Landscaping your garden in London

Landscaping your garden in London can be tricky,  but there are plenty of ways to make the most of your outdoor space - get some landscaping tips here.

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As much as you would like to rejuvenate the garden area you have, finding the time, money and energy to get the landscaping job started can require a surprising amount of effort. Not only do you need to have enough money to purchase materials and hire labourers all within a carefully constructed time frame, but you will also have to spend weeks  - even months – with your house and garden in a state of total disarray. If you work in the City and have a demanding, hectic job schedule, or even if you live in one of London’s leafier suburbs looking after the family, this can really pile on a lot of extra stress.

Fortunately, landscaping your garden doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. With careful planning and a bit of real passion, the job can even be completed in just a few weeks – and you might even find yourself enjoying the work too! There are a number of ways to keep things running smoothly, including thinking about the following before you begin:

• Firstly, think carefully about the size of your garden and the overall theme or style you are going for. Are you planning a formal, angular layout, with refined edges and geometrical patterns? Or would you prefer a wilder, more natural effect, with exotic plants and a curvier design? If you are unsure about what you would prefer and need a little bit of inspiration, you could always visit one of London’s many public parks (such as Hyde Park or St. James’s) for ideas, or even attend a more formal horticultural event – such as the Chelsea Flower Show. If you feel you lack the imagination or artistic streak to pinpoint your dream design, you could even hire an independent landscape designer to help.

• Next, what is going to be the focal point(s) of the garden? How many central features will fit without making the space you have look cluttered and untidy? Think about what you plan on using the garden for too; if you are hoping to entertain guests with some outdoor parties, a patio area with a fitted BBQ might be just the thing. For larger gardens, a fitted swimming pool could prove an even more exciting venture. If you more of a green-fingered enthusiast, however, installing a fishpond, birdbath, rockery or miniature waterfall can be a great way to add a bit of sound and movement to an otherwise bland and lifeless area. Just make sure that you are willing to maintain these features once installed – if you don’t have a lot of time then a plain lawn design might be a better option, for example.

• Finally, you should think about your lighting and furniture options. Environmentally-friendly solar lights can be fitted directly into flower beds and don’t require any upkeep, although they aren’t the most effective options. Tables and chairs also work as a great focal point for those more minimalist designs and come in wide range of colours, shapes and designs available from a number of different retailers in numerous London districts.

The most important step in planning your landscaping project will, however, ultimately prove to be choosing a contractor that’s right for you. Before signing on the dotted line you should compare the options and prices put forward by a number of landscaping companies around your local London borough and even across the city. You can even set up initial contact meetings with those you like as a way to test the waters before committing to anything; this is a great way to discuss early ideas, sketches and computer simulations, and even your final budget. Once you have built up a successful rapport with a potential employee, then you are on the right track for a smooth and efficient landscaping project. The final cost will depend on a number of different factors, including the size of your London garden and your overall design plan, but it will usually end up anywhere between £700 and £5,000. As long as you plan and budget carefully, your new garden will be ready to use in just a few weeks - allowing you to get away from the stress of London life and finally chill out in a relaxing spot to call your own.