Every infield design needs due consideration. Indeed, in fact, it is not so difficult to create a unique design of your own homestead, as it might seem. And it is not at all necessary for a homeowner to be an agronomist or a farmer, because modern living conditions allow even the most intimate dreams and desires to come true. And for inspiration to create your own masterpieces, browse our selection of photos of home garden designs.
As a rule, the style of landscape design is divided into the following directions: geometric, landscape and oriental style. Naturally, no one will indicate how to perform this or that style. But you yourself will be more to your liking if the exterior of your site is executed beautifully and in an original way.
Landscaping of a garden plot
To create a landscape design on a garden plot with your own hands is not so much realistic as necessary.
A country house is, first of all, a place where city dwellers come to take a break from the hustle and bustle, to admire nature. There is absolutely no difference: 4, 6 or 10 acres are available. If you manage the space rationally, think over the design, even on a modest size of the site, you can create a landscape of stunning beauty.
When developing a design project for a garden plot on your own, numerous photos with ready-made solutions will help. Even if such a project cannot be fully implemented, you can always apply on your site especially attracted ideas of arrangement or decor.
The outlines of the site should be transferred to paper, drawing up a detailed plan. After that, you can proceed to the allocation of functional areas.
The main functional areas of the garden
It is necessary to start working on a plan for transforming a small-sized garden plot with the choice of functional zones that you would like to see on its area:
- House;
- parking place;
- bath;
- utility block;
- rest zone;
- alcove;
- playground;
- flower beds;
- decorative pond;
- paths and alleys.
Naturally, it is almost impossible to fit all of the above into such modest boundaries, but nevertheless it is worth trying. If you notice, some zones have similar functionality. You can try to combine them. When building a bath, you should think about joining a veranda, gazebo or summer kitchen to it. The second floor or attic should be arranged as a guest room.
Trees and shrubs in the garden can be used as hedges and flower beds can be made upright. In the same way, you can break a vegetable garden. If you prefer traditional beds, one square of land will be enough to arrange them.
Having decided on the list of objects that are mandatory for you, you should proceed to their placement on the territory plan. Most often this is done schematically, but with certain skills, you can create a full-fledged layout. All zones need to be filled, based on their purpose, their own needs, the desired style. This stage includes the selection of vegetation, architectural details, arrangement of reservoirs, lighting, laying paths and other communications.
Separately, it is worth considering the boundaries of each site, which will help hedges or lattice partitions entwined with ivy. Paths, an artificial reservoir, garden sculptures can be a good border. The main thing is that the division of the zones looks as natural as possible, without sharp drops or breaks.
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 would be a backyard, spacious and hidden from prying eyes. It's good if there is an area for children next to this place, and a picturesque landscape opens up next to it 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.
Landscaping of the garden - choice of plants
What kind of plants to plant at their summer cottage? There are many varieties of landscaping in landscape design.
Grass lawn
The lawn is an integral part of any suburban area. It is a connecting link and background for decorative compositions. In addition, thanks to the lawn, the air humidity increases, the noise level decreases, and the general microclimate of the site improves. And what could be better than walking barefoot on freshly cut grass?
Lawns are rolled and sown. The first ones are grown in special areas and sold in rolls. They are very convenient in that there is no need to wait for the grass to grow. The main disadvantage of such a lawn is its high cost. Sowing lawns are more accessible, but it takes time to arrange them. For a summer cottage, an ordinary lawn from a mixture of 3-4 cereal grasses is suitable.
Vertical gardening
Vertical gardening is used for decoration. Climbing plants are mainly used to create it. Here are some of them: girlish or Amur grapes, hops, clematis, honeysuckle, Chinese lemongrass, sweet peas. They can be lifted with the help of all kinds of arches, garden screens, trellises.
Trees, lampposts or downpipes can also be such supports. The main thing to remember is that the visible supports should also be decorative, so as not to spoil the overall impression of the composition. For vertical compositions, cascades of flowers in pots or ampelous plants (petunia, begonia) are suitable.
Trees and shrubs
The choice of trees and shrubs for planting at their summer cottage depends on personal preference. Many people want to have a source of fresh organic fruits and berries at their dachas. Some plant these plants for decoration. However, both options can be combined. In any case, it is necessary to take into account such important factors:
- feature of the soil and microclimate;
- prevailing winds and illumination;
- relief;
- plant compatibility, crown density and diameter;
- seasonality.
For the design of landscape projects, designers use both fruit and non-fruit types of trees and shrubs. Conifers are especially popular. They are unassuming to care for, bring coolness in the summer and delight the eye in the cold season. They use such types of conifers as thuja, mountain pine, cushion spruce, juniper.Lilacs, jasmine, hawthorn, white turf, heathers, hydrangea, cotoneaster and others are planted from shrubs.
Flower beds
The flower garden will be a decoration for any suburban area. Its role is to bring a variety of colors to the overall design. Depending on the landscape style, flower beds can be divided into:
- regular (flower beds, flower borders, modular compositions);
- landscape (groups of plants that create the impression of natural beauty).
When choosing flowers, it is necessary to take into account not only factors such as lighting, soil and the microclimate of the site. But also think about the time you are willing to devote to caring for the flower garden. Perennials do not require careful care, but they can get bored with their monotony. But you will have to tinker with annuals, but every year you can experiment.
Water bodies
Not every summer cottage is located near a river or lake, but if you wish, you can create an artificial reservoir. First, think about what exactly will be on your site and what is the purpose of the planned reservoir.
Pond
The ideal solution for your site if its landscape has a landscape style. The pond can only be used for aesthetics, in this case the emphasis is on the decor - beautiful trees and plants are planted along the banks, and a gazebo is installed next to it. But the pond can also have a functional character - be a source for irrigation or be used for fish breeding.
Fountain
A full-fledged decorative element capable of identifying and decorating a particular area. Even in a small area, it looks very harmonious, filling the space with peace and impeccable aesthetics of the waterfall.
A pond with a bridge
The same pond, but more elongated and with a charming bridge, which can be a favorite place to walk. In the design process, it is important to think over a purification system, water supply, select animals and plants.
Waterfalls, cascades
Especially beautiful are such structures with uneven or inclined relief, framed by green plants or rockeries.
Also, circulating streams and water mills will effectively fit into the green massif and add movement.
Garden structures - small architecture on a garden plot
Another stylistic decoration of the suburban area and a wonderful place for outdoor recreation are garden structures. Their openness facilitates free air circulation. These buildings are located on specially equipped sites, the creation of which must be taken care of in advance. You can decorate them with plants in hanging baskets, vertical landscaping and planting low-growing conifers around the perimeter. Stone compositions and garden accessories are also suitable.
Among such structures, the most common are:
- gazebos (covered small houses without inserted windows and doors). They are able to shelter from the burning sun and hide from the rain, without breaking the connection with nature. Pergolas, depending on the general style, come in wood, metal, glass, large and small. It all depends on the preferences of the owners;
- belvedere - one of the types of arbors with lattice walls;
- arch - narrow construction. Serves rather as a decoration of the site. Entwined with plants, it can also become a shelter from the summer heat and rain;
- pergola is a volumetric structure that consists of several arches, woven from above with each other. A pergola is being built from wood, stone, metal. The pillars and roof of the pergola are usually decorated with climbing plants.
Garden design is an art that must be carefully planned and organized. The garden will delight you for many years if you follow the practical tips and photo ideas in this article.
Tracks
The layout of the path should be done so that you can go to those parts of the garden that you need.An excellent option is to design a path as for an excursion through the most beautiful parts of the cottage. Be sure to take the shortest route to the beds and flower beds.
Important! The main paths are straight without sharp turns.
The path for a walk among the flowers is created winding and not easy, in order to ensure that the visitors of your garden have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful design of the garden from any side.
It also happens that the summer cottage is not too big as we wanted. Even in this case, the path must be laid, taking into account that two people can walk along it next to each other. The best track width is 1.5 meters.
The path for the garden must be equipped with a slight slope on both sides, this will not allow water to accumulate and form puddles in the rain. The water will drain into the garden, which will serve as additional watering for the plants.
When choosing materials for creating a path in the garden, it is necessary to take into account their resistance to weather changes, strength and, of course, aesthetics. Paths made of concrete, stone or decorative tiles are best suited.
For a natural look, a path covered with sand is suitable. You can also use a pebble mosaic.
