Landscape Design – Nature Mill

The Benefits Of Adding Gravel To Your Landscape Design

July 25, 2023August 31, 2022 by Nature Mill

When asking landscape designers about what options there are for making a landscape design especially unique and eye-catching, a suggestion that is often made is the inclusion of gravel. Whilst many landscape designers from martincuthbert.com.au ensure their landscaped gardens are abundant in plants, garden furniture, and ornaments, the gardens that have gravel are often considered the most appealing.

One of the reasons that some homeowners shy away from having gravel in their landscape design is that they do not know enough about gravel in terms of its use and its benefits to make an informed decision. We aim to change that by giving you an outline of how gravel can greatly enhance landscaping and, in particular, make your garden one of those that people remark upon positively.

How Gravel Can Be Used Within A Landscape Design

One of the most remarkable features of gravel is that the uses it can be put to within landscaped gardens are considerable. For those who know little of gravel, the assumption is usually that all it is useful for is as the surface on a driveway, however, here is a list of other locations where gravel can be used on the surface.

9 Garden Structures And Components You Should Consider For Your Landscape Design

July 29, 2022May 14, 2022 by Nature Mill

A common mistake by those considering what landscapers include when designing a garden is that they think only of the plants such as flowers, shrubs, and trees that might be added to such a design. The truth is, often the landscapers will have been given a remit by their client that the plants are to be kept to a minimum, and that the features and structures are to be given a priority.

This brings us to the fact that landscaped garden designs are not just about what grows in that garden, but also the many other elements that go into creating it such as decking, seating, water features, walls, fences, ponds, and pools. These were but a few of the many structures and features that can be included in a residential landscape design. To give you more detail, here are nine of the most popular of these.

Services Areas: A landscaped garden may still have several practical functions, and this can include bin areas, clothes drying lines, and storage of items such as garden tools, solid fuel and maybe even children’s toys. Ideally, these should have easy access and, where possible, be hidden from the view of the passing public.

Retaining Walls: Retaining walls can serve more than their main function which is to define the boundaries of your garden. They can be made visually appealing based on what materials are used, they can be used for climbing plants, and if strong enough, seating can be mounted on them.

4 Crucial Considerations When Including A Pool In Your Landscape Design

October 31, 2024July 24, 2021 by Nature Mill

One of the most significant elements of a new garden that landscapers are asked to include in the design is a pool. Normally it is better to try and use a landscape designer experienced with pool design (obviously). Whether it be Olympic sized in a massive garden or a small paddling pool, a pool is a significant undertaking for any landscaper and one which both they and their clients must discuss at length. Bear in mind, that unlike some features in landscaped gardens, a pool cannot easily be moved or replaced.

It is for that reason that we mentioned the client and landscapers discussing the pool in detail. During these discussions, several factors concerning the pool will be decided. These decisions will normally fall under one of four major areas, which we have detailed for you below to hopefully give you a clearer understanding of what you and your landscaper must discuss.

Concept

For many, this is probably the most difficult to answer. They know they want a pool in their new landscaped garden, but are unsure as to why or how they believe it will enhance the overall design. Note there is nothing wrong with sticking to “I simply want a pool”, and not considering its concept any further.

However, the overall design and finished pool will be enhanced if you can conceptualise what you want your pool area to be. If it is going to be for more than simply swimming and paddling then consider whether you see it as an aid to fitness, relaxation, entertaining, or as a centrepiece to the entire landscape design.

Functionality

Following on from considering the conception of your pool, you now start getting into some specifics and in particular how you wish your pool to function. This starts from choosing the location of the pool with considerations such as having it all in direct sunshine, or partly in shade.