Walls form natural breaks in level and can be very useful in both making gardens feel larger and more useable. Flat, defined space is always more inviting than slopes. Walls can make divisions within a space without imposing on it, e.g. ha-ha's -a sunken fence surrounding a park or garden - are an effective way of keeping a view open whilst keeping large animals out). On the other hand, walls can make a space cosy and intimate - courtyards etc. Disguising the boundaries is a good way of making a garden feel larger.
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| Vertical oak timbers used as a low retaining wall. back to top |
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| Dry stone style retaining wall with Indian sandstone coping. back to top |
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Natural stone can be used to construct border or pool edges, decorative features, mulches etc. Larger rocks are used for water courses, fountains and alpine areas.
Timber: Decorative structures fences, posts, gates, trellis, buildings, retaining walls, bridges, border edges, pergolas, gazebos, arbours, obelisks, carved statues, planters, large bamboo poles, driftwood... the list goes on. Wood, being a softer, more organic feeling material is often used in a less formal environment where round poles and rustic timber structures work well. But, a more formal or architectural look can be achieved with trellis, deck and timber buildings. Overall, timber is a very versatile building material. Pergolas, gazebos, summer houses and other structures create interesting views and attractive features.
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| A timber trellis style building providing a strong focal
point at the far end of a long formal pond. back to top |
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| A pretty oak summerhouse or office. back to top |
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| A simple pressure-treated soft-wood pergola can be natural,
painted or stained. back tp top |
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| Wide oak pergola divides upper and lower gardens. back to top |
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| Long rustic for a country garden. back to top |
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| Oak "arches" curve to create a dramatic garden entrance. back to top |
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Stone: e.g. slate - very thin slices cut for roofs; Vertical uses include retaining walls, steps, piers and many types of buildings.
Water: Usually used as a decorative element. Swimming pools, formal ponds, waterfalls, fish ponds, informal ponds, even lakes and watercourses can be constructed using various methods. Formal fountains can be designed within open water areas or with reservoirs hidden below ground level - which make them safer in gardens where young children play. Contemporary water features are often quite self contained, with water cascading over containers or geometric shapes - the concept being to highlight the surface movement of water rather than a "body" of water. Water features with a large surface area of running water evaporate substantially during hot weather. Unless water elements are fed by a natural water course or river they work by recirculating water, hence pumps and electrical supplies are needed. Sometimes a top-up tank can be built in. Some ponds and pools include filter systems to keep water clear. Natural water swimming pools are a new idea - no chemicals - plants and filter beds clean the water instead. Even a simple bird bath or water lily in a water tight container adds an enchanting element to a garden. Adding a beautiful water feature immediately brings in a relaxing movement and sound to the garden.
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| Overflowing pots join all areas of the garden together and can be seen from the house at night. back to top |
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| : A huge bronze frog fountain sitting above a concealed reservoir of water below ground is safe in a family garden. back to top |
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| : 2 large York stone troughs are supported above a concealed reservoir making a simple but dramatic feature. back to top |
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| A simple granite oriental style arrangement surrounded by slate paving and paddlestones. back to top |
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Swimming pools: Swimming pools are used for a surprisingly long season in most British summers especially if placed in the warmest spot in the garden. Other elements can help catch the most warmth during the year and extend the season.
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| Tropical planting along the side boundary of the garden enhances the effect and disguises the boundary. Vine covers the trellis behind the tree ferns. back to top |
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Metal: Can be used to great effect for garden boundaries, railings, steel or aluminium containers for plants or water, decorative surface areas and edging, retaining and structural strengthening elements, gates and sculptures. Sheet metal can be used to create a mirror like effect. Metal baskets can be filled with rocks to retain banks. The visual characteristics range from extremely functional and plain, or highly decorative.
Planting and furnishing: Takes place after the structural outlines are formed.
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