Low level LEDs set into the deck always look modern.
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Either choose lighting that blends in or use it as a focal point. Modern garden lighting ideas are an essential component and can be used to pull together repeat planting and textured hard landscaping. ‘We’ve used it in this garden at the terrace level,' explains James, 'and also to clad the vertical faces of the steps and planters that lead to the lawn level, where the pale colour offsets the vibrant greens of the evergreen plants,’ It has many advantages, especially for a modern scheme. ‘In smaller gardens this attention to detail can be very important as it’s much more likely to be in constant view.’ ‘We like to use the junction where different hard landscaping materials butt up to one another as a design feature,’ says James Lee, who specialises in contemporary design. While modern gardens are generally defined by precise geometry, it’s important to get the balance right between the hard landscaping elements and the planting, and to create the space for plants to grow without constraint.
#Modern garden design how to
Or you might how to make a small garden into a flower haven with expert advice from Arthur Parkinson. If a garden has subtle variations in height, texture and seasonal interest it's less likely to feel enclosed. Where space is limited, try using tall grasses combined with climbing plants instead of hedges to soften boundaries and green up hard architectural features like fences. Instead they create movement and vertical accents that lead the eye upwards to the sky.’ But plants that have a diaphanous quality, like ornamental grasses or tall perennials with slender stems and small flowers, don’t block views. ‘There is a tendency to put tall plants at the back of a border and small plants at the front. You just need to choose the right plants, ones that create drama and intrigue and the illusion of space,’ says Miria Harris, who has a landscape and garden design practice in Hackney.
#Modern garden design full
‘Don’t think that a small garden can't be full of plants. Choose raised, rendered planters (try coloured render for a modern look) and incorporate rendered seating benches in to the plan. Grasses and evergreens are popular in modern spaces as they look good throughout the year and simplify the colour scheme. Modern planting tends to have a theme where multiples of one variety are repeated at intervals. This one is easy if you stick to a few simple rules. A party wall agreement clarifies the position and location of the structure without the need for legal fees. More permanent boundary divisions such as walls can be problematic. ‘But if you want an eco-option a living screen is the way to go,’ suggests designer Jack Dunckley, who is known for his strong architectural designs. ‘Choose evergreens such as laurel or holly, and don’t forget fruit trees can be grown in an espalier fashion on a wall or fence, ensuring that you not only increase your privacy but join the grow your own trend too.’ In modern urban gardens, screens in a range of different finishes can also shield from noise and unwanted traffic pollution. ‘To enclose the space with a uniform structure it can be necessary to add a new fence alongside an existing one. ‘Gardens that have boundaries with several neighbours are likely to have a mixture of styles,’ says Paul Hensey. Willow screening and decorative panels look uber modern as an internal ‘wrap around’ if you want to disguise an ordinary fence that’s not yours to alter. You cannot remove or alter a boundary structure owned by an adjoining property without their permission. If the deeds aren't available it's easy to get a copy from the Land Register. When planning a new garden, establishing the ownership of boundaries is a priority. Make sure the design complements the property ‘The planning process can be time consuming and you may need to consult several people and present various plans and surveys so factor this in,’ says landscape architect Neil Jones. If you want to remove trees and erect structures it’s likely you’ll need to apply for permission from several parties, so it’s best to seek advice from the local planning authority before starting any works. This might include the construction of a garden room, for example.’ ‘The presence of prior development, type of property and its location will all influence whether the proposed work can be undertaken without a formal application for permission. ‘Permitted development rights allow for certain development to be carried out without having to apply for planning permission,’ says Paul Hensey. The rules vary depending on where you live but even deck pools and pergolas may need permission, so always check. So the first thing to do is get planning permission for your project. However, they do exist and any proposed work should be considered with respect to them.
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Fortunately, for those pondering how to plan a modern garden, there aren’t a lot of restrictions on building works.