Need Free or Paid Help with Ideas for New Garden Please

Hi there, just in the process of buying a house and the very nice owners have put big garage in the middle of the plot which divides up the garden and makes it feel claustrophobic and much smaller than it is.

There is a lower small field which is currently fenced off which I want to bring all the areas together to create a big garden. I plan to knock down the current garage and move it out of the way opening up the garden.

I prefer traditional, country style garden design but keeping a lot of grassed area as I have 2 young children.

Here are the features I want to include:

Greenhouse
Vegetable Patch
Breeze House
Driveway
Double Garage
Patio
Playground Set

I am happy to pay for a nice design or of course free help would also be appreciated. I just feel if I go for a local designer, I would get the diversity of ideas I could get here.

Let me give you a feel for the garden:


here is the aerial view which should give you an outline of the plot


another aerial view but from a perspective (i cant get any other perspectives)


a lower gate on the small field which is currently not being used


a side view of the small field (see the lower marker to identify where pic is taken from)


the existing gate at the side of the house


a section of lawn to the side of the garage (south lawn)


another section of lawn next to the side gate (north lawn)


south lawn looking back at the house


north lawn looking back at house

finally, here are some amateurs quickie attempts at making something more in line with what I want:



hope someone here can help as I an a total newb at this kind of stuff.

Thanks

Andy

 

It looks like a nice garden already, you're lucky to have such a neat plot to start with Andy. I just thought I'd mention that before you go removing trees and buildings, that you check for prevailing winds. On a large plot it could be important. If for instance you get strong winds from the direction of the fields next door and you then remove trees and the garage, It could get quite unpleasant sitting by the house. Also I find a single 'open' garden looks smaller than one semi divided up. Your eye almost needs layers at different distances to gauge size. Far more pleasant to have some parts in view and some out, forcing you to go and wander round the garden to see what's there. Another thought, depending on the construction of the garage, why not remove the walls and leave the roof (or parts of) to leave a shady sitting /BBQ area.

 

Thanks guys for the replies, yeah I must admit, I do much prefer the open feel of a big garden and want my kids to enjoy it, and to be able to relax, I would like to be able to know where they are and see them.

Its a great website and looking forward to getting involved as soon as I get my hands on the house.

Will contact Boghopper but meanwhile if anyone has any ideas, please do let me know?

Thanks for the warm welcome!!!

Andy

 

Yeah just feels like the patio area is so constricted with the extension one side and the garage opposite with loads of room on the field which feels so far away. I dunno, I will probably move in and see how it feels after a few months living there before I make any decision.

Thanks

Andy

 

You've got some shady areas there (lower gate/small field) - so don't forget to allow for some woodland or shade plants, there are so many really beautiful ones. The place would be suited because you have mature threes there. Now you only need the middle level=shrubs and the lowest level=perennieals+bulbs.You could have a path meandering through the plants. If you want it more open you leave the shrub level out. Depends on your taste.
sometimes its good to go to some gardens/parks and look what they have done there and then you can tell your designer what you want it to look like.

 

Wow what a beautiful garden to play with just a little idea.Could you make a secret suncken garden here

 

Where exactly is your front door?

 

You know I don't really know. They said front door is the north face where the conservatory is but I will be using the solid wood door on the other side in the corner of the L shape.

This leads directly into the main hall. So probably the best choice.

 

I would LOVE to get my hands on that !!!
Try to include the countryside around you. ie: a low fence to include the fields. It makes your garden look bigger and you get better views or vista's.

G

 

thanks Grinch. Would be really great to get some of your "doctored" aerial views to see what you would do.

Thanks

 

No idea how to do it Andrew.

 

Just had another thought.
Do they ever put cows in the adjoining field?
If they do, don't plant anything too near the boundary. Cows have a habit of leaning in and munching anything to hand.

 

welcome to GC

The word is a understatement

That House and Plot Is to Die For in my Book

Me & This is just Me I Would Build The Biggest Gothic Folly I Could Poss Build

Then i would Rent it Out For Weddings Photo Shoots

For The Well Healed

Charging Around £2.5 £3k a Time big Marquee job done you would not need manny a year to make a successfully Business you could even rent a Marque

Good luck and Most of All Enjoy Wot Ever You Choose To DO

PS Is There Any Chance Of Me Getting a Caravan And Parking Up at the Back Of Your Field Buck Shee??? seems a pity to waste such beautiful land

PPS Iv Got a Spare Kidney & a Lung if you ever need one