Structural Design

The structure of the garden comprises the paving, paths, pergolas, and also hedges. These provide the routes to walk around the garden, the access points from the house and the sitting and dining areas. The aim of structural design is to integrate these components into a scheme for the complete garden. The structure can be used to enhance a front entrance by selection of paving, create atmosphere by selection of trellis work, encourage people to rest by provision of seating and views. And, of course, you must not forget the less romantic aspects of the garden - the washing line and dustbins and whether you have provided good access to bring the shopping in from the car. The hard structure provides the 'bones' of the garden and needs to be right before any consideration is given to planting.

Time spent at the drawing board considering all the various options is never wasted. Once the shapes of driveways and terraces, lawns and paths are established the detailing can be considered. There are wide choices of paving materials, trellis designs, gravels, water features and walls.

The key is to ensure you are happy with the structural plan before work commences on site and that all factors have been carefully considered.