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Local Voices

Planning your Dream Garden

It's true to say that most people have an idea in their head of the kind of garden they want. Achieving that dream is another matter, however. It takes planning, time, and hard graft for your ideas to come to fruition. That may all sound a bit like hard work, but keep your goal in mind to remain motivated. Imagine those idyllic summer evenings relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book, or taking your ease with friends while enjoying the view across your beautiful garden.

Planning your Garden

The first thing you need to establish is just how much space you have to work with. It would be fruitless to plan an array of trees, or even a large pond, if you only have a small backyard. Now you have your measurements, think about what your aim is. Are you after a garden with a specific focal point, or perhaps a big splash of colour.

Research which plants would be best suited to your design. If you have a more shaded garden that has limited sunlight you will need plants that can thrive in these conditions. Your local Garden Centre will no doubt be able to advise you on the best plants to use in order to achieve the desired effect.

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A focal point can really bring a garden to life, leading the eye in and giving your garden purpose. A statue or a water feature is a great way of doing this.

With all the forethought about plants and focal points however, don't forget the pivotal finishing touch; somewhere to sit and enjoy your hard work.

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The Importance of Seating

Seating should by no means be an after-thought. You want your seating to be in the optimum position so that you can get the best view of the garden. It is also necessary to decide whether or not you want your seating in sunlight or in a shaded area.

The style of seating you select will add to the tenor of your garden. If you've planned out a quaint English cottage garden you'd be best to avoid seating that is too modern in design. Something like the Lutyens Teak Garden Bench from www.gardenbenches.com would sit nicely in that setting with it's charming curves and scrolled arms.

For those with a large lawned area a park-style bench would add charm. Gardenbenches.com, mentioned above, also sell the Balmoral Teak Garden Bench, which has straight lines and a sturdy appearance. Perhaps something like that would be a good choice here.

One thing to note about gardenbenches.com is that the teak used to make all their benches is sourced from the Trees 4 Trees Stewardship Council, a sustainable source. They also deliver for free in the UK.

Sit Back and Enjoy

Once all the hard work is done and you've completed your fetching garden, it's time to make the most of what you've accomplished. Have a little soiree with your close friends so they too can appreciate your efforts. All that's left then is to laze in the afternoon sunshine with a glass of wine and a good book. Your feelings of gratification will be well deserved.


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