No two gardens are alike – some are more complicated to design than others. Those dealing with odd-shaped gardens will understand how difficult garden design can be, as you want to maximise space and create the outdoor environment you have been dreaming of, but may feel limited by the existing structure of your garden.
As professional landscapers, Taming Mother Nature believes that everyone deserves to have the garden of their dreams, no matter the limitations. We know that any landscape, even odd-shaped gardens, can be completely transformed into stunning outdoor havens with the right skills and a touch of creativity.
In this guide, we are sharing our best tips to help design odd-shaped gardens, so you can make the most of your space and create a fun, attractive environment no matter the limitations of your property:
Even if you are limited in space or do not have a lot of usable planting areas, you can still create stunning displays.
A great way to create interest and make a beautiful display in odd-shaped gardens is by using a combination of plants with different heights and textures. For example, using multiple forms of ornamental grasses, shrubs and flowers can create interest and make a beautiful display that does not have to be compromised by the shape of your garden.
Whether you want to use different plant types and species, or various colours and heights within the same family, combining multiple different textures, shapes and heights can give the illusion of depth. Be as creative as you can when designing these planting areas, working to add colour and texture to the garden even in the tightest spots.
If the idea of having a mixture of plants is not to your style, obtaining a uniform appearance in odd-shaped gardens can be tricky – but not impossible. Odd-shaped gardens make it difficult to have a uniform appearance, where you use the same plants over and over, because of the likelihood of microclimates.
Based on the shape of your garden, it is likely that some areas get more light than others, creating different microclimates across the landscape. As each area offers different conditions, using the same plants may not lead to a fruitful display as they may not be able to thrive in all areas of the garden.
This does not mean that you have to use a mixture of plants or have a haphazard display, however. Instead of relying on the same groups of flowers as every other garden, consider using hardy plants such as evergreens and succulents as these can thrive in any condition.
Using these kinds of plants not only allows for a simpler, more uniform display but can also make your garden low-maintenance so it is easier to care for as the year goes on. Many of these types of plants do not need as much pruning or watering to support their growth and shape, so you can sit back and enjoy your garden no matter the weather.
Pathways, paving stones, and patios are excellent tools for all kinds of garden design, especially for odd-shaped gardens. Incorporating pathways in particular can be a great way to highlight the best, most usable areas of your garden by directing people where to go.
With carefully designed garden paths, you can direct guests to the key areas of your garden and keep them away from the areas which cause you the most issues.
If you are looking to make your garden more functional, so you can spend more time outdoors, then patios and decking are incredibly useful. These hardscaping elements will create specific zones in odd-shaped gardens, giving you specific areas for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing based on how you decorate.
These are often custom-made and designed to fit perfectly into your landscape, ensuring that no matter how odd-shaped your garden is, you can craft a usable, attractive outdoor space.
Vertical planting is one of the best solutions for odd-shaped gardens and those limited in space. Using this technique, you can add colour, greenery and texture to the garden without compromising vital floor space.
Most vertical planting makes use of the existing structures in your garden, such as fences, or even the property itself as plants cna be trained to climb the side of the building as well as against fences, across pergolas or other outdoor structures.
Rather than planting flowers or shrubs in the ground, vertical planting can create unique and attractive focal points in odd-shaped gardens, helping to draw the eyes away from the small or narrow floor space.
While you may be tempted to distract from your odd-shaped garden by incorporating as many plants, structures and decorative items as possible in the garden, this will only have the opposite effect.
When designing odd-shaped gardens, you want to avoid cluttering the space as this can highlight just how strange the layout is and even make it look smaller.
Carefully choosing plants and design features that you truly love is the best way to design an outdoor area, especially those that may be limited with space.
Designing odd-shaped gardens may seem like a difficult task, but with some careful planning and creativity, it does not have to be. Odd-shaped gardens do not have to limit your options when it comes to design, you just have to think outside the box and make sure you understand your garden well.
Working with professional landscapers, like Taming Mother Nature, is the best way to ensure that all gardens get the treatment they deserve – no matter their shape or size. We offer a comprehensive garden design service and can transform any outdoor space into a stunning haven.
If you want to transform your garden or require some additional support with your landscape, please contact the team today. We are ready to help and offer a range of services.