Tricky Shaped Garden Design Ideas For Any Landscape
Having a tricky-shaped garden does not mean you have to suffer from poor design. Whether you are dealing with sloped areas, narrow angles or irregular plots, it is possible to create an environment that you can be proud of – it just requires more planning.
As a leading garden design and landscaping company, TM Landscapes has helped many clients achieve their dream gardens. We have experience with all kinds of landscapes, each of varying size and conditions, allowing us to recommend the best course of action for your tricky-shaped garden design.
In this post, we are relying on this experience to share some of the best ideas for tricky shaped garden design to get you inspired and show you how to make the most out of your landscape.
Understanding The Lay Of The Land: Measuring Your Garden
The first stage in any garden design project is to assess the current landscape. This is why all projects we undertake begin with a site consultation, as this gives us an opportunity to learn more about the garden we are working on, as well as understand our client’s desires.
In a site consultation, measurements of the landscape will be taken, but our team also goes a step further. To determine how tricky your garden design will be, we also need to assess other factors such as:
- Shape of the Landscape: such as the angles, turns, and slopes within the garden
- Sun Exposure Patterns: Shade and light areas influence what kind of plants can be used in the garden design
- Soil Condition and Local Climates: The condition of the region can also influence what kind of plants, grass and natural elements will thrive in your tricky shaped garden design
By understanding all areas of your tricky-shaped garden, we can make informed decisions regarding your garden design to create a landscape that thrives. The layout, shape and light patterns within your garden are major considerations and can vary greatly based on the organic shaping of the garden.
For example, those with narrow angles may experience more shade than open-plan garden designs and therefore cannot rely on the same kind of plants and flowers. The more informed you are at the beginning of the garden design process, the easier it will be to create a landscape you’ll love.
Tricky Shaped Garden Design Ideas For All Layouts
With a clear understanding of the shape and condition of your landscape, it will be easier to implement specific garden design ideas.
Based on the shape of your specific tricky-shaped garden, the following are great ways to make the most out of what you have to create an attractive, functional landscape the whole family can enjoy:
Angled Gardens
While an angled garden may seem like a difficult project, this can be an amazing opportunity to create something innovative that reflects your unique home, lifestyle or personal tastes perfectly. Instead of getting caught up in the irregularity of these kinds of gardens, use them to inspire you to think outside of the box and create something special.
Some of the best ideas for this kind of tricky-shaped garden design include:
Curved Hardscaping
Instead of relying on traditional parallel paving layouts, use the organic angles of your garden to create a unique design. Curved pathways and paving stones can be made using natural stone for a rustic appearance to add some charm to your garden, while also allowing you to make the most out of the space available.
Strategic Planting
Plants, especially tall shrubs, ornamental grasses and climbing flowers, can be a great way to disguise the trickiest elements of your garden design. Strategically placing specific plants or flower beds in narrow corners or unattractive areas of your garden can cover these areas, offering visual appeal and supporting the flow of your new garden design.
Narrow Gardens
Narrow gardens can be difficult to design because you may be limited in space. There needs to be a careful balance of design features, plants and garden sculptures to avoid the space becoming cluttered, but luckily, there are some amazing design tips that can help:
Landscape Zoning
When you are limited on space, one of the best, tricky-shaped garden design methods you can implement is landscape zoning. Creating separate zones across the garden through a combination of hardscaping, decking, and turfing allows you to maximise your available space and have a cohesive garden design.
Each zone can be used for a different purpose, allowing you to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space. For example, a paved patio area which is separated from the lawn, and a flower bed at the top end of the garden to add colour and seasonal interest to the space..
Vertical Planting
Vertical planting is a great way to add colour and texture to the garden without compromising ground space. While traditional garden designs rely on flower beds and ground-based planting, vertical planting is a modern way to incorporate colour, scent and texture to the landscape using the existing structures.
Using climbing plants, tall flowers, or even installing turf vertically is ideal for narrow gardens, as well as those seeking a modern touch. It draws the eyes upwards, creating the illusion of more space, and means you do not have to miss out. Use structures such as fencing, retaining walls or pergolas as your base.
Sloped Gardens
The main concern when designing sloped gardens is the various soil conditions that may be present. With an uneven terrain, your garden will experience differing soil conditions and light patterns with each changing angle, so all design decisions require careful consideration:
Tiered Levels
Creating a tiered garden design is the best way to manage sloped or uneven terrains, and this can be done in varying ways. Whether you opt to use raised planters, retaining walls or even varying heights of plants, you can create the illusion that your garden is even.
Alternatively, use the tiered displays to work with the organic contours of your landscape to create a focal point.
Level Out With Decking
Decking is a great way to expand your living space and create a functional garden that can be used in all weather conditions. Those with uneven turfing or lawn spaces can benefit greatly from decking, as it evens out the ground of your garden and creates a functional environment.
Decking can be used for a range of purposes, based on the decorations and design used. Adorn the space with cosy seating, ambient lighting and fit balustrades to create a sage space that can be used throughout the year.
Small Gardens Or Courtyards
When you are limited on space, you need to carefully plan your garden design to ensure you are not overwhelming your landscape.
While it may be tempting to include as many design features as possible to distract from the small size of your garden, this will have the opposite effect and make the space look cluttered. Instead, consider these tricky-shaped garden design ideas:
Simple And Minimal
Focusing on garden design trends such as contemporary landscapes is a great way to maximise your small garden.
Reducing the number of plant species and features within your garden creates a simple garden design that allows you to focus on the very best. When it comes to small gardens, less is more!
Light Colour Palette
It is recommended for you to rely on light colours across your small garden design, especially in terms of hardscaping. Paving and patios should be installed in light colours, such as natural stone or porcelain, to give the illusion of more space and attract more light into your garden.
Conclusion
It is possible to create a beautiful landscape even if you are dealing with a tricky-shaped garden. Taking time to plan your new garden design and working with the organic layout of the land allows you to create an environment that is as unique as you.
Working with professional landscapers, like TM Landscapes, is the best way to ensure your garden renovation goes smoothly and aligns with your requirements. We have experience with all kinds of gardens and can recommend the best plan for your tricky-shaped landscape.
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