ᐅ Garden Planning – Initial Draft

Myrna_Loy schrieb:

You can also install a robotic lawn mower and then have very little grass clippings to dispose of.

But then you are moving towards golf-course-style turf on your grass areas, with everything that entails. Monoculture, water requirements, and so on. At that point, you won’t see daisies or dandelions anymore, let alone flowers that grow a bit taller.

K a t j a schrieb:

In my opinion, that’s exactly what makes the difference between a good and an average design. The garden is like an extended living room in the summer. The better it’s connected, the more you can use it. If you have to walk 20m (65 feet) for every cup of coffee, an average person will only use it occasionally. If you only have to step outside, you’ll sit out there all the time.

Apparently, that’s your perspective. Mine is different. In our case, a space is used regularly because it’s very pleasant, not just because it’s practical. I don’t know if there really is an “average person.” Everyone has to figure out what’s important to them. For someone like you, a second terrace at the back of the garden might seem like a waste, but for another person, it could be a great addition.

You can also mulch with a regular lawn mower (with a mulching function), which is what we do all summer, mowing only once a week. You just have to accept that there will be some small clippings left on the lawn.

Kreisrund schrieb:

You can also mulch with a regular lawn mower (with a mulching function); we do that all summer and only mow once a week. You just have to accept that there will be a bit of fine hay left on the lawn.

Mulching only works with lawn grass. A proper wildflower meadow can tolerate no more than two cuts per year. For a flower lawn, mowing every week is too much.

Kreisrund schrieb:

That seems to be your approach. Mine is different. For us, a space is used regularly when it is very beautiful, not just very practical. I’m not sure if there is such a thing as the “average person.” Everyone needs to figure out what matters most to them. For someone like you, a second terrace at the back of the garden might seem like a waste, but for someone else, it would be a fantastic addition.

Beauty is one half; adequate practicality is the essential prerequisite. A spot at the far end of the garden is just inconvenient if you have to walk back and forth five times to bring everything. Especially when designing a garden for older age, I would place the main seating area close to the house. Otherwise, it should be a conscious decision that dining happens inside and the terrace is only used for “light luggage.”
There is nothing against having multiple seating areas. These don’t necessarily all have to be terraces. A bench is enough to read a book. A bistro table suffices for coffee or a glass of wine. One of my favorite spots at the holiday house is the hammock right at the edge of the slope, which gives a feeling of floating. With children, sometimes a picnic blanket is all you need.

I think these days people try to make everything “too convenient.”

Every extra 20 centimeters (8 inches) of walking distance in the kitchen is immediately analyzed and labeled as not ergonomic...

I wouldn’t worry about the distance when it comes to dishes or similar items... Honestly, just carry the plates a little farther! It hasn’t hurt anyone.

It’s the same deal with basements: nowadays (at least one reason) people don’t build basements because then you don’t have everything on one floor and end up walking more...

That’s probably why every second person is overweight nowadays.

ESPECIALLY when you’re older, walking an extra 20 meters (65 feet) is actually good... I really don’t see any problem with that.

haydee schrieb:

Do you know crochet Granny Squares? The little squares that are round in the center? You don’t like corners.

No, I wasn’t familiar with them and just looked them up. They’re really cute and quite my style. We could try something like that for our terraces. Thanks for the suggestion.

haydee schrieb:

I would divide the garden into such squares. Formal, geometric, with rounded centers.
Initial cost nothing.
For example:
1. Water feature
2. Seating area
3. Orchard
4. Rose garden/flower garden/vegetable garden—whatever you want.

I will give it a try.

haydee schrieb:

For connections, I’d create wildflower meadows (which need mowing twice a year) and keep the paths trimmed short with the lawn mower (a cheap solution).
It works since we don’t have paved or otherwise fixed paths.

That sounds very interesting and at the moment a bit hard to picture ... but it’s probably nice. I need some time to think it over. But wouldn’t it be quite muddy during rain and similar weather? I like walking in the garden even when it’s raining.

haydee schrieb:

The final size should also be the maximum desired size.

So far, I haven’t considered the final size important because I thought it’s always possible to shorten or trim.

ypg schrieb:

I somehow miss the basic elements of a garden.

Oh. I thought I had created those with terraces, garden shed, fountain, summer flower meadow, partial paths, etc. But surely there is still a lot missing.

ypg schrieb:

Paths should serve to connect elements like a garden shed, compost area, third terrace or sun deck, carport, and productive plants. Twisting paths fit your ideas, but first I’d plan the elements where they actually belong.

I thought I had done that too. If it’s not obvious, then I’m sure I’ve made obvious mistakes and I’m happy to learn.

ypg schrieb:

That’s why I’d start with the big elements like your three fruit trees or some bushes that bring structure at first.

I assume our fruit trees won’t get very large during our lifetime. I am looking out for additional bushes/perennials but planned to decide on those only gradually. I need a lot more time for this as there is such a large variety that I haven’t researched deeply yet. It was/is already difficult to find the right magnolia for the front garden that blooms yellow and is frost-hardy, etc. Choosing the cherry tree is also difficult because theoretically I’d have to try all cherry varieties first.

ypg schrieb:

About the paths: exactly because of your age (you mentioned it yourself), especially since the main terrace is missing, ...

Regarding the main terrace, I was corrected here in the forum and now I’m considering how and where it could be designed. But I don’t know yet if three more terraces will be necessary. That decision is still pending. Maybe we’ll decide after we’ve moved in, possibly in August or September.

ypg schrieb:

… I’d aim for a somewhat straight path layout.

I want to avoid that if possible.

ypg schrieb:

A fairytale garden can be quite tedious, labor-intensive, and impractical—especially on a “small” plot. Then the winding paths tend to become overgrown trails where you constantly have to prune branches to avoid dragging morning dew and spider webs along.

You’re probably right. I’ll probably try it anyway and if the paths become unmanageable, I’ll just let them overgrow and create a new straight path—if it’s still needed then. Oh, you just inspired me ... now I’m thinking of a circular path. That hadn’t occurred to me before but sounds lovely.

ypg schrieb:

I’m not sure in what context that was. We have an approximately 40sqm (430 sq ft) terrace where the furniture is not in front of the patio door but more along the house wall so you can see through from inside to elements (main flower bed on the terrace, central tree). Also, additional angled seating furniture visible from inside or other seats gives the eye structure (low in front, higher in back).

Then I probably misunderstood. Maybe a terrace with an “organic” shape along the house is possible for us? With perennials and flowering plants around it, etc.

ypg schrieb:

Before thinking about the type of composter, I’d just plan an open area first.

True, the open space is still missing. I was hoping it would develop naturally.

ypg schrieb:

Many combine it with a small garden shed where the “junk corner” is behind.

I don’t want junk corners. Similar to what Karl Lagerfeld said about jogging pants, that’s how I feel about junk corners. I only know such areas in houses/gardens where very old people with signs of neglect live. (Of course, there are exceptions: households with children, even teenagers.)
From the back field, you can see the rear views of other houses and gardens. The ratio of junk corners to non-junk areas is about 60% to 40%, so it’s possible without. By the way, a wheelbarrow left outside overnight doesn’t count as a junk corner; it can be left anywhere. Also, in-use tools should be visible in my opinion.

ypg schrieb:

Only if you don’t plan even a small shed, you need to plan a storage area somewhere.

I don’t know if this relates to my garden plan, but I have in mind a green, pentagonal wooden garden shed at the far end near the field, on the right side.

ypg schrieb:

No, better not. Continue here. This is your garden thread after all.

Alright, I will, even though the topic of terrace exit is rather technical.

ypg schrieb:

Suggestion:
Basically, I’d start with your seating area inside the house: either place the fountain in this line of sight or right in the middle from the central window.

That’s a very, very good idea, we will do that.

ypg schrieb:

Then on the left or right, or both, a bench or two chairs so the fountain can also be seen from outside.

Do you mean from “outside” standing in the garden or from the street? I would have liked the latter but don’t know yet if I can realize it because probably the hedge enclosure will be in the line of sight.

ypg schrieb:

The compost could also be placed near the trash bins, although I’m currently wondering whether that space is even enough for your hedge screen.

I don’t want the compost too close to the house, even if it would mean a short walkway from the kitchen to the compost.

ypg schrieb:

Your kitchen terrace would be quite close to the screen, but it could be combined as a path. Personally, I’d find moving the bins around annoying and might plan direct street access instead?!

I’m okay with moving the bins if the visual solution is appealing. My husband might see it differently though. If necessary, it won’t be a hedge screen but a straight hedge, even if space is tight.

ypg schrieb:

Then the fruit trees that may go to the south since they won’t block your sun: perhaps or for example in the left rear third?

Do you mean they should be grouped? I thought I’d distributed them nicely.

ypg schrieb:

Then you’d have a terrace under or near a fruit tree since shade providers are always welcome.

Yes, that’s a good idea and I will try to implement it. Then we’d only need sun umbrellas on the terraces initially.

ypg schrieb:

I’m going to do some work in the garden now and keep your and my ideas in mind (in my head).

Thanks, I really appreciate your dedication and help.

ypg schrieb:

If you add a scale and mark seating furniture inside the house in your drawing, I’ll sketch my thoughts for you later.

I will do that, but it will take some time.

ypg schrieb:

The question that just came to mind: what do YOU DO in the garden? What should it be used for? You never mentioned that!

Relaxing, walking around, looking at plants and the starry sky, browsing websites on my laptop, fiddling on my phone, listening to the fountain’s bubbling and the buzzing of insects, reading, smelling, occasionally grilling and eating, pulling weeds a bit, chatting with neighbors (possible only on one side), picking some fruit, painting my toenails ...

ypg schrieb:

I definitely miss views of the property areas including the house.

I need to see if and where I can get or create those. I will provide them later.

Offtopic schrieb:

Do you always walk from the car over the street to the entrance or how?

Practice will show. I want to park the car as far forward as possible, away from the house. Then the main path to the house could be used when we get out of the car. If that’s not possible or too inconvenient, the car must park closer and we’d create a second path. That’s something I still have to discuss with my husband.

Georgian2019 schrieb:

For 20 € per year, I can transport everything by car/trailer (5 km away).

Good suggestion, I’ll try to find someone like that too.

WilderSueden schrieb:

And you first have to have a trailer or borrow one from the neighbor, plus you need a tow bar on the car.

Luckily, 6–7 houses down and around the corner, trailers can be rented; and we do have a tow bar. I will probably depend on the volume and choose or combine solutions accordingly.

haydee schrieb:

I’m glad I hardly have any grass clippings.

So far, I was counting on leaving them as mulch.

Myrna_Loy schrieb:

You can also install a robotic lawn mower and then you have very little grass clippings to dispose of.

One of our neighbors doesn’t want that because robotic mowers supposedly injure or kill “her” hedgehogs. So I will only use a robot mower when I’m no longer able to mow myself. We probably don’t have much lawn area anyway.