Redesigning your garden is a rewarding process. It allows you to transform an underused area into a cherished place that reflects your personal style and enhances your home. Whether you dream of a peaceful sanctuary or a vibrant space for entertaining, thoughtful garden design can turn your outdoor area into a place that brings you joy. However, it’s easy to get carried away with possibilities and overlook key design principles. Mistakes can impact both the beauty and functionality of your garden. As a professional garden designer, I’m here to share garden design tips to help you avoid these pitfalls. By following these guidelines, you can create an outdoor space that is both stunning and practical – a perfect setting for relaxation, socializing and enjoying nature.
Failing to connect the house and garden
A well-designed garden should feel like an integral part of your home. When the house and garden are disconnected, the outdoor space can feel isolated. To create cohesion and flow, use design elements that blend the two areas. Incorporate foundation planting along the house and integrate plant beds into the terrace design. This softens boundaries and creates a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Check out my blog post on creating a harmonious connection between house and garden.
Ignoring the wider landscape
A garden should also connect with its surroundings in a suitable way. Consider both the views into and out of your garden. If you overlook an unattractive view, frame the space with planting or structures that provide privacy and tranquillity. If you have a stunning view, position seating areas to make the most of it and make sure you don’t block the view unnecessarily.
Privacy is another key consideration. If your garden feels overlooked, introduce hedges, trellises, or screening plants. These not only enhance seclusion but also add visual interest.
Choosing the wrong location and size for your terrace/patio
A common mistake is assuming the best place for a terrace is directly behind the house. While this may seem convenient, it’s essential to consider light conditions and views. Does the area receive the right amount of sunlight at the right times of day? If not, consider creating a pathway through the garden that leads to a more suitable spot. This not only ensures optimal light but also adds a sense of adventure to your garden design. Size is another crucial factor. A terrace that’s too small can feel cramped, while one that’s too large may overwhelm the garden overall. To achieve balance, consider the garden’s proportions, the size of your home, and the surrounding architecture. Also, think about how mature plants may eventually spill over, subtly reducing the usable area.
Overcomplicating material choices
It’s tempting to mix too many materials, but this can disrupt the garden’s harmony. Keep it simple. Choose materials that complement your home’s architecture and the surrounding landscape. A good rule of thumb is to limit the number of flooring materials to three (e.g., flagstone, gravel, and brick). This ensures a cohesive look while allowing plants and design elements to take centre stage.
Creating narrow plant borders
Narrow plant borders running along the edge of a lawn can make the garden feel confined. Instead, create deeper borders that draw the eye into the garden, adding depth and dimension. With more space, you can experiment with layers of planting – combining tall grasses, flowering shrubs, and low groundcovers. This adds texture, colour and visual interest.
Using an overly eclectic plant palette
A mix of too many different plants can make a garden feel chaotic. Instead, choose a limited number of plant varieties and repeat them throughout the space. Importantly, in design terms this creates rhythm and cohesion. Play with varying heights and textures to add structure and depth, preventing the space from feeling flat. The RHS website offers great advice and inspiration on choosing plants that meet your needs.
Neglecting year-round interest
Many people focus on summer blooms but forget about the rest of the year. Plan for all seasons by including late-blooming plants such as Salvias, Lavenders, and Verbenas. These not only provide autumn colour but also attract pollinators. Thinking ahead ensures your garden remains lively and engaging throughout the year. If you’re looking for garden design tips on this, check out my blog post on creating year-round interest.
Garden furniture pitfalls
Furniture is often the final touch in a garden redesign – but it’s easy to get it wrong! Placement is key. Overcrowding can make the space feel cluttered, while awkward positioning can disrupt the garden’s flow. Leave plenty of room for movement and keep paths and entryways clear. Choose furniture that suits your garden’s style – whether modern, rustic, or traditional.
Additionally, be mindful of how furniture affects your view. Avoid placing bulky items directly in sight from the house. Instead, position seating areas to the side, keeping the primary garden view open and inviting.
Conclusion
Creating a beautiful, functional garden requires thoughtful planning. By following these garden design tips, you can design a space that feels cohesive and works in harmony with both your home and the garden’s overall setting.
At The Garden Company, we believe in the transformative quality of great garden design and seek to bring enduring value to our clients’ lives through the creation of unique outside spaces. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space, we’d love to help and we offer our design services throughout the UK. Our team is dedicated to bringing your vision to life, ensuring your garden remains a place of beauty and enjoyment for years to come. You can browse examples of our work here: https://www.thegardenco.co.uk/residential.
All of the images shown here were taken from national award-winning garden transformation projects designed by James Scott and built by The Garden Company.