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Garden feels too open

#1 · 15th November 2021, 3:57 pm

Can anyone help?
I have a nice neat garden that was semi landscaped 2 years ago but although I now have many plants it still feels bare and too open. I don’t use it at all except to mow the lawn and weed. It’s such a waste. What I want to know is what sort of help I should be looking for, for ideas, as I don’t want a redesign, or any practical help. Garden designers I have contacted are in the £1000s (way out of my very small budget) and want to do too much. Help!

#2 · 15th November 2021, 4:07 pm

Hi Jill,

It would be useful if you could upload some images of the garden and this problem to see if the Garden Ninja community can help you.

Maybe images of the garden that highlight this issue of being 'too open'

All the best

Lee

#3 · 15th November 2021, 5:08 pm

Too much gravel which I’m planning to reduce at some point.

Hope these photos show the issue. Jill

Uploaded files:

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#4 · 16th November 2021, 8:22 am

Hi Jill.

Thanks for the pictures. I can see what you mean now.

Really this is still garden design assistance which I offer with my full redesign (which I don't think you need) or my online garden troubleshooting consultations which you can book here.

However, I can give you some advice to get you thinking given you've already gone to all the effort of having work done on this garden to now never use it!

The main issue I see is the lack of privacy and a focal point or destination in the garden. This in my opinion is where the landscapers have missed a trick. Other than some wavy borders the whole garden is a bit of a one-hit-wonder. Ie you see it all in about 5 seconds.

I'd think about incorporating some small trees, in particular at the end as a focal point. It would also allow you to feel more private when you get there. The alternative would be some form of a suitable structure for 'rest & retreat' ie a gazebo or pergola. This height will help make the garden feel bigger and also bring privacy to the space.

Think about the journey or what would make you venture out to explore or sit and relax in the garden.

I've written about increasing privacy in the garden in these two guides as food for thought.

https://www.gardenninja.co.uk/overlooked-back-garden/

https://www.gardenninja.co.uk/increasing-privacy-in-the-garden-with-planting/

If you need more detailed help I'd recommend booking a session with me for specific plants, trees or structure guidance.

All the best

Lee Garden Ninja

#5 · 19th February 2022, 8:00 am

Hi Lee and Jill,

I have a similar issue whereby the garden is stuck around the edges of the perimeter and there’s just expanse of lawn. We’ve just had some fencing and hard landscaping done and I am currently planning what to do with 1) the plants and shrubs I already have 2) what to bring into the garden to create that journey and those stop or reveal points. I’m going to book an online consultation with you Lee as although the advice given is excellent and I’ve already watch lots of your videos, I think getting that one to one will be invaluable. Jill how did you get on have you decided yet what to do.

Carrie

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#6 · 19th February 2022, 8:42 am

Hi Carrie
I still haven’t decided what to do. Personal circumstances and the winter have really slowed me down.

I probably will book Lee for an online consultation (I would rather have him in the garden but it’s a bit far) and advice and would be very interested in what you’re planning to do (before and after, cost, etc)

Jill

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