Design Solutions for Tricky-Shaped Landscapes
No two gardens are alike, which means not everyone has access to a perfectly rectangular or large outdoor space. Many people have to deal with tricky-shaped landscapes, such as uneven terrains and angular layouts, which can make garden design tricky.
A lot of the inspiration you may have looked at for garden design is simply not suitable for your tricky-shaped landscape, as it requires a lot of space and symmetrical environments. However, this does not mean you have to suffer from poor garden design, as there are some great ways to make the most out of your tricky-shaped environment.
As an experienced garden design company, Urban Landscapes has worked with all kinds of outdoor spaces over the years and understands clearly that every landscape is unique. We appreciate that the organic shape, size and condition of your landscape play a huge role in the kind of garden design you can have and work with these requirements to create functional and beautiful landscapes.
In this post, we are using our experience and skills as a garden design company to provide tips and solutions for those dealing with tricky-shaped landscapes. No matter the issue you may be dealing with, you can have an attractive outdoor space through careful planning and design.
Common Tricky Shaped Landscapes And Their Issues
Over the years, we have worked with a wide range of landscapes, meaning we have a great understanding of how different each outdoor space can be. We have experienced all kinds of tricky-shaped landscapes and have noticed a pattern across the region.
While no two landscapes are the same, there are some common issues homeowners face when it comes to their garden renovations.
Understanding these can make it easier to plan your upcoming project, as you are already aware of what issues you may face when excavating the existing surfaces, installing new features, or planting flower beds.
Sloped Or Tiered Gardens
Gardens with uneven terrain are very common across the region, but they can pose a lot of issues for homeowners dealing with them. With the steep slopes and varying angles, soil erosion is a huge concern in these kinds of tricky-shaped landscapes.
Following rain and wet conditions, the poor water runoff in these tricky-shaped landscapes can wash away soil, damage plants, and destabilise the ground, so it is more difficult to plant in future. The uneven terrains can also cause accessibility issues and make it tricky to have designated areas for dining or relaxing.
Long And Narrow Gardens
Gardens that are both long and narrow often struggle with having a tunnel-like feeling due to the fact that the layout is constricted. Their shape and size can draw the eyes directly to the base of the garden, making the sides seem narrower. This is only exacerbated by adding adornments and heavy plants as borders.
In many cases, these gardens also struggle with a lack of privacy because they are typically overlooked from many angles. This can cause homeowners to avoid spending time outdoors and feel as though they cannot relax or entertain guests in peace.
With these tricky-shaped landscapes, not only do you feel overlooked and exposed, but you also feel limited in design options due to the narrow shape of the garden.
L-Shaped Or Split Level Gardens
These tricky-shaped landscapes suffer from neglect in both design and maintenance because they have forgotten corners. When your garden is not a straight, clear shape, it can be difficult to maintain all corners to the same standards.
The height and terrain variations in these kinds of tricky-shaped landscapes can also cause issues, as the unique angles may not be suitable for all kinds of plants. When dealing with L-shaped or split-level gardens, usually what works for one area will not apply to another, and therefore design can take longer to construct.
Without understanding the sun exposure patterns and varying soil conditions in these tricky-shaped landscapes, you can struggle to design a cohesive space and maintain a uniform health and vibrancy.
Small Gardens Or Courtyards
Finally, a lot of people across the region struggle with small spaces, which can leave their garden design uninspiring. Just because you are limited on space does not mean you have to be limited in design possibilities, but it does require some specific research and understanding first.
Small, enclosed gardens can struggle to support a range of plant types because of their high temperatures and poor airflow. This is a particular concern for terrace homes and gardens that are surrounded by other landscapes and buildings.
The lack of ground space is also a major concern for these kinds of gardens, as any decoration is at risk of cluttering the space and making it look overwhelming.
How To Make The Most Out Of Your Space: Tips For Tricky-Shaped Landscapes
Once you have taken the time to understand your unique landscape and its challenges, it is time to consider what changes can be made. Knowing what shape and condition your garden currently is can go a long way in planning the design, as it makes it easier for you to decide what areas to prioritise and what specific features align best.
Whether you are dealing with uneven terrains, a small garden size, or being exposed to neighbours, there are various ways you can work with the organic shape of your landscape to create something beautiful:
1) Divide The Space
One of the best tips for all kinds of tricky-shaped landscapes is to divide the space using zoning. While this may be more complicated for L-shaped or small outdoor spaces, zoning can help you create a cohesive and functional garden design that is suitable for all occasions.
Zoning is done by using a combination of surfacing, including hardscaping and turfing, to create unique areas within the garden. For example, a paved patio area is beautifully contrasted by the fresh turf. This can be bordered by flower beds for gardening enthusiasts or adorned with potted plants for colour and texture.
Creating separate zones makes your garden functional, as there are specific areas for outdoor entertaining, playing with the kids, or simply relaxing under the sun. The separate materials and surfaces also allow for cohesive design to avoid the space looking cluttered or overwhelming.
2) Curves For Flow
When installing a garden pathway, or even patios, decking, or flower beds, you may be tempted to follow the crowd and stick to traditional geometric shapes. While this can work well in some landscapes, such as long and narrow gardens, it is not suitable for all tricky-shaped landscapes.
Instead of fighting the organic shape and layout of your garden, work with it by choosing curved pathways and features. These can enhance the sense of flow in the garden and ensure that you are covering all angles. A curved walkway or garden path made using natural stepping stones can be incredibly useful in small gardens, as well as those with uneven angles, such as L-shaped landscapes.
You can include all corners of the landscape in a cohesive design by opting to use curves instead of traditional harsh lines.
3) Draw The Eyes Upwards
Whether you have a small or large garden, using vertical features is a great way to draw the eyes upwards and create the illusion of more space. This is particularly beneficial for small courtyard gardens, but can also add interest and visual appeal to other forms of tricky-shaped landscapes too.
Using vertical planting, such as climbing plants, tall shrubs, or even installing turf vertically, draws the eyes upwards and creates the illusion of more space on the ground. You can use existing structures, such as fences, pergolas or the side of the home as the base for your vertical planting, which is ideal for those with limited space or budgets.
Drawing the eyes upwards is a great way to encourage people to take in the beauty around them and create a sense of openness, which makes your landscape more appealing and comfortable.
Vertical features can also be installed and designed specifically for your garden, such as trellises and arches. Whether you choose to adorn these with climbing plants and flowers or simply have a unique focal point in the garden, they all operate to create a sense of height.
4) Focal Points For Specific Attention
Similarly, using specific features is a great way to draw attention to certain areas of the garden. Whether you want to highlight a specific planting bed or want to hide the awkward corner, focal points can be a great way to distract and direct.
There are all kinds of garden sculptures and features you can incorporate to align with your specific garden design. Water features, bespoke sculptures, lights, and even plants can be used to create unique areas of interest and draw the eyes to specific locations in your tricky-shaped landscape.
Seating can also be a great way to transform an awkward angle of the garden into a functional and attractive space, especially when using decorative outdoor furniture. Built-in benches or archway seats can be a beautiful addition to your garden, creating an area for you to relax and unwind in the most unlikely spaces.
5) Lighting For Shapes And Shade
Garden lighting is not just a functional tool, but decorative too and can be an excellent way to make the most out of tricky-shaped landscapes. Highlighting specific areas, such as planting beds or garden structures, with uplights and spotlights keeps the attention where you want it, no matter the time of day.
Strategically placed solar lights and LEDS can also create shadow patterns with plants and grasses to create a unique display in the evening. Like focal points and planting, lighting can be a great way to highlight your favourite areas or hide the more unsavoury corners when they are carefully installed.
Trust The Professionals To Handle Your Tricky-Shaped Landscapes
Garden renovations are large projects that require multiple stages of work to be completed. This can be made even more complex when dealing with tricky-shaped landscapes, which is why it is recommended to work with professionals like Urban Landscapes.
Our team of experienced and professional garden designers can work with all requirements. We have the skills and expertise necessary to make the most out of all garden shapes and offer a range of solutions to bring your vision to life.
By partnering with tip suppliers, all of our landscapes are designed to last, and we can offer ongoing support in terms of garden maintenance and care. Trust your tricky-shaped landscape to the professionals to experience a higher standard of care than you ever thought possible.
Conclusion
Tricky-shaped landscapes can make garden design more complicated, but this does not mean it is impossible. By working with the organic layout of your garden and carefully considering the placement of features, you can create a stunning landscape in the most unlikely places.
Professional help is available from the Urban Landscapes team to make your renovation as hassle-free as possible.
Contact Us Today
To get started on your garden renovation or to learn more about our services, please contact the team today.
