Designing gardens for holiday and second homes involves creating outdoor spaces that are both visually appealing, provide plenty of space for relaxing after a long day in the fells, but very easy to look after.
Privacy is important as people tend to sit out more in the garden in the evenings when they are on holiday.
The case study here used to be a pub until my client bought it and converted it into a large family holiday home.
Privacy was addressed by replanting the existing hedge to screen the road. A deep border was created for shrubs and trees. I used Betula utilis var jaquemontii which is a lovely tree for creating privacy but not dense shade.
A large deep border was created to screen the patio in the summer using tall summer perennials. The garden room and an oak pergola helped screen the terrace and kitchen area.
Plenty of summer colour was required but I avoided bedding plants because they only last a year and are high maintenance with watering and dead heading. Instead, hardy perennials were used as they go on for year after year.
No garden is maintenance-free but the varieties used are disease resistant, do not need staking and only need cutting back once in the autumn or early spring. Late summer perennials also die well – they look good during the winter when their colour has faded and continue to provide interest and structure to the garden until they are cut down in spring.
Holidays are a time for enjoyment rather than excessive weeding so this garden gave our client the space to relax and admire their beautiful surroundings. For a free consultation, please get in touch either by calling 07775 611047 or email sam@fellsidegardendesign.co.uk or use the contact form.
Design for a low maintenance seating area
Building the raised beds in clay pavers
Landscaping the garden
Low maintenance seating area provides privacy and comfort
Water feature provides sound of water but is child friendly and needs little maintenance
The pub after being converted to a second home and before planting started
The hedge has been replanted and the new plants have arrived
Small outdoor courtyard needs little maintaining
Sedums need little watering and provide interest for at least 6 months of the year
Planting must reflect time home will be used and be easy to look after
Perennial plants are closer to the house for maximum impact
Gravel mulches the planting by the main seating area
