PAVING ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN  • EXETER 

 

 

SANDSTONE ⋅ GRANITE PAVING ⋅ SLATE 

 

Exeter Landscapers • Garden Design • Sandstone 

 

 

 

NATURAL STONE PAVING ⋅ SETTS 

Sandstone paving looks great in any garden design.  The price of natural stone paving has fallen dramatically in recent years.  It’s easy to lay and ages well.  And is available in a variety of shades and finishes.

 

 

PATHING ·  SETTS · SUMMARY

 

Natural Stone Paving · Seating Areas · Lawn Edging

 

Mixed-Sized Pattern For A Traditional Feel.

 

Single-Sized Pattern 900 X 300Mm For A Contemporary Feel.

 

Traditional · Slate · Sandstone 

 

Contemporary · Granite Porcelain.

 

Curved Setts · Contemporary · Straight Setts · Formal

 

Construction · Crushed Concrete Base · Mortar · Stone · Pointing

 

Add Zoned Lighting · Control With Wisebox.

 

 

 

 

SEATING · PATHS · GARDEN DESIGN • EXETER 

Add natural sandstone paving to your garden design. Create a paved seating area for outdoor entertaining.  Add a natural stone paved area.  Create a contemporary or traditional design.

 

 

PATHS · are great for linking key areas in your garden design, Exeter.  Sandstone works well laid in large single-sized patterns. 

 

Try kandula grey natural stone paving, in a 900mm x 600mm, size.   Or create an offset, two-stone pattern.  Marry a 600mm x 300mm with 600mm x 600mm square. 

 

 

 

 

ZONE LIGHTING • GARDEN DESIGN • EXETER LANDSCAPES 

Why not add a zone lighting system?  For late-night partying. Add natural sandstone paving.  Link key areas in your garden design, Exeter. 

 

By adding a natural sandstone path.  Why not opt for hardwearing contemporary porcelain paving?  It looks great in your contemporary garden design, Exeter.

 

 

ADD A WISE BOX · Once you have trenched your armoured cable.  Why not add a wise box to control your lighting system?  A wise box enables you to control your lighting remotely.  Using a handy remote control!

 

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONAL ·  CONTEMPORARY  · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Sandstone natural paving works well for both contemporary and traditional garden designs, Exeter.  And is an extremely great value, especially when compared to dull boring concrete. 

 

 

MOST STONES WILL WORK! 

If fact most stones will work well for both contemporary and traditional garden design.  Including sandstone natural stone, slate natural stone, granite natural stone paving and porcelain paving.  Some finishes are a little more contemporary.  As with the laying pattern.

 

 

STONES SIZES · EXETER LANDSCAPES · GARDEN DESIGN

a mixed pattern of stone sizes.  Will give your garden design project a more traditional feel.  Opt for a single-size stretcher bond.  Large 900 x600mm offset.  For a contemporary feel. 

 

 

 

 

Exeter Landscapes · Garden Design  · garden paving ideas

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONAL · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

small garden design ideas · Exeter Landscapes Garden Design

 

 

Slate works well in traditional-style gardens.   Slate is rich in colour and is very stain resistant.  It looks great in front of the house.  It’s got a subtle natural sheen.  And doesn’t need sealing.

 

 

PORCHES · PATHS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

Creating porches and paths.  Always make sure you lay the exterior-grade stone.  As the thinner interior stones.  Can be prone to frost. 

 

 

OLIVE  STANDARDS · OLIVE STANDARDS · SKIMMIA

 

Why not add a couple of terracotta pots?  To finish the look.  Plants with bay standards or skimmia.  Or for large pots.  Plant olive standards.  

 

 

 

 

 

CONTEMPORARY · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Granite paving is hardwearing and looks great in a contemporary garden design.  Grey large stones will always look great.  In any contemporary garden design, Exeter. 

 

 

SLATE · SMOOTH FINISH · RIVEN

Slate is available in both a natural riven finish and a smooth finish.  It looks great in a traditional garden design.  Especially in front of the house.  Add potted bay trees to complete the look.

 

 

 

NATURAL SANDSTONE SETTS · CURVES · FORMAL LINES 

 

Natural stone setts can be used to add detail to any garden design, Exeter.  And are great for edging lawns and beds. For a contemporary feel, add silver granite setts. 

 

For a more traditional garden design. opt for sandstone or slate setts.  Setts are great for creating curves in contemporary garden design.  Sandstone natural setts will also look great when creating formal straight lines.  For your traditional garden design, Exeter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

POINTING ⋅ EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

Forget hours on your knees. Or your perfect pointing washed out by that thunderstorm.  Apply a jointing compound. 

 

 

RESIN BASE POINTING · EXETER LANDSCAPES · GARDEN DESIGN

They are resin-based.  Easy to apply and available in a variety of shades.  And can be used in all weathers.  Perfect for pointing patios and paths.  They are crack and frost-resistant. 

 

WON’T SHRINK · CRACK · WEED RESISTANT

And won’t shrink over time.  They act as a natural barrier and prevent weed growth.  Remember to add enough water to wash off the natural oils from your natural stone paving.

 

 

 

PORCELAIN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

 

 

 

 

 

PORCELAIN · SMALL GARDEN LANDSCAPING IDEAS

 

Porcelain paving is the new kid on the block everyone is talking about.  It’s a man-made product.   And can be moulded into most shapes and sizes.  Porcelain is manufactured throughout Europe, India and China.

 

 

PORCELAIN SUMMARY 

 

· AVAILABLE IN A WIDE VARIETY OF SHAPES · SIZES · COLOURS · TEXTURES · FINISHES 

 

· STAIN RESISTANT · SCRATCH RESISTANT · HARDWEARING

 

· INSTALLATION · EXCAVATE · CRUSHED CONCRETE BASE · MORTAR · BRIDGE BOND · GROAT

 

 

 

 

 

ADVANTAGES · PORCELAIN PAVING 

 

• Stain Resistant · due to its porous nature.  Porcelain is extremely stain resistant.  Spill some oil on your porcelain patio.  Simple wipe off the excess oil.  And wash with a soapy solution.  

 

• Finishes & Colours · because porcelain paving is man-made.  It can be moulded and finished.  In a variety of colours and textures. 

 

• Imitating Natural Stone Products  · Or producing more high-end contemporary finishes.  Always go for something classic.  And avoid any garish patterns or edging.  They will date over time. 

 

• Hardwearing · Scratch Resistant · to put it simply.  It takes a lot of effort to scratch a porcelain tile.  They are pretty hard-wearing.  And will take a few bumps.  And objects dropped on them.  Porcelain tiles are brittle.  And like any stone can crack and chip.  If you are determined enough!

 

 

 

 

 

INSTALLING PORCELAIN PAVING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Installing porcelain paving is a little trickier than laying traditional natural stone paving.  Cutting stones can problematic.  Due to the stone’s brittle nature.   Some stones can easily shatter and break.

 

BRIDGE BONDS  · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

 

Getting the stone to adhere properly to the mortar bed, does really require a bridge bond.  And getting the joints even and applying the grouting does require some skill.  And probably not the best stone for your first patio. 

 

BASES • CUTTING STONES • BRIDGE BONDS • JOINTS • GROUTING

 

 

 

 

 

LEVELS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Creating  A Sub-base • As with any paving project.  The first task is to create the sub-base.  It needs some drainage.  flat and without bumps.  And a slight fall.  Most paving will come square off the house.  The drainage usually flows away from the house.  

 

 

CRUSHED CONCRETE • SCALPINGS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Each offers good drainage properties.  A granular sub-base is great for evenly distributing your pavings load. Prevent slumping and subsidence. 

 

CRUSHED CONCRETE • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

Crushed concrete can work well when creating a large paving area.  As is cost-effective for large areas.  Your local grab hire company will be able to supply you with a large load.

 

 

TYPE 1 • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Type 1 is usually crushed road waste.  Scalpings are quarry waste.  That can contain clay that’s removed during the drainage process. 

 

They both work well for most situations. They offer a little drainage.  If you are concerned about drainage.  Think about installing a soak-away.

 

 

HIGH DEEP SHOULD THE SUB-BASE BE? • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

It really depends on your site conditions.  If you have a good solid layer to lay your base on.  Simply go for the recommended depth. 

 

If the base is spongy or maybe up from loose soil.  Then you may need to go for a belt and braces approach.  And add a little more depth.

 

For most paving, for foot traffic (not driveways).  Aim for a depth of 75-100mm depth.  After compaction. 

 

 

HOW DEEP SHOULD I EXCAVATE DOWN? • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

You should allow at least 75mm for the sub-base of crushed concrete.  If you think the ground conditions are a little spongy.  Add a little more. 

 

The next layer to think about is the sand-cement mortar.   Don’t spot your paving.  Go for a full mortar bed.  Allow 50mm for your mortar bed.  Finally are the stones or tiles.  These will be between 20 – 25mm.

 

 

Excavation Depth  • 75mm + 50mm + 25mm = 150mm depth

 

 

COMPACTING YOUR SUBASE • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Your sub-base needs to be raked to be correct levels.  With the right falls.   Try to get it as level as possible and pretty free of dips and bumps.  The better the level.  The laying process is a whole lot easier to lay on. 

 

Next, wet the surface of the sub-base with a  hose and compact the area using a compactor plate.  Next scratch out the surface of the sub-base with a rake.  Levelling as you go along. Repeat the wetting and compaction process. Job done.

 

 

MORTAR MIXES • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Sand and cement are mixed with water to produce a cement mortar for laying your paving.  A cement mixture is a good idea.  Add the water. Then the cement and the sand.

 

 

SHARPE SAND • SOFT SAND  • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

For most cases, you will be using sharp sand.  For drainage.  There is an argument for adding some soft sand.  It gives the mortar bed a little more strength.  And helps the mortar to stick to the back of your stones.   I usually get 1 bag of soft for every three soft.

 

 

PLASTICISERS • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

A plasticiser will add air to the mix.  And help the overall laying process. Don’t overdo it.  As you can end up using gallons of the stuff. 

 

I fill up an old bin or barrel with water.  Add water and a good glug of plasticiser to create a premade mix rather than add a concentration in the mixer.  It’s a good idea to give the mixture a periodic stir once in a while.  Especially in the morning.  

 

 

BRIDGE BONDS • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

As the porcelain stone is non-porous.  You need a bond bridge.  To help your mortar stick to your porcelain paving slabs.  Such as SBR. Cutting stones can be hard work.  Make sure you have got the correct blade.   Maybe hire a wet cutting, table saw.

 

 

 

 

 

QUALITY • PORCELAIN PAVING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

The quality of tiles varies from one product to another. Obvious quality issues include colour and texture.  Inconsistencies between stones.  On the surfaces of individual stones.

 

 

COLOUR AND TEXTURE · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

Colour and texture are a matter of personal choice.  However, the stone should always have a quality feel.  Especially in the stones are to age well over time.  Quality manufacturers will always strive for classic colours and finishes.  Trust your eyes.  Not your wallet.

 

 

NATURAL VERSUS SYNTHETIC · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

Creating a product that feels ‘natural’.  Rather than a synthetic appearance.  And will highlight the skill and dedication of the manufacturer.  If it looks cheap it probably is.  And why would you go for the expense of laying it?

 

 

PROBLEMS CHEAPER STONES · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

 

Cheap Fillers • Some of the cheap manufacturers use cheaper fillers when creating the stone.  This lead to chipping, cracking or ‘holes‘ appearing on the surface of the stones. As the stone wears over time.

 

 

CRACKING • EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

 

It can also cause more stones to crack during the laying process.  When you hit the stones with a mallet.  Or during the cutting process.  This creates a false economy!

 

COLOUR & TEXTURE VARIATIONS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

Stones are created in batches. Stone from one batch is more likely to be similar in colour and texture.  Cheaper manufacturers will combine pallets from several batches.

 

If care isn’t taken this can lead to noticeable changes as you lay your patio!  Production quality and quality control are likely to be higher in more reputable established supplies.  Reducing any problems due to colour variation!

 

 

END OF LINE SALES · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN  

It’s always tempting to go for a bargain.  Many porcelain suppliers offer great deals on end-of-line products.  Clearing the old stock for the new season.  

 

Low prices are always great.  First off make sure you have enough paving stones to complete your project.  With a fair few over.  Allowing for cuts and breakages. 

 

If you run out of tiles.  It’s going to be hard to find any spares.  Keeping a few spare stones at the end of the project.  Allowing you to cope with chips and cracks over time.

 

 

ARE -END OF LINE SALES A RISKY MOVE?

Laying natural stone is a pretty straightforward process.  And because it is natural.  The colour and textures of stones don’t vary that much from year to year.  Most suppliers will stock a similar stone to your ten-year-old patio.  

 

PROBLEMS LAYING  • EXETER LANDSCAPES · GARDEN  DESIGN

Laying porcelain is a bit more specialised.  Bridge bonds are needed.  Cutting the stone without the right equipment and technique can be problematic.   Some problems can be due to the porcelain installed.   Or site conditions. 

 

Some can be due to the batch of tiles.   Many of these problems rear their ugly heads.  Towards the end of the laying process.  When the stones have been down a few days.   

 

 

REPLACING ROGUE TILES • GARDEN DESIGN EXETER LANDSCAPES 

Other problems,  such as staining from the mortar bed.  Can come to life after a number of months.  Most contractors and suppliers are going to be able to replace a few ‘rogue’ tiles.  However, if that discounted end-of-line tile. 

 

 

Is permanently out of stock.   You have a dilemma.   Replace the ‘rogue’ stones with the next best suitable will lead to noticeable colour variations.  And Textures.  The other expensive solution is replacing the entire patio.  And Skipping the mortar bed! 

 

 

CLEANING PORCELAIN PAVING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Is pretty non-porous.  Meaning is extremely stained-resistant.  Spill oil on your porcelain paving.  Wipe the oil off your porcelain paving with a cloth.   Clean with water.  Your porcelain paving will be as good as new.

 

 

 

 

DECKING ⋅ DECKS AND PATHWAYS  

 

garden layout ideas ⋅ garden landscapes design Exeter

 

 

DECKING SUMMARY

 

 · DECKING · CONTEMPORARY · TRADITIONAL ·  TROPICAL GARDEN DESIGN

 

 · HARDWOOD DECKING ·  RICH ·  LUSH IN COLOUR · HARDWEARING 

 

· SOFTWOOD DECKING · GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY · EASY TO WORK WITH

 

· COMPOSITE DECKING · VARIETY OF COLOURS · TEXTURES · FINISHES · HARDWEARING & EXTREMELY DURABLE.

 

 

 

 

 

HARDWOOD · SOFTWOOD · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Options include hardwood & softwood decking.  Decking is great for a tropical garden design.  Extend the partying into the night. Add recessed LED lighting.

 

 

SOFTWOOD DECKING · GARDEN DESIGN EXETER 

Great value for money.  Available in both smooth and ridged boards. Smooth boards give you that great boardwalk feel.  The grooved boards are great for wet and icy weather.  With their anti-slip properties!

 

 

COMPOSITE · SOFTWOOD DECKING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Composite decking is a man-made product that is relatively new.  It’s extremely durable and resistant to rot and insect attack.  Composite decking is available in a variety of colours and finishes.  Including faux timber.  Mill Board is a premier composite decking product.   That has set the standard for composite decking.

 

 

 

HARDWOOD DECKING · GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

 

CREATE A TROPICAL PARADISE 

Create a tropical paradise by adding a tropical planting scheme.  Combine tree ferns with palms and phormiums.  Softwood decking is great value for any garden design, in Exeter.  Hardwood Decking is luxurious and rich in colour.

 

 

 

 

 

GARDEN DESIGN AND PLANTING SCHEMES · EXETER LANDSCAPES 

Why not add a planting scheme to your garden design, Exeter?  Combine great plants together.  Creating great planting combinations. 

 

 

 

 

GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

GARDEN DESIGN SUMMARY 

 

· PLANTS · ADD · TEXTURE · SHAPE · FOLIAGE · COLOUR

 

· TRADITIONAL GARDEN DESIGN · FORMAL LINES · SANDSTONE & SLATE PAVING · SLEEPER BEDS ·

· TRADITIONAL PLANTING · BOX · ALLIUMS · BAY TREES

 

· CONTEMPORARY GARDEN DESIGN · CURVED LINES · INFORMAL PLANTING · GRANITE & PORCELAIN PAVING · SLATTED FENCE

· CONTEMPORARY PLANTING · GRASSES · PHORMIUMS · ALLIUMS

 

 

 

 

 

SHAPES · FOLIAGE · TEXTURE · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN EXETER

Plants with interesting shapes and textures.  Plant in groups creating Swaths of vibrant colour. Planting schemes include traditional & contemporary garden designs.  Tropical, prairie, and zen planting schemes.

 

 

 

 

TRADITIONAL GARDEN DESIGN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Add a traditional garden design to your gardening project, Exeter.  A traditional garden design works well with a period-style property.   Formal lines.  Quality traditional materials.  And formal or cottage-style planting.

 

Materials ⋅ Sandstone Paving ⋅ oak sleeper raised beds ⋅ sand sett for lawn edging.

 

Plants ⋅ Box hedging & box balls  ⋅ lavender ⋅ alliums ⋅ bay trees.

 

 

 

 

CONTEMPORARY GARDEN DESIGN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Why not add a contemporary modern garden design, Exeter?  Curves work well.  Informal planting and contemporary materials such as porcelain.

 

Materials ⋅ Granite paving ⋅ contemporary slatted fence ⋅ white rendered walls

Plants ⋅ grasses ⋅ bay trees ⋅ phormiums

 

 

 

 

TROPICAL GARDEN DESIGN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Lush planting.  Rich luxurious materials.  Bold vibrant planting with hot colours.   A tropical garden design has an informal relaxed feel.  Plants tend to have interesting foliage and strong shapes.

 

Materials ⋅ Hardwood decking ⋅  sleeper raised beds ⋅ Water features.

Plants ⋅ Palms  ⋅ fatsia ⋅ crocosmia ⋅ tree ferns

 

 

 

 

ZEN GARDEN DESIGN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Create a relaxing environment for meditation.   The emphasis is on the informal and organic.  Combine ages reclaimed materials with a relaxed informal planting style.

 

Timber structures work well in your Zen garden Design, Exeter.  So does a traditional natural stone.  Select plants with interesting foliage and texture.  Restrict your colour palette to key shades.  Sculptures and water features work well in Zen Garden design, Exeter.

 

Materials ⋅ Sleeper raised beds ⋅ Decking  ⋅  Boulders & decorative gravel.

Plants ⋅ Bamboo ⋅  Shield ferns ⋅  phormiums ⋅ agapanthus

 

 

PRAIRIE GARDEN DESIGN · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Informal rich planting.  Combine grasses such as miscanthus, carex, and stipa.  Plant in groups.  Select plants with various heights and textures.  Add pastel shades.  Crocosmia, kniphofia, Echinops,  echinacea, and rudbeckia.

 

Materials ⋅ sandstone pathways ⋅  decking

Plants ⋅ miscanthus grass ⋅ echinacea ⋅ rudbeckia ⋅ hebes

 

 

SLEEPERS ⋅ RAISED BEDS IDEAS ⋅ RENDERED WALLS

 

Rendered wall-slatted fence ⋅ landscapes Exeter garden design

 

 

SOFTWOOD · HARDWOOD SLEEPERS  · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Sleeper is great for adding interest to your garden design, Exeter.  Working well in both traditional and contemporary garden design settings.

 

 

RAISED BEDS · RETAINING WALLS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN 

Sleeper options include softwood or new oak sleepers.  Great for creating raised beds – decorative planting or vegetables. 

 

Great for retaining walls – can be used horizontally or vertically.  Can be used to edge shingle pathways.  And create steps and walkways.  Hardwood is more robust and longer-lasting.  Fix together with timber lock screws.  Countersunk and hidden with dowels.

 

 

SOFTEN WITH PLANTING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

For a traditional garden design.  Add a traditional planting scheme.  Box hedging & hebes for shape and structure.  Add verbena and alliums for colour.

 

For a more contemporary garden design.  Add box balls, alliums, and agapanthus.

 

 

 

CONTEMPORARY SLATTED FENCING  

Why not add a slatted fence to your garden design,  Exeter?  Looks great in any type of garden design. 

 

 

SLATTED FENCE SUMMARY

 

· Slatted Fencing · Hardwood · Softwood Options

 

· Bespoke to Fit Any Garden.

 

· Great For Both Traditional · Contemporary Garden Design.

 

· Leave Natural · Stain · Paint · Oil

 

 

Both traditional and contemporary garden design,  Add a hardwood slatted fence for a luxurious feel.  Or planned softwood.  Soften with contemporary planting.  Phormiums, verbena, Alliums  and stipa grasses.

 

 

BESPOKE SLATTED FENCES · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

All slatted fences are bespoke.  And can be designed to fit any size garden. Slatted fences look great with decking and paving.  Or as a backdrop to a tropical planting scheme.

 

Add agapanthus and crocosmia for colour.  Add phormiums and grasses for structure.

 

 

SLATTED FENCES · WATER FEATURES · HOT TUBS · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

Slatted fences look great as a backdrop to a hot tub or a water feature.  Slatts can be left natural, oil, or painted in contemporary colours.  Sadolin has some great stains for timber.  all coat is great for a solid colour. 

 

No primer or undercoat is required.  Apply with a brush or roller.   Leave it natural and add oil.  Osmo timber oil.  Great UV protection.  Enhances the grain and protects timber from splitting and cracking.

 

 

 

TURFING  ⋅ UPDATE YOUR GARDEN

 

Garden Design ⋅ Garden Landscape Ideas ⋅ Exeter Landscapes Garden Design

 

 

GARDEN TURF · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

· Re-turfing your lawn will smarten up any garden design, Exeter.   

 

· Get your levels right.  It’s very important. 

 

· And so is adding good quality topsoil.  Giving the lawn a good start.

 

·Lawns can be edged with metal ever edge, timber edging, or natural stone setts.

 

 

 

ARTIFICIAL GRASS · LOW MAINTENANCE · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

· Tire of mowing the lawn.  Why not add an artificial lawn? 

 

·  Artificial lawns look great all year round. 

 

· Avoid that winter mud. 

 

· Add a free-draining artificial lawn. 

 

· Great for children and pets.   A good base of crushed concrete is important.  Preventing the lawn from sinking over time. 

 

·  A smooth level can be achieved by adding a layer of fine grano dust.   A thick weed membrane is added.  And the artificial grass is attached to the edging.

 

ARTIFICIAL GRASS ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

 

WHY ARTIFICIAL GRASS ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

Artificial grass is an extremely realistic product.  That Looks great 365 days a year.  It is child-friendly and pet friendly.

 

 

LOW MAINTENANCE ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

It’s a low-maintenance product.  It does not need feeding.  Like conventical grass.   It doesn’t need mowing.   It won’t if properly installed. It won’t develop weeds.  And won’t need watering in those long hot summer months.

 

 

 

WHERE TO INSTALL ARTIFICIAL GRASS ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

 

SLOPING GARDENS ∙ ARTIFICIAL GRASS

It’s great for sloping gardens.  Where drainage may be an issue.  Leading to dry grass at the top of the slope.  And water logging at the bottom of the slope.  Steep slopes can be hazardous to cut with a lawn mower.

 

 

MOSSY GARDENS ∙ ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Water logger Gardens ∙ Dry Gardens ∙ Drainage can be problematic for a lawn.  Too much water can cause waterlogging.  Mossy can become a problem. 

 

Or the lawn may simply be unusable for those wet winter months.  Clays are usually the problem.  It causes a wet lawn in the winter.  Due to being poorly drained. 

 

It dries out in summer.  Causing a rock hard.  Dry lawn.  Fixing the problem is expensive and sometimes ineffective.  Installing an artificial lawn may be the answer.

 

 

 

INGREDIENTS FOR A GREAT ARTIFICIAL LAWN

 

SUBBASE ∙ A thick sub-base of crushed concrete or MOT is essential.  It will stop the artificial grass from sinking.  And will create a great drainage medium.

 

 

 

GRANO DUST ∙ Fine dust add to the top layer of the crushed concrete.  It enables you to get a smooth level finish to your sub-base.

 

WEED MEMBRANE ∙ Says what it does on the tin.  And will let water through!

 

EDGING ∙ Adds definition to your artificial grass.  And enables you to stick down the edges of artificial grass.  Options include stone setts, concrete and ever edge.

 

 

 

LAWN EDGING · EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

 

STONE · EVER EDGE ·  EXETER LANDSCAPES GARDEN DESIGN

 

· Add definition to your lawn and beds.   By adding natural stone edging to your garden design, Exeter. 

 

· Options include sandstone setts or planks. Or silver granite setts.   Go contemporary and add metal Ever edge edging.

 

· Add straight lines for a traditional formal garden design.  Or add organic curves for a contemporary garden feel.

 

HEDGES · EXETER LANDSCAPES ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN  

 

Plants add the finishing touches to any garden design.  Planting is a great way to soften your hard landscaping.  And will compliment your garden design Features.

 

 

HEDGES SUMMARY

 

· Hedges · Privacy · Soften Landscaping · Mask Areas.

 

· Deciduous · Loose Leaves · Hawthorn Beech

 

· Evergreen · Keep leaves · Yew Laurel

 

· Potgrown ·  more expensive ·  available all year round.

 

· Whips ·  Cheaper ·  May to November

 

· Rootball ·  Grown in fields ·  mesh around root ·  cheaper than pot-grown.

 

 

 

PRIVACY ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Planting is a great way of adding privacy to your garden design. It can also be used to hide or mask old or unsightly areas.  Old fencing or outbuilding.  Or block the view of neighbours.  Options include climbers, hedges or large shrubs.

 

 

FAST GROWING ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Hedging is a great way of adding privacy and security to your property.  Fast-growing hedges create instant privacy.  But will require more maintenance. 

 

 

 

DECIDUOUS HEDGES

Deciduous varieties lose those leave in winter.  And include many English native species.  Hawk thorn and beech.   Deciduous varieties can recover after hare pruning or draught.

 

 

EVERGREEN HEDGES

Every green hedge retains its leaves all year round.  Giving all-year interest and foliage.  Yew, Laurel and photinia are popular evergreen hedges. 

 

Yew can suffer if pruned hard.  Or if allow being scorched in hot summers.  This can create holes in your evergreen hedge. Which may be permanent!

 

 

 

 TYPES OF HEDGING ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN  

 

 

POT GROWN ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Pot-grown plants are one of the most common types of hedging available.  As the name says they are pot-grown. These plants have a well-established root system.  That can be planted at any time of year.  Pot-grown plants tend to be quite expensive to buy.

 

 

WHIPS ∙ BARE ROOT HEDGING ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Whips of bare roots.  Are plants with bare roots.  They are the most cost-effective way to plant a hedge.  Allow for 10% of plants to not survive.  Available from November to May.

 

 

  

ROOT BALL ∙ HEDGING ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Slightly cheaper plants are cultivated in fields. Roots are bound in a mesh.  They are lifted, retaining some of the soil around the mesh before planting.

 

 

The plants are left to develop for several years.  To develop a strong foliage and branch system.  There are lifted when the plants are dormant.  From April to November.  And are the most cost-effective options.

 

 

 

MORE HEDGING ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN  

 

Yew ·  Evergreen ·  King of Hedges.

 

· Laurel ·  Fast growing ·  Evergreen.

 

·Photina ·  vibrant ·  evergreen ·  hardy fast growing.

 

· Hawthorn ·  Native ·  Spikes to deter intruders.

 

 

YEW HEDGING ∙ THE KING OF HEDGING

Popular in traditional and contemporary garden design.  Yew is a slow-growing green hedge.  Popular in topiary in stately homes. 

 

It can be expensive to buy mature plants.  Options include pot is grown, the most expensive.  Or bare-root plants.    Yew hedging is easy to look after and prune.

 

 

LAUREL HEDGING

Fast growing.  Dense and evergreen.  Laurel hedging is a favourite of many gardeners.  It can be shaped and pruned easily.  And will create a thick-dense hedge in no time. 

 

It creates think branches and can be considered by many a little invasive.  And high maintenance in terms of hedge cutting and pruning.  Pot-grown plants are usually planted!

 

 

PRIVET ∙ A STAPLE OF THE 50’S HEDGING

Has somewhat gone out of fashion.   Can be suspensible to honeydew fungus.  Causing the hedge to slowly die over time.  It is evergreen.  But is a little lacklustre.

 

 

PHOTINIA ∙ A FIRM FAVOURITE

Fast-growing and evergreen.  New growth has a red vibrant colour.  It covers an area fast.  But it’s not as invasive as other hedges. 

 

Its branches are thinner and easier to cut than laurel hedging.  A great hedge. That’s great value for money!

 

 

HAWTHORN ∙ A NATIVE HEDGE

It’s worth mentioning in terms of privacy and protection.  It does contain thorns.  The thorns may be an annoyance. When trimming the hedge.  But are great for deterring intruders.

 

 

 

PLANTING A HEDGE ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN  

 

 

DIG A TRENCH ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Start with digging a trench for your hedging.  When planting. 

 

You need enough depth for a thin layer of compost. Plus your plants the root ball.  Don’t bury the plant too deep.  As this can course the plant to rot. 

 

 

STACKING YOUR SOIL ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

 

It’s a good idea to have some boards to stack your soil on.  As you excavate the trench.  Especially in turfed areas. 

 

Don’t underestimate the amount of effort required to trench your hedging.  In the long run, you might want to hire a mini digger.

 

 

FEEDING YOUR HEDGE ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

 

Add compost around your plants.  Especially if the soil is of poor quality.  Is a good idea to add some hedging feed.  At this stage or some fish, blood and bone mix.

 

 

WATERING YOUR HEDGE ∙ EXETER LANDSCAPES ∙ GARDEN DESIGNS

Always water your hedge well.  Especially during those long hot summer months.   Every green hedge, such a yew.  Needs a lot of water. 

 

 

To prevent the plants from scorching.  It’s a good idea to fill a large dustbin full of water.  And dunk the plants to saturate the root ball before planting.

 

 

It’s also possible to install a leaky hose to irrigate your new hedging.  Or a tree relief watering ring.  That will direct water to the roots.

 

 

 

Traditional Garden Design ⋅ Exeter landscapes garden design

 

The quality of the workmanship and the finish of every detail were first-class. They were always polite, courteous and a pleasure to deal with. We can’t recommend them highly enough.  I am always amazed by the dramatic difference Mark & Chris achieved in our garden.  Within a very compact amount of time.  They are truly hard-working, efficient, and effective.”

MARION COOKE ⋅ TRADITIONAL ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN

 

Softwood Decking ⋅ Garden design ⋅ Exeter  

 

I would recommend these guys very highly indeed.  Friendly, reliable, and good value for the full service of design and construction.  They have some creative and interesting ideas which I have seen work in large gardens.  They made the very most of our own smaller space.

 MARK WALKER ⋅ TRADITIONAL ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN

 

Softwood Decking ⋅ Garden design ⋅ Exeter 

 

We are incredibly pleased with our landscaping.  Mark understood our requirements from the start and their enthusiasm and attention to detail were reflected in the result.

HANNAH MERCER ⋅ CONTEMPORARY ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN

 

Rendered wall ⋅ Box hedging & Alliums  ⋅ Exeter landscapes

 

The team transformed our overgrown bramble patch.  Into a contemporary-designed, low-maintenance, family garden.  They battled the elements during the summer.  Which went from a hosepipe ban to torrential rain in a matter of weeks.   Our garden was still completed early.   A week before our son’s 1st birthday party was to be held in it.  As we hoped.  We are incredibly happy with all the work.  They have created a space in which we enjoy entertaining and relaxing. 

JULIE MCCONNELL ⋅ TRADITIONAL ⋅ GARDEN DESIGN

 

 

 

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