Home Gardener's Small Gardens (UK Only) E-Book

David Squire

• Herausgeber: IMM Lifestyle Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Specialist Guide
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2017

Seitenzahl: 215

Beschreibung

Home Gardener's Small Gardens is the essential guide to improving a small garden and turning the most modest-sized space into a stunning outdoor area. It offers lushly illustrated strategies for making the most of a confined space—whether backyard, terrace or courtyard. Get started with an informative discussion of small garden types, appropriate plants, problems and opportunities, design, and planning. The excitement truly begins with a look at the wide variety of stylistic options. The gardens range from Mediterranean to wildflower, secluded to low-maintenance, container to balcony. And a plant directory covers it all: summer-flowering annuals, herbaceous perennials, shrubs, small trees, climbers, water plants, bamboos, culinary herbs, fruits, vegetables, and even more. For a finishing touch, there's practical information on garden construction, with step-by-step instructions for making paths, patios and other garden structures.

Leseprobe

Contents

Author’s foreword

GETTING STARTED

Small but refined

Types of small garden

Range of plants for small gardens

Choice of infrastructure

Problems and opportunities

Design and planning

Getting equipped

Lighting in a garden

Choosing and buying plants

Looking after plants

Flower gardens

CHOOSING THE STYLE

Informal gardens

Formal gardens

Mediterranean influences

Japanese influences

Container gardening

Wild gardens

Balcony and roof gardening

Creating a secluded garden

Low-maintenance gardens

Food-producing gardens

PLANTS FOR SMALL GARDENS

Summer-flowering annuals

Spring-flowering bedding plants

Herbaceous perennials

Shrubs and small trees

Wall shrubs

Climbers

Rock-garden plants

Water and marginal plants

Bamboos

Ornamental grasses

Plants for containers

Small conifers

Culinary herbs

Fruit: soft and top

Vegetables

GARDEN CONSTRUCTION

Choosing a path

Path construction

Making a patio

Choosing a fence

Choosing a wall

Garden steps

Decking

Terraces and verandahs

Patios and courtyards

Pergolas and trellises

Arches/arbours

Porches and entrances

Edgings for borders and paths

Sheds and summerhouses

Greenhouses and cloches

Glossary

Index

Copyright © 2007, 2016 text AG&G

Books Copyright © 2007, 2016 illustrations and photographs IMM Lifestyle Books

Copyright © 2007, 2016 IMM Lifestyle Books

This book may not be reproduced, either in part or in its entirety, in any form, by any means, without written permission from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts for purposes of radio, television, or published review. All rights, including the right of translation, are reserved. Note: Be sure to familiarize yourself with manufacturer’s instructions for tools, equipment, and materials before beginning a project. Although all possible measures have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the material presented, neither the author nor the publisher is liable in case of misinterpretation of directions, misapplication, or typographical error.

Creative Homeowner® is a registered trademark of New Design Originals Corporation.

Designed and created for IMM Lifestyle Books by AG&G Books. Copyright © 2004 “Specialist” AG&G Books

Design: Glyn Bridgewater; Illustrations: Dawn Brend, Gill Bridgewater, Coral Mula and Ann Winterbotham; Editor: Alison Copland; Photographs: see page 80; Allotment expert: John Heming.

Current Printing (last digit)

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Printed in Singapore

XXXXX is published by Creative Homeowner under license with IMM Lifestyle Books.

eISBN: 978-1-60765-214-4

Creative Homeowner®, www.creativehomeowner.com, is distributed exclusively in the United Kingdom by Grantham Book Service, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ.

Author’s foreword

Whatever a garden’s size, many home gardeners repeatedly yearn for a larger area where, perhaps, a wider range of plants can be grown. Yet it can be just as satisfying to accept a small garden and to cultivate it intensively and in an inspirational way.

By their nature, small gardens sometimes have the bonus of creating unforeseen gardening possibilities; whereas in a large area gardening is mainly at ground level, in small spaces vertical as well as overhead gardening become considerations. Wall shrubs are ideal for clothing walls, while climbers are superb for walls, arches and romantic arbours.

Attractive paths help to unify even the smallest garden, and if the area is exceptionally small a patio or courtyard for growing plants in containers can be an answer to creating colour throughout the year. Indeed, container gardening with hanging-baskets, windowboxes, wall-baskets, tubs and pots is an inspirational yet practical and popular way to garden.

Many shrubs and small trees have small-garden qualities, including being diminutive or growing only slowly. Additionally, they need varied seasonal interests, whether from flowers, leaves, berries or their bark. Being easy to establish and not having an invasive nature are two other useful qualities. Plants with these attributes are described and recommended in this all-colour, detailed and abundantly illustrated book.

With this book by your side, no small garden need be left bare and neglected. There are exciting and colourful possibilities within every garden, whatever its size or shape.

Plant names

Currently recommended botanical names for plants are given throughout this book. Additionally, where earlier and perhaps better known botanical names are still used, these too are included so that you will instantly know the plants being discussed.

Measurements

Both metric and imperial measurements are given throughout this book – for example, 1.8 m (6 ft).

SEASONS

Throughout this book, advice is given about seasonal tasks. Because of global and even regional variations in climate and temperature, the four main seasons have been used, with each subdivided into ‘early’, ‘mid-’ and ‘late’ – for example, early spring, mid-spring and late spring. These 12 divisions of the year can be applied to the appropriate calendar months in your local area, if you find this helps.

About the Authors

David Squire has a lifetime’s experience with plants, both cultivated and native types. Throughout his gardening and journalistic careers, David has written more than 80 books on plants and gardening, including 14 books in this Specialist Guide series. He also has a wide interest in the uses of native plants, whether for eating and survival, or for their historical roles in medicine, folklore and customs.

Small but refined

Small gardens, when compared with a similarly sized area within a large garden, encourage and need greater gardening involvement, especially when creating a well-admired display throughout the year. Parts of a large garden often escape rigorous and detailed assessment from visitors and there is always the explanation of it being too large. Within a small garden, you must be prepared for continuous and detailed involvement.

Will it need less attention?

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

Constructing a lightly shaded patio, perhaps alongside raised beds and with a small pond generating summer interest, is idyllic – and just one opportunity in a small garden. Additionally, there are plants in containers, many colourful and fragrant and acting as reminders of warmer climates. Therefore, be prepared to spend more money than for an equivalent area in a larger garden. Small is beautiful, but sometimes more expensive.

WHAT’S POSSIBLE?

Clearly, garden features that demand unrestricted space are not possible in a small or even moderately sized garden, but many others can be considered. Some of these have a novel nature that would be too expensive to attempt on a large scale, but in a restricted area are just right. These include Japanese and Mediterranean gardens, as well as draughtboard (checkerboard) and cartwheel herb gardens. There are many other features to consider – see pages 4–5.

Spring-flowering bulbs, such as bright-faced Daffodils in a variety of containers, are also welcome.

Beds and borders alongside houses can be drenched in colour throughout summer. Use a range of plants, from summer-flowering bedding plants to herbaceous perennials.

LAWN OR PATIO?

In many gardens, both a lawn and a patio are practical features. A lawn unites a garden and creates an attractive foil for borders and beds, whereas a patio is much needed as a year-round, all-weather surface, as well as for summer relaxation. Therefore, in a small garden it is a lawn that is least necessary. This also saves on the storage of lawn tools and mowers – and, perhaps, fuel.

CREATING SPACE

Even in a small garden it is possible to create an impression of space. Aim to have an open area in the centre of the garden, surrounded by plants or features that do not obstruct views to the full extent of the garden. Ponds encourage a perception of space, with the benefit of reflected light creating an impression of an even larger area.

CREATING SURPRISE

There is a delicate balance in a small garden between creating space and ensuring surprise. Both are essential and the surprise element is best near to the edges of the garden, where perhaps a small leaf-clad arch or screen can be combined with perimeter fencing or a wall. A free-standing trellis, dressed with leafy or flowering climbers, is another way to create surprise.

CREATING PRIVACY

Quiet areas are essential in gardens and privacy has healing and supportive properties. Contemplative areas encourage relaxation; leafy vertical and overhead screens ensure seclusion, especially in summer and when clothed with leaves. Humulus lupulus ‘Aureus’ (Yellow-leaved Hop) is ideal for summer privacy; for all-year screening large-leaved variegated Ivies are better.

Need a shed?

In a large garden, a shed is essential as a place for keeping tools, pots and composts, as well as other equipment. In a small garden, consider a combined summerhouse and shed, or even just rely on a garage, if you have one. See page 76.

Types of small garden

Opportunities for creating an exciting but small garden are wide, and apart from vast vistas there are styles and designs to suit most tastes, but on a reduced scale. On these pages there is a pictorial display of a range of diminutive gardens, with descriptions and ideas for many others. Few small gardens are totally devoted to one of these styles, but nevertheless they provide an insight into ways to make a small garden beautiful, functional and exciting.

Does small mean restricted opportunities?

SMALL-GARDEN STYLES

Informal

These have a casual feel that encourages a relaxed and informal ambience. There is nothing symmetrical about them. Instead, beds are irregularly shaped, with curved patios and informal paths. Shrubs and trees have relaxed habits, with other plants creating further informality. Avoid the creation of straight lines.

Mediterranean

With the onset of warmer summers, many gardeners nostalgically like to recall the endless blue skies, warm breezes and little rain of Mediterranean holidays. Choose a combination of plants in pots, window-boxes and hanging-baskets, with shrubs that have silver-coloured or aromatic leaves. Silver leaves reflect hot sunshine, while aromatic leaves create a barrier of oils above their surfaces (see page 24).

English-style flower borders

This type of flower border has a relaxed, informal and floriferous nature throughout summer. The borders are packed mostly with herbaceous plants that die down in autumn and send up fresh shoots in spring (see pages 18–19).

Formal

Gardens with a formal nature have straight or clinically curved lines, produced by plants as well as paths and patio edges. Regimentation is often produced by seasonal plants, such as bulbs and biennials in spring displays and half-hardy bedding plants throughout summer. Such gardening enables colour schemes to be changed from one year to another (see pages 34–35).

Japanese

Japanese gardens exude peace, serenity and contemplation. They have a simple yet planned nature, with involvement from gravel, water, small trees, bamboos and plants in containers. Diminutive fountains and ponds are sometimes possible in small gardens, but if this is difficult the illusion of flowing water can be created by coloured shale (see page 25).

WATER GARDENING

The shape and extent of a garden pond can be matched to a garden’s size as well as its style. If space is a problem, consider a miniature pond in a tub or a pebble feature with water gently splashing onto pebbles.

This design is ideal for homes with young, inquisitive children who could easily fall into a large pond.

You can use fountains – as well as water spouting out of a wall-secured feature such as a lion’s head – to create height. However, try to ensure that water does not splash onto any Waterlily flowers.

FRONT GARDENS

Even the narrowest and smallest front garden can be made attractive. If a small, grassed area is not possible, paving with cobbles in an attractive pattern creates a base for plants in containers (see pages 26–27 for ideas).

If flower beds are possible, create height by planting a standard rose; even better, if space allows, use a weeping rose that will harmonize with ornate, older-style properties.

Where standing areas for cars have meant the demolition of front gardens, consider gravel or paving slabs. Flexible pavers on a thick base can also be used.

Plants in containers revitalize front gardens

CONTAINER GARDENING

Windowboxes drench windows in radiant colour

Hanging-baskets create colour at eye height

Strawberries in pots always attract attention

Few facets of gardening are as popular and versatile as growing plants in containers and positioning them in an attractive way on patios and in other places around a house. Some displays are seasonal, while shrubs, trees and bamboos in tubs become permanent features (see pages 26–27).

BALCONIES AND ROOF GARDENS

Balconies are more popular than roof gardens, which for practical purposes demand strong, waterproof flooring (permission may be needed for its use). Many flats, however, have balconies that are ideal for plants in containers. Ensure that plants cannot fall from the balcony, or be dislodged by violent storms. Positioning troughs on the balcony’s base and allowing stems to trail through the balustrade creates colour which can be admired from below.

Balconies are easily clothed in colour

Roof gardens are superb during summer

LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDENS

Whatever a garden’s size, short-cut and time-saving gardening is essential for families with busy lifestyles. A garden’s design and the use of mechanical equipment can ease time pressures. For example, installing lawn edgings that suit equipment used to trim long grass saves many hours of work throughout a year. Within this book there are ideas about easy gardening maintenance.

SECLUDED AND PRIVATE GARDENS

Increasingly, gardens are outdoor living areas, and to enable them to function in this way seclusion and privacy are essential. Privacy up to head height is easily created by screens, fences and walls, but where neighbours are able to peer from overhead, the creation of seclusion is more difficult. Proprietary awnings attached to a house are useful, while leafy pergolas are another solution. Constructing an arbour a little way into a garden is another possibility.

FOOD-PRODUCING GARDENS

Growing vegetables and fruits in containers never fails to attract attention in small gardens. Apple trees are possible in tubs and large pots, strawberries in barrels and hanging-baskets, and potatoes, lettuces and tomatoes in growing-bags. In small areas – perhaps against fences and walls – cordon, espalier and fan-trained fruit trees are space-savers.

WILDLIFE GARDENS

Wildlife gardens do not have to be large to attract butterflies and other insects, as well as birds and small mammals.

Healing gardens

Plants have a significant influence on our lives, and not just through their well-publicized medicinal qualities. The colours of flowers influence lives. For example, massed red is claimed to raise blood pressure and increase pulse rates, while blue has a soothing effect. Fragrance, sound, shape and texture also influence our lives.

Range of plants for small gardens

Many plants are suitable for small gardens. They range from bulbs and diminutive rock garden plants to herbaceous perennials, summer-flowering bedding plants and miniature and slow-growing dwarf conifers. Additionally, there are superbly attractive small shrubs and trees for space-restricted areas, but they need to be selected with greater care than those plants that are naturally short-lived and can be easily replaced within a few years.

What types of plants are best?

An eye-catching combination of handsome foliage and flowers.

How long do plants live?

Some plants are ephemeral and are replaced during the following year, while others are woody and live for many years.

Annuals: short-lived – raised from seeds; they produce flowers and die during the same year.

Biennials: two seasons – raised from seeds one year and flower and die during the following year.

Herbaceous perennials: 3–4 years before division is needed – plants die down to ground level each autumn and reappear during the following spring.

Shrubs: 10 or more years – woody, perennial plants with stems growing from soil level and without a trunk.

Trees: 20 or more years – woody, with a single stem (trunk) joining the branches to the roots.

Climbers: annual (see above), herbaceous (see above) or woody and perennial, and living for 10 or more years.

Conifers: 15 or more years – either tree or shrub-like, with an evergreen or deciduous nature.

Bamboos: 15 or more years – thicket-forming, with stiff, upright, hollow stems.

Rock garden plants: 3 or more years – range of types, from alpines to small border perennials.

Bulbs: short-lived – but produce further bulbs around them that develop into flowering-size bulbs.

Plants to seek

With such a wide range of plants available, it can be difficult to make a successful selection. Here are a few tips for a small garden.

• Rapid establishment is essential to ensure that the garden is soon cloaked in colourful and attractively shaped plants. Quick establishment depends on thorough pre-planting soil preparation and buying healthy plants (see page 15 for what to look for when buying).

• Slow-growing plants ensure that their neighbours – as well as the garden in general – are not rapidly swamped with branches and stems.

• Non-invasive plants are essential in small gardens to ensure that they will neither block drains nor quickly spread into neighbouring gardens.

• Plants with two or more display qualities are desirable when creating attractive gardens in small areas.

• Plants that produce limited debris each year are essential in town gardens, where the disposal of garden waste can be a problem.

• Plants that do not encourage the presence of pests and diseases are desirable. Some plants attract pests and diseases and these should be avoided.

CONIFER CONFLICT!

Do not plant the fast-growing, hedging conifer Cupressocyparis leylandii (Leyland Cypress) in your garden. Within ten years it will need to be removed.

AVOIDING BAMBOO BLUNDERS

Bamboos are superb garden plants, creating interest throughout the year with their colourful leaves and canes. Some have invasive roots, however; here are ways around the problem.

Select problem-free bamboos (see page 50).

Plant suitable bamboos in containers (see page 50).

Install bamboo barriers (see page 50).

PICTORIAL SURVEY OF PLANTS

Small gardens can be just as colourful and exciting as large ones. Indeed, when a colour-packed small garden is compared with the same area in a large garden it is often more attractive. Success is a matter of concentrated gardening endeavour and selecting the right plants. This fully illustrated book will help you create such an exciting garden.

Shrubs

There are small evergreen and deciduous shrubs for planting in small gardens. Some shrubs, such as Fuchsia magellanica, are not frost hardy; others, like the evergreen Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ (Spotted Laurel), create colour throughout the year. The diminutive Hypericum olympicum is low-growing, with yellow flowers in mid- and late summer.

Rock-garden plants

Small rock-garden plants are ideal for gardens with little space, and a wide range of different types can be planted in a small area. Also add small bulbs and miniature and slow-growing conifers.

Miniature and slow-growing conifers

These varied evergreens have a dwarf or slow-growing habit. They can be planted in rock gardens, mixed with heathers or planted on their own alongside paths.

Summer-flowering bedding plants

These are raised each year from seeds and include plants as varied and colourful as Petunias, Lobelias and Marigolds.

Small trees

Many trees are low growing and those with a dome-shaped outline and weeping habit, such as Betula pendula ‘Youngii’ (Young’s Weeping Birch), are especially attractive. This Birch helps to unify a garden and is also suitable for planting as a specimen tree on a lawn.

Climbers

Large-flowered Clematis are ideal for clambering over a trellis in a small garden. There are many varieties and colours from which to choose.

Wall shrubs

Evergreen Ceanothus is superb for creating colour against a wall in late spring and early summer. Select a sheltered wall in full sun.

Plants for containers

Long-term plants for growing in containers include the deciduous, low, rounded and dome-shaped Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum Atropurpureum’, with its finely dissected, bronze-red leaves.

Herbaceous perennials

Many of these reliable garden plants are suitable for small gardens, including Hemerocallis (Day Lilies) and the superb Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle), which is ideal for planting alongside path and border edges. Hostas are other reliable border plants and can also be planted in containers on patios.

Spring-flowering plants

A combination of Tulips and Wallflowers never fails to create colour in beds and borders in spring. These plants are inexpensive to buy and easy to change each year.

Vegetables, fruit and herbs

The range of food plants for small gardens is wide, from strawberries in planters to salad crops in sheltered beds. Dwarfing rootstocks enable apples and other tree fruits to be cultivated.

Water plants

Marginal and water plants are available for planting near and in ponds. By choosing suitable varieties, Waterlilies can be grown in many different depths of water.

Bamboos

Several bamboos are small and as well as being planted in garden soil can be put into ornamental containers. Many of them bear colourful leaves and canes.

Choice of infrastructure

When planning the infrastructure of a small garden, there is usually more money available for the construction of each square metre or yard than for a large garden, where economies generally have to be made. Additionally, because the area is small, immediate and more distinctive visual impact is needed. Garden centres and builder’s yards, as well as catalogues from magazines and newspapers, will give you an idea of the materials available.

Are special designs possible?

FENCING CHECKS

You may have inherited an attractive small garden and initially decided not to make radical changes, but if you have children and dogs it is worth checking fences.

• Fencing posts broken at ground level can be repaired by cutting off the base and fitting a spike-ended, metal, post-base. Alternatively, bolt a concrete or wooden post to sound wood and re-concrete into the ground.

• Arris rails broken at their joints with vertical posts can be repaired by screwing a metal bracket to the post.

• Arris rails which have snapped along their lengths also can be repaired by metal brackets.

Walls smothered in flowering climbers, such as Roses, Clematis and Honeysuckle, create colour as well as informality.

Structural elements to consider

• Decking: raised or at ground level – page 69.

• Edgings: wide range, including concrete and wood – page 75.

• Paths: surfaces and durability – pages 62–63.

• Patios, courtyards and terraces: wide choice – page 64.

• Pergolas, trellises and arches: for small gardens – pages 72–73.

• Porches and entrances: decorative features – page 74.

• Sheds and greenhouses: practical features – pages 76–77.

• Steps: practical yet attractive – page 68.

• Walls and fences: garden perimeters – pages 66–67.

PROBLEMS WITH CLAY

Increasingly, high temperatures combined with limited summer rain causes clay to shrink radically. Where foundations of buildings are deep, this creates few problems but, when paving slabs on a patio or path have only a thin concrete base, eventually they deform and rock. First-aid treatment is to lift and re-cement individual slabs. For a longer-term solution, you will need to lift all the slabs and provide a thicker base for the complete patio or path.

DISPOSING OF RUBBISH

Getting rid of garden rubbish can be a problem, but there are several solutions.

• Hire a skip – check that it is insured to be left on a public road and whether lights are needed. Mini- and large skips are usually available.

• Builder’s bags – these are increasingly used to deliver building materials, as well as collecting rubbish. They are about a metre/yard square and deep. Check with your local builder’s merchant.

• Local authority – may provide a rubbish-collection service.

INFRASTRUCTURE EXAMPLES

A small garden

Within informal gardens, a surprisingly wide range of features can be included in a casual yet purposeful manner. The pergola acts as a focal point.

A small front garden

Most small front gardens have a formal character, with plants in rows and neat roadside edgings. Porches help to create focal points for paths.

A small courtyard

Courtyards are summer-leisure areas as well as places where plants can be grown. By their nature, courtyards are private areas, with complete seclusion.

THINK ABOUT THE PLANTS

Don’t separate the selection of plants from getting the infrastructure right.

• If you like relaxed plants such as bamboos, ferns and ornamental grasses, you will want an informal garden to complement them.

• For clinical and regimented displays of summer-flowering bedding plants, you will need a formal garden.

INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ROOF GARDENS

Persistent and buffeting wind combined with strong sunlight make roof gardens difficult but exciting places for gardening. Additionally, consider the following constructional questions.

• Permission may be required from the building’s owner, as well as from local authorities. Also, check the thoughts of neighbours – it may not impress them.

• The weight of the flooring needs to be light but strong – check with a structural engineer if in doubt.

• The weight of pots and other containers – when full of soil-based compost and after being watered – may be excessive.

• Don’t damage felt roofs.

• Make sure excess water is adequately drained.

• A sturdy screen is usually needed to filter strong wind. Make sure it cannot be blown away and cause damage to people and property.

MAKING THE MOST OF BALCONIES

These are more sheltered than a roof garden, and with a base that is firm and secure. However, a sun-facing position will rapidly dry compost.

• If the balcony does not have a roof, fit a collapsible sunshade.

• Where a balcony has a roof, but strong, late-evening sunlight still causes dazzle, you can fit a frill to the balcony’s upper edge.

• Always make sure that water cannot drip on people or balconies below. Wherever possible, stand pots in large, plastic saucers.

Problems and opportunities

W