Surveying the Landscape

MAY 4TH 2024

The Importance of Surveying the Landscape of a Garden Before Starting

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your outdoor spaces, it's crucial to survey the landscape of the garden before starting any project.

This initial step is essential for understanding the current issues your garden may have, how to minimise these problems going forward, and what the client is looking for in terms of design and functionality.

Case Study: 'Farm Gardens' - Creating Sustainable Beauty

Initial client consultations revealed a desire for a vibrant & colourful outdoor space that transformed into a haven of beauty within mere months. While fulfilling these aesthetic aspirations was certainly achievable, Farm Gardens had the need for a holistic approach that extended beyond short-term displays.

 Our focus turned to creating a sustainable ecosystem that would thrive long into the future, ensuring a lasting legacy of beauty & environmental benefits. We meticulously assessed & worked the soil conditions, carefully selecting plants that harmonised with their specific location, reproduced & flourished effortlessly. By introducing diverse plant species, we fostered a resilient & robust ecosystem that supported a myriad of life forms.

''The garden only gets better each year. I find myself excited, in anticipation, to discover what the season will bring''

Our comprehensive approach included addressing long-term challenges, such as erosion control & nutrient depletion during flood season, through the implementation of regenerative practices. Over time, Farm Gardens evolved into thriving oases teeming with vibrant blooms & an abundance of nature's bounties.

The once barren soil transformed into a rich and fertile ecosystem, teeming with earthworms, beneficial microorganisms, & diverse plant life. By embracing a sustainable design philosophy that prioritised longevity & environmental harmony, we created a truly remarkable outdoor space that not only enhanced the client's property but also made a positive contribution to the wider environment.

Why use Annuals & Biennials?

The judicious use of annuals and biennials in herbaceous borders is a transformative strategy for rejuvenating nutrient-depleted soil during garden restoration.

''Perennials are indeed the backbone of a thriving herbaceous border, ensuring a vibrant display throughout the seasons.''

 However, in cases of soil degradation, perennials struggle to establish a firm foothold due to poor soil structure, leading to limited longevity and reduced bloom potential. In flood-prone areas, such as Farm Gardens, seasonal flooding exacerbates these issues, causing soil erosion, nutrient leaching, and plant damage. The water table rises, saturating the soil and creating boggy conditions that promote plant rot.

As the floodwaters recede, they carry away vital nutrients, leaving plants struggling to rebuild and access sustenance.

Annuals and biennials play a crucial role in addressing these challenges.

Their vibrant growth habits provide a constant source of compostable green waste, which, when returned to the borders as mulch or soil amendments, enriches the soil with organic matter. Moreover, by adopting the no-dig approach, the roots of annuals and biennials establish a robust structure within the soil, which gradually decomposes to provide a steady supply of nutrients for the perennials.

This natural cycle of decomposition and nutrient release was just one of the ways we fostered a healthy soil ecosystem that supports long-term perennial growth.

What steps are taken?

First and foremost, surveying the landscape allows us to identify any existing issues within the garden. These may include drainage problems, soil quality concerns, or the presence of invasive plant species. By addressing these issues early on & making a phase layout plan to prevent these issues reoccurring later on throughout the restoration & build of the garden, you can ensure that your garden remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

Moreover, surveying the landscape enables us to develop a comprehensive plan that takes into account the unique characteristics of your property. This includes factors such as soil conditions, sun exposure, and water availability, which can greatly impact the health and vitality of your plants. By carefully considering these factors, we can select plants that are well-suited to your specific microclimate, ensuring their long-term success.

In addition to addressing current issues and selecting appropriate plants, surveying the landscape also allows us to collaborate closely with the client to develop a design that reflects their personal style and complements the architecture of their home. By working together, we can create a harmonious and cohesive design that optimises the functionality of the outdoor space. We believe in providing ongoing support and guidance as client needs change.

We understand that landscapes are evolving entities, and we are committed to helping our clients navigate these changes with ease.

Our consultations and advisory services, offer insights on plant health, design updates, and any other horticultural-related matters that may arise. We also prioritise sustainable gardening practices as much as possible, as we believe they are essential to the health of not just your garden but our planet.

By implementing practices such as composting, rainwater harvesting, and the use of organic fertilisers, we can minimise our impact on the environment while still creating beautiful and functional outdoor space where the ecosystem and biodiversity flows.

In conclusion, surveying the landscape of your garden before starting any project is a critical step in ensuring the success of your landscaping endeavours. By identifying current issues, selecting appropriate plants, and collaborating with the client to develop a cohesive design, we can create a landscape that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your property but also aligns seamlessly with your vision and lifestyle. We are dedicated to providing a tailored approach that addresses the unique challenges and aspirations of your outdoor spaces, ensuring a harmonious and cohesive design that will stand the test of time.