised beds
    9_Oak sleepers on rendered raised beds (2)The raised beds around are filled with fragrant herbs, ferns, and alliums, while the trees in the back provide privacy for chats. This is the ideal place for an afternoon tea.
    9_Oak sleepers on rendered raised beds (1)
  10. Simple sleeper bench
    Simple sleeper bench (1)
    A speedy answer to the demand for seating areas or to create a straightforward appearance next to our naturalistic gardens.
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March 11

Top 10 plants for cottage style borders

Created by Anna Kapuvari

Cottage-style gardens are some of the most fruitful for both gardeners and garden owners because their perennial beauty draws in pollinators like bees and butterflies and provides refuge and food for a wide variety of wildlife. So, choose the right species is essential if you want your garden to be interesting throughout the year. Our top picks for a charming cottage garden border.

  1. Geraniums

    Geraniums are a safe pick if you need a groundcover or a plant to edge a border. They are available in a wide variety of shades, but pinks, blues, and whites are particularly common. Once they begin blooming, it’s very difficult to stop them from producing a dome-shaped, multicoloured swath along the border.

  2. Alliums

    This gorgeous bulb blooms in late spring or early summer and adds a stunning architectural element to your border. They range in size from chives to the Globemaster and are typically lavender, pink, and white in colour. Keep them on while they dry out to ensure they return the following year.

  3. Sisyrinchium striatum

    The pale yellow-eyed grass is the plant to use if you want a touch of yellow to provide vertical flair. Although most individuals would choose a white-and-purple colour scheme for their borders, it’s always a good idea to pair purple with another complementary colour, such as yellow.

  4. Astrantias

    Another dependable bunch that keeps on blooming, especially if you deadhead it. They thrive in both full sun and partial shade, making them an ideal plant for bridging the gap between the two extremes.

  5. Foeniculum vulgare

    Fennel is a popular culinary herb that, when in flower, can add a towering 2 metres in height to your garden border. Its understated foliage provides a soothing backdrop for more vibrant perennials. As an added bonus, you can get them in a bronze hue, which will look great in any garden with a copper theme.

  6. Stipa tenuissima

    We need attractive grasses, and the best option is the Mexican feather grass, if we want to create a border in the cottage style. The smooth, swaying leaves of this grass are unlike any others, making it a perfect backdrop when combined with plants of any kind.

  7. Campanula glomerata

    Ideal for the middle of the border, since it won’t outgrow the other plants there but will tower over shorter ones like verbenas and agastaches. The spectacular bubble of white petals produced by the Campanula g. ‘Alba’ makes it an ideal partner to red roses and other brightly coloured perennials.

  8. Cynara cardunculus

    The globe artichoke is another edible border plant. Its flowering stem can grow to be around 2.5 metres tall, therefore it’s best to plant it towards the back of the border so it has room to expand. Its silvery leaves will make a great contrast with purple flowers, and its sturdy frame will lend your border a sense of order.

  9. Aquilegias

    A dependable bunch of plants available in every imaginable hue. It quickly self-seeds, but the dried seedcaps are delicious. They can be utilised as a bridge plant between the sunnier and shadier portions of your garden because of their tolerance of shade.

  10. Hydrangeas

    Keep in mind that roses and hydrangeas are essential components of any cottage-style garden. Selecting a variety of these deciduous shrubs during their flowering period will provide a longer period of bloom and will prevent any other plants from getting the spotlight. Flowers with any shape or size, including those with mop-heads, lace-caps, or paniculate blooms, are encouraged to visit.

 

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March 9

Top 10 Smart Designs for Small Spaces

Created by Anna Kapuvari

With relation to the available space, London gardens can occasionally be difficult. But even in a small courtyard, you can arrange everything harmoniously with the appropriate design, wise material selection, and unique characteristics. For inspiration, browse through our top 10 design suggestions.

  1. Level changes and raised beds 

    To make your raised beds more attractive, use a dynamic layout by adding numerous layers vertically. Even a raised bed edge can be interesting because minor features can be quite noticeable in a small area.

  2. Bespoke benches 

    In a garden, nothing communicates calm more clearly than a well-designed bench with cushions. If you enjoy entertaining guests but only have a small garden, choose a bench rather than chairs because it can seat more people. They can be made even more intriguing by being placed into a raised bed where you can either plant fragrant culinary herbs or create a green backdrop.

  3. Lighting 

    When aiming to create a moody environment, uplights under a tree or fairy lights on a pergola can make all the difference. Make sure to experiment with light setups if you are busy during the day and just use your garden at night.

  4. Views and mirrors 

    Mirrors are the best option for optically enlarging your area. Make careful to set them where they can reflect a beautiful view or additional light, such as the reflection of an afternoon sun. When you want to highlight only the attractive aspects of a view yet have an unattractive view, frames can be helpful.

  5. Interlocking shapes 

    This is crucial in a small area since too many materials or too many different forms could result in a cluttered, unorganised structure. Keep the shapes straightforward and reflect them in another component, like a table for a patio that is circular. The major shapes in the garden can also be strengthened by atmospheric lighting.

  6. Multiple purpose features 

    Most gardens attract visitors of all ages. Perhaps you have children who like playing in the garden, but you would prefer a place to unwind. Combine the two goals to produce something that will be enjoyed by all. Kids can climb up to the top of the daybed below, which serves as a fun hangout for adults, while adults can use the bottom to relax.

  7. Portable furniture 

    Using movable furniture is still the simplest approach to design a versatile environment that can serve a variety of purposes. Lounge chairs, tiny fire pits, and coffee tables can all be conveniently packed away in a small shed depending on your mood.

  8. Vertical space 

    Make sure to utilise every square inch of the available area, including the air, if you just have a little courtyard garden but numerous needs. If you have a tiny pergola, you can hang lights, pots, hammocks, and swings from the beams to create a multifunctional, incredibly imaginative place.

  9. Keep it simple 

    A typical guideline for designing small spaces is to keep the arrangement straightforward while varying the materials. In this way, we display the garden’s adaptable side, with its various surfaces, purposes, and mood.

  10. Small gardens = small details 

    Even with a small garden, make sure to add something distinctive, such as a small concealed sculpture, a view hole in the trellis, or a small water feature. Whatever it takes to make your yard distinctive and look its best.

 

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