Does your site lack large, flat surfaces? Broke your head, how can you use your land beneficially? Do you want to spend time in a paradise? This is not an easy task, but it makes it all the more interesting for true professionals. After all, it is on the intricate hills and outstanding reliefs that the imagination of designers can manifest itself in all colors.
We create a project
If you have contacted the company with a request to design your garden, you will be provided with a project that will take into account all the nuances of the upcoming work. The project will outline all the desired zones, define the architectural forms and select the necessary plants. And only then, the previously inconspicuous garden, will be able to turn into the embodiment of the best works of landscape design, which you can admire and be proud of for many years.
If you look closely at the ready-made works of designers on multi-level areas, you begin to involuntarily realize that there are no trifles in this. Especially carefully you need to choose materials and plants, as well as furniture and decorative attributes. It is very interesting for clarity in the future and just for history to take a photo before the start of work and after its completion.
Geological site plastic
Very often, it is the initial state that dictates the conditions for further work. But it was precisely for difficult-to-work, multi-level areas that specialists came up with geological plastic - this is the distribution of soil and the construction of retaining walls to regulate and prepare the soil relief for future work. This allows you to pre-break the entire site into different zones and facilitates their arrangement.
Perhaps the most serious problems that arise when upgrading this type of summer cottages are soil erosion and difficulties with watering. But, if you approach the design professionally, then they can be minimized and even turned into advantages.
Decor
On any natural natural slopes, stones and wood look very beautiful, therefore, when decorating a multi-level site, you must adhere to the laws of nature. Focus on alpine slides, dry streams and any structures made of natural stone and climbing plants that do not require further complex maintenance. Then the landscape design of the garden area will look very harmonious.
Garden paths inside the cottage, so as not to get out of the general idea, it would be good to make from flat stones or wooden blanks. Choose plants with a strong root system. It is best to provide a mechanical water supply for irrigation.
The gardener is extremely fortunate if he got a great, flat area without a slope. Unfortunately, this is not common. What to do if the cottage is located on a hillside? Do not despair, there is a way out.
It is worth starting with the fact that some gardeners simply dream of a summer house located on a slope. They can be used to bring to life such design solutions at multi-level areas, which the common man in the street never dreamed of. Why is this seemingly unprofitable land so appealing to clever landscape designers?
The fact is that on a plot of a different-level type, several types of landscape can be recreated, moreover, successfully combining them. For example, a waterfall with a pond, rockery or rock garden, steps and terraces, paths and fountains. Combining the incongruous in nature is the beauty of such solutions.
Photo example:
Terrace of a site in landscape design
Terracing a site is leveling it horizontally, simultaneously turning the slope into clear steps. Terraces are the easiest and most logical way to transform a permanent slope into several horizontal steps, much more convenient to use.
To create terraces, you need an ordinary building level, rope and wooden stakes. With the help of this simple tool, the horizon of the plot is verified. According to the steepness of the slope, it is divided into several steps.
Next, you will have to take up a shovel or order heavy equipment, depending on the very steepness and the number of expected steps.
Retaining walls for a slope site
Very effective and at the same time necessary engineering structures at different levels are retaining walls.
Depending on the height of the wall and the structure of the soil, the material from which it will be erected is selected. The most powerful walls are cast in reinforced concrete. The beauty of the design lies in its strength and durability. If desired, concrete can be decorated with anything on top. The main thing is not to violate its integrity.
Retaining walls are also raised from masonry. Natural stone masonry is the right compromise between strength and aesthetics. Do not use limestone - it breaks down too easily. Natural stone in the exterior looks monumental.
How to use steps for site design
The most profitable solution without redeveloping the level of the site will be the use of steps in landscape design. Steps made of natural stone will easily fit into any exterior and will be able to connect all levels of the garden.
The most interesting thing is that when terracing, the steps will be used everywhere, but taking into account the use of retaining walls, they will acquire an artificial straight shape. Photo:
What tracks are better to lay out?
Garden paths are essential for every garden, regardless of its layout. Beautiful winding paths made of natural stone, brick, paving slabs, clinker paving stones will only add beauty to the garden and perfectly connect all the existing zones of the summer cottage with each other.
Wooden floorings, slightly sanded or untreated at all, look especially original. The wooden board is protected from decay by processing with special substances.
A stream is a great solution for a sloping slope
An artificial stream is a great way to take advantage of the natural slope of the site. To create this element, you need to strengthen the channel by laying it out with natural stone and bring water to its source. A good design solution would be to decorate the source of the stream. It can be a jug, a suitable figurine, a barrel, a bottle, and so on.
A logical engineering solution would be the reservoir into which the stream flows. It will allow placing a submersible pump in an artificial pond, due to which water will be circulated in both reservoirs at minimal cost.
How to create a waterfall on a steep slope
The waterfall is very similar to a stream, however, to create it, a steeper slope is needed, which will have to be strengthened accordingly. To create a waterfall channel, you need to remove the top layer of soil, fill in the drainage and pour a layer of concrete. In this concrete, while it has not hardened, you can lay the foundation under the bed of natural stones.
The rapids and rifts themselves are created from a combination of large and small stones, fastened together with cement mortar, so that the flow of water does not wash the stones out of the waterfall.
Place a rock garden on the site
Alpine slides are designed to mimic a specific section of the mountainous terrain of the Alps. The multi-level section is suitable for these purposes as much as possible. You can recreate a mountain slope, rock, terraces, mountain valley, lawn.
To create a rock garden, little is needed: a suitable stone, which you will not have to look for for a long time, the necessary plants and a lot of patience in order to lay the stones in the right order, figure out which plants and at what level should be planted and how to take care of all this.
Home → Useful → Design of a garden and a park → Design of a multi-level plot
At first glance, a multi-level plot may not seem very attractive to owners. However, this perception is widespread because most simply do not know how large the resources of such land are. Rough terrain, slopes, hills, ravines are usually much more scenic than the dull and smooth plain.
If you are not afraid of the fact that on such a site you will have to invest a little more in landscaping and landscaping both financially and temporally, and at the same time you like non-standard solutions and attractive views, then this option is definitely for you.
What to consider when landscaping a multi-level site?
Such plots are difficult to design - in the work on them you cannot do without the help of professionals of the landscape design studio "Greentek-greening" (g.
Moscow). Preparation for the start of work should be very careful, because the relief area highlights all the miscalculations like a litmus test. This is the flip side of the fact that it is areas on the slopes and hilly areas that have every chance of becoming a real work of art in the hands of a competent specialist. The first and most important condition for success is choosing the right contractor.
In the landscape design of a multi-level plot, the following factors come to the fore:
- Terrain relief.
A multi-level relief can be very diverse: a gentle or steep slope, a hollow with slopes around the circumference, a hilly surface, an area with a ravine, a combination of the above options, etc. The design solution will be based on the analysis of all the properties of a particular site, and they are always absolutely unique for such objects.
- Soil quality... This factor plays a special role due to the fact that some types of soil are more prone to sliding off slopes, some less.
So her research will be a decisive factor in choosing the options for strengthening the slopes. You also need to accurately determine the quality of the soil, the presence of moisture in it in the lowlands and on the hills. This information is necessary for planning the planting of trees (especially large trees) and other plants.
- Plot orientation to the cardinal points... For a site with difficult terrain, this factor becomes decisive in further design.
It will always be sunny on the southern and southwestern slopes, heat-loving plants will feel great here. On the north and north-east side, you cannot escape the feeling of lack of light, but the coolness that is so necessary in hot, dry periods will reign here. A well thought-out arrangement of objects on a site with a combination of slopes, lowlands and hills will allow the owners to feel as comfortable as possible and grow plants with different climatic preferences.
- Availability of facilities.
If the site already has outbuildings, a house, gazebos, terraces, reservoirs, etc., then it will be necessary to make a decision on their preservation, transfer or demolition.
For example, perhaps at the lowest point of your site, on the side of the northern slope, there is an artificial pond that you inherited from your old owners. On the one hand, such a decision seems logical, since water in nature always accumulates in lowlands. However, an experienced designer of the Greentek-greening company will tell you that a pond in your backyard is a place for relaxation.
It should be pleasant to relax here, look at the water surface, enjoy the splash of the jets of a fountain or cascades of a waterfall. In the lowlands, the water will only attract a lot of insects, create excess moisture and make staying in the immediate vicinity of the pond unbearable. In this case, the decision to move the old one or equip a new reservoir will be very reasonable.
Features of working with soil on a multi-level plot
As you know, the soil tends to slide down from inclined surfaces.
The fertile layer comes off, exposing the clay underneath and the roots of the plants. This process also leads to many fatal consequences, for example, if it touches the soil under the house, the building can crack.
In this regard, the first stage of direct work on the transformation of the site is soil strengthening, or geoplastics.
Multilevel garden: layout features
The main techniques in this work are the construction of retaining walls that strengthen and redistribute the soil. At this stage, the site is divided into functional zones, it is planned where the observation platforms will be located.
In order to prevent the soil from slipping, it is also necessary to strengthen the strength of the top layer. One of the effective methods is geogrids, which are polymer tapes connected to each other in a checkerboard pattern, resulting in a cellular formation that does not allow the soil to move.
Another option to restrain the descent of the earth is to strengthen the soil with plants.
For this, at a distance of about five meters from each other, it will be useful to plant shrubs. It can be such berry crops as currants, gooseberries, cherry plums, etc., or lush flowering bushes of acacia, hawthorn, lilac, weigella, forsythia, etc. They are surrounded by strong curbs, and the free space is sown with clover.
It is important to take special care of the soil in the areas designated by the project for the vegetable garden and flower crops.
It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of drainage, irrigation and active soil erosion on uneven areas. Water will accumulate in the lowlands - additional drainage will be needed here. From slopes and hills, water will flow away very quickly, so intensive watering will be required here. But even under this condition, it is necessary to select drought-resistant plants for such places.
Decoration of the relief territory
Almost any landscape design is possible on multi-level areas, but at the same time such objects as stairs, bridges, reservoirs with cascading waterfalls, alpine slides, terraces in such areas are practically irreplaceable and look much more profitable and more organic than in other conditions.
The main decorative emphasis is placed on the terraces, reinforced with retaining walls.
They are specially equipped flat areas on the slope, which are not allowed to crumble by the retaining walls made of concrete. The decorative resource is the paving of terraces and wall cladding. The most common materials for these purposes are natural stone, its imitation, brick, tile, wood. Beautiful garden furniture, swings, hearths with live fire, sculptures and flowerpots in flowerpots will make such sites magnificent recreation areas.
Another important point is the decision in what ways the movement around the site will be carried out.
The most popular option is a staircase. The material for these structures usually repeats the material of the terraces. In areas where the differences between the levels are not too large, the connection of functional areas can be carried out using tracks with different slope angles.
In the choice of the main decorative elements, the individual character of the site is decisive.
For example, if it is completely located on a slope, then it would be logical to choose a waterfall from water bodies. If, on the whole, the site is flat, but on some part of it there is a hill, then it is quite possible to afford an ordinary pond in a well-lit place, and use the resources of the hill for planting shrubs, fruit trees, arranging a gazebo or a house (depending on the area of the hill ).
Lands with ravines are very difficult to arrange, since the ravine has a tendency to grow.
But if you still find the courage to take on such a site, you will get a view unsurpassed in terms of scenic properties.
According to the designers of the Moscow company "Greentek-greening", eco-style is perfect for such places. Large-sized conifers and forest shrubs will strengthen the soil, a fast forest stream will give the landscape dynamics, flower beds of shade-loving plants will decorate the slopes, and all this together will create the atmosphere of a primeval Russian forest.
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1. Prices are reduced by 20% for all planting material!
The owners of the site on the slope are in an ambiguous position. Standard techniques for the placement of beds are unacceptable here, and the arrangement of such a site involves significant material costs. However, after studying the existing approaches to registration, the owner most often comes to the conclusion about the advantages of such a situation. The landscape design of the site on the slope will help to develop and translate into reality specialists. The presented ideas are capable of transforming the territory, making it unique, immersing it in the beauty of mountain landscapes.
Strengthening the slopes on the site with your own hands
Improvement begins with work to strengthen the slopes on the site. This will prevent further destructive processes that can damage buildings and landscaped landscaping.
Preparatory actions
When strengthening the slopes, they use various methods and structures. Landscaping allows you to use stones and concrete blocks, biomats and gabions, logs and lawn grates in the preparation of the site. To properly strengthen the slopes, it is necessary to study and calculate the following points:
- how close the groundwater is;
- what is the slope of the slope;
- geological features of the soil;
- is there a danger of erosion of the site when the reservoir is located nearby;
- take into account the soil pressure on the slope;
- decide on the material for strengthening;
- designate an area in need of strengthening.
With a slight slope, it allows you to solve the problem of fixing the soil by planting trees and shrubs with a developed root system. With a significant slope, terracing or the use of geotextiles will be required.
Ways to strengthen slopes
The simplest and most inexpensive landscape design option for strengthening a slope on a site is planting plants with a developed root system. This solution is acceptable if the slope is small and its area is small. Plants are planted in cells that play the role of a reinforcing structure. Further, the developed root system is intertwined with fastening elements and prevents landslides or soil erosion. Juniper is in the lead with this method of strengthening the soil; it is also recommended to plant Chinese blackberries, lilacs and hawthorns.
Slopes at the summer cottage are often reinforced with fences made of concrete slabs, sandstone, brick or limestone. The advantage of this landscape design method is as follows:
a high level of resistance to external destructive factors;
- does not require significant care efforts;
- does not interfere with the growth of green spaces;
- durability of the structure.
Such fences are erected subject to certain conditions:
- a solid foundation is laid;
- the minimum height of the fence is 1 m;
- the thickness of the fence is 1/3 of the height;
- mandatory equipment of the drainage system (water flowing down the slope should not wash away the structure)
- fences are erected from the bottom up;
- it is recommended to build a cascade structure;
- it is necessary to provide a slight slope towards the slope.
The landscape design of the site provides an opportunity to arrange a similar structure with flower beds, decorative stairs, and lanterns.
Another option for strengthening the slope on the site is the use of stones and logs. They are dug into the ground, having previously studied the type of soil and the condition of the surface. At the same time, do not forget about the aesthetic appearance of the site and take care of the availability of drainage. This inexpensive landscaping method is acceptable on both small and large slopes.
Modern developments in landscape design suggest using geotextiles in the arrangement of a site on a slope. This product in rolls, consisting of polyester and polypropylene fibers, has the following advantages:
- waterproofness;
- protection of soil from freezing;
- when water converges, it prevents mixing of soil layers;
- plastic;
- has a high resistance to damage;
- ease of laying on the ground.
Another option that is acceptable when developing landscape design on a slope is laying geomats. This waterproof material consists of polypropylene grids, superimposed on each other and connected by exposure to high temperatures. Geomats have the following features:
- do not contain toxic substances;
- UV resistance;
- maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape;
- are not afraid of aggressive substances;
- resistant to low and high temperatures;
- easy to install.
The presented methods of landscape design when strengthening the slope can be done with your own hands or you can resort to the help of professionals. Their choice depends on the preferences of the owner and further plans for the arrangement of the site.
Design options
The landscape design of the site on the slope opens up wide prospects for the realization of vivid fantasies and bold ideas. Considering the need for serious financial investments in landscaping, the approach to planning a site on a slope requires special care and thoughtfulness. The development of landscape design works is necessarily preceded by a study of the technical indicators of water supply and soil characteristics. The location of future outbuildings and recreation areas deserves special attention. Already starting from their location, they plan to build future terraces, flights of stairs, retaining walls and other elements of landscape design. When landscaping a site on a slope, its location relative to the cardinal points must be taken into account.
Terracing
When deciding to use terracing in the landscape design of a site on a slope, give up excessively long retaining walls in a straight line. This design will give the impression of a huge staircase. Landscaping experts recommend placing terraces in chaotic steps or cascades. This will create a painterly general look.
There are winding paths or paths between the terraces, and several steps are designed on steep climbs. Retaining walls on the site are made of various materials: natural stone and brick, wood and concrete. It is better to equip a steep ascent with retaining walls using cement mortar; dry masonry will be enough in a flat place.
Original ideas in the design of retaining walls on the site are only welcome. Avoid straight lines, rounded shapes will provide smooth relief transitions and visually make them less conspicuous. Departure from standard approaches will allow terraces with various functional purposes. Landscaping allows you to locate vegetable beds and plantings of shrubs in separate areas. Combining them with winding paths will visually create a single picture of incompatible things.
The location of the terrace on wet ground presupposes the presence of a crushed stone drainage dump. It is located between the wall and the ground in a width of 10-15 cm. It is recommended to supplement the masonry with scraps of pipes, which will provide moisture to the outside and prevent it from accumulating behind the retaining wall. The lack of such protective measures will provoke a rapid destruction of the structure.
Arrangement of paths and stairs
An indispensable attribute of landscape design are neat paths that help to achieve an organic connection between the terraces. To ensure compatibility, it is better to make them from a similar material.
Important ! Large decorative elements, be they stones, tiles or circles of a tree, are capable of creating good visibility and a vivid perception of the path.
The winding shape of the path hides the steepness of the slope, while the serpentine, on the contrary, emphasizes it. Following the rules of landscape design of a site on a slope, it is better to emphasize the bends of paths with low trees, shrubs or evergreens. A ladder on a steep slope of the site is required. In width, it can correspond to the path that continues it or be a little narrower, but not less than 60 cm. If the staircase has many steps, it is better to separate them with platforms. It is advisable to equip them in places where the direction of travel changes. With a sufficient size, the playground is decorated with a bench, an elegant statue or an original flowerpot. Landscaping experts recommend that a staircase located in a shady place be made of building materials of a lighter shade.
Remember! The beauty of landscape design must be combined with safety; choose non-slip material for paths and stairs.
Thoughtful landscape design will provide comfort during evening walks with the help of competent lighting. There are many ways to design it, and it will not be difficult to choose an option corresponding to the general style.
Site floristry
Choosing the concept of floristry, the best option for landscape design will be the style of the mountainous area. In this case, the location of the territory relative to the cardinal points must be taken into account. In this aspect, the site on the northern slope has its advantages, in connection with the possibility of decorating it with moisture-loving plants, accustomed to shady location. For the south side, grasses and flowers that can withstand heat and drought are more suitable.
Landscaping is developed in such a way that the planted plants have different flowering periods. Tulips, hyacinths and crocuses will be the first to please the owners in early spring. They can be replaced by decorative bows, Californian poppies and marigolds, and autumn will delight you with bright colors of asters and chrysanthemums. Planting perennial plants will make gardening easier.
Trees on a site with a slope are planted in a special way according to the rules of landscape design. If the house is at the top, next to it are high plantings in the form of thuja, spruce or pyramidal poplar. Barberry or lilac will help to create an interesting composition.
Please note! Planted trees and shrubs should not cover the house.
Lower plants are found further down the slope. Evergreen shrubs and colorful flower beds are capable of giving nobility and sophistication. Juniper, magnolia, boxwood will be appropriate here. The region in which the site is located also plays a role. Therefore, when choosing green spaces, take into account the peculiarities of the climatic conditions of your area.
The basic rules for landscape design of a site on a slope are as follows:
- correctly organize the division into zones;
- equip strong retaining walls;
- protect the site from soil erosion with the help of a competent drainage system;
Man and nature are the eternal theme of any kind of art. Landscaping is not only a way of self-expression, but also a part of direct communication with pristine nature. The area adjacent to the private house gives a wide scope for imagination, opening up endless possibilities for designers from all over the world.
Regardless of the size of the summer cottage, you need to strive to create a unique atmosphere for solitude and contemplation of nature, for families with children and friends, for romantic dinners with rustling leaves and for quiet dinners while reading books by a small home pond. Nature gives all the tools to create the necessary mood. You just need to be able to use them.
Fundamentals of modern landscape design
The landscape design of the suburban area is an integrated approach to the improvement of the personal plot. This space is designed to be in harmony with the owner's inner world, to be a reflection of his tastes and interests.
In landscape design, as in any other type of space ennobling, there are modern trends followed by most professionals.
The origins of the aesthetic design of the site go far back in time. Over the centuries, the styles and directions of landscape design have undergone many qualitative changes. At the moment, there is a striving for naturalness and pristine nature among specialists in the improvement of the site. An alpine slide, a Russian folk garden with an admixture of technological progress: the use of glass, metal, clear geometric shapes, and straight lines, is very fashionable.
Eclecticism prevails in modern landscape design. You need to have a real talent for the harmonious combination of these two incompatible directions. But the result is able to exceed all expectations.
Modern styles of landscape design
Over the long history of the existence of the art of decorating a personal plot, many of its directions have been formed.
The main ones are:
- Classic or regular style. Famous French parks are typical representatives of this trend. The idea of such a design is the idea of raising the human mind over nature, subordinating it to the laws of geometry that is familiar to us.
- Landscape style. Historically formed as the opposite of the regular trend. It is a “free”, maximally pristine landscape. The landscape style is designed to amaze people with the beauty of natural nature, skillfully thought out and created by designers.
- Rustic style (country). The "home" trend of the landscape style, which is represented by ordinary village gardens in different parts of the world. An arbitrary direction that does not require large investments and careful maintenance of the site. The placement of decorations is arbitrary, depending on the historically established folklore of the area.
- Architectural style. Pushing natural beauty into the background, he focuses on the decorative buildings of the territory: a terrace, arches, paved areas, architectural reliefs, steps, etc.
- Japanese style. Countryside design in oriental style is an art. It is filled with symbolism. Landscaping of the site is ideal for creating a classic oriental atmosphere. The main components will be stones, boulders, a small reservoir, a place to contemplate the beauty of nature.
Layouts of the area around the house
After choosing a suitable style, planning the design of the territory near the house follows, determining the constituent elements. Competent construction of the site is impossible without the planning stage.
There are several standard layouts that apply to most spaces:
- Rectangular layout. The most popular win-win option. The layout of a rectangular area is easy to zone, it is convenient to divide it into separate sections and is well suited for creating a successful geometric composition.
- Round layout. Such a layout is artificially created from a rectangular version with the help of auxiliary elements: flower beds, lawns, green spaces, etc. Direct geometric shapes are masked by decor. Designing the landscape around the house in circular motifs can be a non-trivial solution.
- Diagonal layout. Based on creating diagonal parallels. Landscaping a small area with your own hands in a diagonal layout will help to visually expand the space, push its boundaries.
- Free layout. Reception of free placement of design elements using the natural relief of the territory. It is important to correctly place accents in such a garden. Otherwise, the effect of neglect may appear and the area will lose its landscape attractiveness.
Site zoning
Dividing it into several functional zones will help to make the spacious area the most comfortable and visually enlarge the small backyard space. Their number and size depends entirely on the initial area of the area and its intended purpose.
The territory can be divided into:
- Garden area;
- Recreation area;
- Economic zone;
- Dining area;
- Children's area;
- Sports area.
All zones of the territory should make up a single picture, despite the quality of separate islands in the personal plot. The zones should be united by a single idea, style.
One logical zone should flow smoothly into another. For this, it is best to use green spaces, arches and decor.
Whichever type of layout is used, the largest zones are best located at the edge of the square, while the smaller ones are concentrated in the center.
Landscape design composition
Landscaping of the site is a combination of many functional and decorative elements. Below we will take a closer look at the main ones.
Lawn
Just as a skilled builder lays a floor covering on the floor of a house, so a skilled gardener covers his plot with a lawn. If earlier the lawn was a luxury of emperors, then in the modern world everyone can afford to ennoble the territory with a soft grass carpet.
The process of engrafting a lawn is laborious and requires full dedication, but at the end it will bring the owners a well-deserved result in the form of an ideal foundation for the rest of the landscape. In addition to the decorative function, the grass lawn has a positive effect on the structure of the soil and air purity, dampens excess noise.
The choice of a lawn must be approached with all seriousness: it will last more than one season. Exists:
- An ordinary lawn. It is a coating of a solid color of medium density.
- Sports lawn. It is a denser type of lawn that is not afraid of stress.
- Decorative lawn. A beautiful perfect lawn, not meant to be walked on.
garden path
A garden path is a functional element of landscape design. It plays the role of a connecting link of special zones of the territory, they are the "skeleton" of the entire layout of the area. Depending on the chosen stylist, the tracks can be of different shapes, sizes, made of different materials.
Although the classic direction of site design is geometry and straight lines, winding paths look more natural in landscape design. Attracting with their ease, they lead the guest through the garden, turn by turn.
The most important question in backyard paths is the choice of the right material. In landscape design, a discrepancy of finishes is not welcome, but the use of only one material is not necessary. The main thing in this business is harmony and uniformity.
The central paths should be larger and more solid. Mosaic of different colors will look good. The simultaneous combination of different figures and flower arrangements looks advantageous. Modern manufacturers offer services for the individual production of paths. You can emphasize the central alley with the help of built-in spot lighting.
Dirt paths, decoratively sprinkled with sand or crumbs, will add special charm to the back streets of the garden.
Standard materials for garden paths are:
- paving stones;
- gravel;
- concrete tiles;
- a natural stone;
- brick covering;
- decorative tiles;
- natural pebbles.
When choosing a material, its compatibility with a specific soil and climatic conditions, in addition to standard operating conditions, must be taken into account.
Flower garden and planting
It is difficult to imagine the landscape design of a summer cottage without plants. The composition of drawing up flower beds can become a real art and the main focus of the entire site. It is important to carry out a competent selection of plants. The main selection criteria will be not only their appearance, but also compatibility with each other, the necessary climatic conditions, survivability, etc.
There are the following ways of placing plantings on the site:
- ... The most popular flower garden, which is a planting of a certain geometric shape of decorative deciduous plants.
- Group landing. Dense planting of plants in separate groups of several species.
- Rabatki. A type of planting of decorative deciduous plants with rectangular stripes for framing the borders of lawns, paths or other elements of landscape design.
- Border. A type of flower garden in which plants are planted in tiers.
- Tapeworm. Single planting method.
- Parterre flower garden. A geometrically correct complex flower garden located in front of the entrance to the garden plot. Usually consists of a combination of several types of plants with architectural elements.
- Mobile flower beds. Plants or flowers that are not adapted to some features of the terrain (soil, some weather conditions, a certain season) are exhibited in the landscape of the site in decorative pots or vases, without transplanting into the ground.
- Arenarium. An exotic solution will be a corner of the desert in the garden. Various types of succulents and the like are planted in the arenarium artificially covered with sand.
Water bodies
A body of water can be the highlight of any landscape. But before you start creating it as soon as possible, you should think about the appointment. In areas that differ in size, different types of reservoirs will be appropriate.
Owners of a large area, of course, can afford absolute any size, shape and depth of a water body.
Ponds are very laborious to maintain, so you should foresee in advance whether its maintenance will be feasible.
The body of water should be in direct alignment with the overall style of the landscape design. With a regular style, the pool should have a straight shape, and for an infinity pool, asymmetrical streams made of natural materials are more suitable.
The landscape design of the suburban area qualitatively transforms the creation of the now fashionable alpine slide.
Alpine slide is an imitation of a wild mountain landscape with typical plant species. Despite the laborious creation process, such a decoration can become the pride of the infield of any country house.
Usually, an alpine slide is a kind of rockery: a composition of ornamental plants with a stone. To create a rock garden, materials available in our area are used: limestone, granite, gerbils. The live composition is combined from rock plants.
The main accent is given to the rock garden through the play of chiaroscuro. The corresponding effect can be achieved both by the initial selection of a place with beautifully falling rays of the sun, and by the creation of artificial lighting.
Recreation area with barbecue or hearth
Owning a country house, you can not only usefully spend time doing garden work, but also successfully relax in the company of friends, equipping your recreation area with a barbecue or a hearth.
The corresponding site can be both open and closed. Although the first option is less laborious, the construction of a small canopy will not only give the place more comfort, but also protect it from direct sunlight or rain. A suitable place to place a recreation area will be spacious and hidden from prying eyes. It will be good if next to this place there is an area for children, and next to it there is a picturesque landscape for admiring. The proximity to the reservoir will add extra freshness on hot summer days.
The location in the recreation area of a barbecue, hearth or outdoor fireplace is not only a part of its interior, but also an important functional element. In addition to its main purpose, it can be used for heating, creating an atmosphere of comfort on autumn evenings.
Outdoor dining
Landscaping of a summer cottage with an open dining room is a luxury available to everyone. Eating outdoors is not just a trend in modern fashion, but also an extremely healthy practice that improves metabolism and overall well-being.
To create a summer dining room, first of all, you need a suitable free space. An excellent solution would be a site of about 10 square meters. For convenience, it is worth leading a stone path from the house to the location of the open table.
The open dining room should not be too far from the main house, otherwise the process of transferring dishes and ready-made food can be quite a long and laborious process.
It is important to remember about possible weather surprises and climatic changes: it is necessary to select furniture that is resistant to moisture and equip the dining room with a stationary or mobile canopy. As protection from the sun's rays, you can use the branches of a large tree, if there is one on the site.
The dining room can be decorated in quality, surrounded by a hedge or left in the open space of the lawn - it all depends solely on the wishes of the owners.
Site lighting
The lighting system of any summer house and plot has two functions: practical and aesthetic.
The first involves lighting areas for free movement at night, and the second is designed to create a special atmosphere and highlight the accents of landscape design.
With the help of a cleverly designed lighting system, you can achieve a dramatic nightly transformation of the garden.
Lighting for landscape design of a summer cottage is:
- Pouring. It is carried out through the use of floodlights on the auxiliary parts of the perimeter.
- General. The main part of the lighting consists in the installation of classic luminaires along the main objects of the site.
- Marking. Used to create visual effects for highlighting (marking) functional parts.
- Decorative lighting of plants, reservoirs, architectural structures.