HMP2019 - final

GARDENING
How does your garden grow?
Your garden can be what you want it to be. Understand what
you have, get inspired then let your imagination take over
When faced with a blank piece of paper and told to draw
something, quite a few people feel lost as to what to do.
The same can happen when trying to plan your garden. So
much space, so much nothingness - what do you do with it?
To turn a parcel of land into a garden to be proud of
needs practical application and an understanding of what
lies beneath the surface. At this stage it’s important to
remember that most problems can be overcome, but
some basic research is necessary.
Read on and enjoy the great outdoors.
PLANNING TIPS
THE GARDEN’S ASPECT
Is your garden north/
south/east/west facing?
This will affect the type of
plants you can grow and
which areas of the garden
receive sun and at what
times of day.
SOIL TYPE
Is it heavy, light, dry, wet,
acidic, neutral, or alkaline?
Again, this affects the type
of plants you can grow and
what soil modifications you
may need for your chosen
plans.
SOIL DRAINAGE
Do you have areas of standing
water, or is it dry? Unless you
want a bog garden, you may
need to condition the soil to
help excess water drain away.
PLANT EXPOSURE
Is it exposed to wind, frost,
or sheltered? This can affect
the type of plants you can
grow and how well your plants
flourish.
TOPOGRAPHY
Is your garden level or
sloping, and to what extent? If
it slopes, are you happy with
it? Think about whether you
want to level it off.
Back to basics
Having offered you carte blanche with your garden, there are
elements that are common to all styles - they are the skeleton
on which you build you dream design.