Soft Landscaping

The term Soft Landscaping is generally used to describe any work in the garden which deals directly with the plants themselves or with the soil condition. This area of gardening is largely responsible for the overall feel of the garden. So called Architectural plants can be used to give the garden additional structure and dimension, as well as changing the perceived proportions or perspectives of the garden.

Soft Landscaping includes the following:

Planting

It is easy to see why sales of bedding plants have doubled in the past ten years.  The flower-filled packs offered in spring promise instant gardening for empty pots and containers.  Instant gardening perhaps, but not easy-gardening.


Annuals must be dug out each year and new ones bedded out. There is regular deadheading to do, plus regular watering during dry spells. Some say bedding plants have no place in the easy-care garden, but that is going too far. Planting out a few containers or filling bare patches in spring can give you season-long colour.

We can provide you with a planting scheme designed to suit your preferences, and to suit your garden. From basic planting schemes to more elaborate architectural, or mood setting arrangements, we will be able to

  • Design the planting scheme
  • Supply the plants
  • Conduct the planting & initial feeding

Dont forget the golden rule - "Don't let flower beauty or colour be your only guide - look for types which are right for their situation".

Levelling & Turfing


For generations the lawn has been a centrepiece for the English Garden. Asside from the formal look and feel many have come to 'expect' from a lawn, they actually play an integral part in the design of numerous gardens.

They are a great way adding contrast to a garden, not only in terms of of colour and variety, but also in height and space.

Levelling is the digging over of ground in preparation for turfing. Quality fresh turf is laid following preparation of the ground and advice given on caring for your new lawn.
Turf laying in progress
Finished lawn after 4 months
 


Considerations

  • From the outset you will need to have access to a hose (or some method of watering your new lawn) and, within a couple of weeks, you will need a lawn mower.
  • If you expect your lawn will need to be particularly resistant to damage, some grasses such as tall fescue are extremely tough and can withstand heavy use.

Existing Lawns


If you are simply wanting to improve an existing lawn, we can advise you on the conditioners and fertilisers you may need to help your lawn on it's way.

Lawns require minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to be healthy, strong, and resilient. Dress the lawn with a fertiliser containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potash to give it a boost. The most important times to do this are spring and autumn, whereby you give the lawn a boost before a stretch of potentially testing weather (drought, frost and snow).

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