The design options in gardens and on patios are as varied as the selection of countless plants. However, remodelling does not automatically mean that an open-air retreat needs a lot of space. Even small spaces have a lot of potential and can be utilised optimally. With good planning, the right choice of materials and customised planting, even small gardens and terraces can be transformed into places of relaxation with plenty of privacy.
Designing small squares, gardens and terraces - our example
We have seen how the optimal use of small outdoor spaces can be achieved with this seating area. In December 2019, our maintenance team started the first work in the clients' garden. Half of this garden area was covered in grass and the existing troughs served as fall protection with minimal privacy. The outdoor area was very exposed, difficult to furnish and was therefore rarely used.
A modern seating area is being created on the roof of a garage
Before starting work on site, everything was of course planned in detail. The client's wishes and needs were discussed, the current state of the garden was scrutinised, the roof load was analysed and the plans were drawn up. A visualisation was also created so that customers could take a look at the future seating area in advance. These steps are particularly important, as changes can be made more easily during the planning phase than during the renovation. As shown in the visualisation, the staircase will be positioned centrally in future to create an open and inviting seating area.
The site was cleared so that the planned changes could begin. The first thing to be tackled was the natural stone wall made of Maggia stones. This was placed where the staircase originally stood. The wall was built closer to the conservatory, as the space in between offers hardly any usable area. This increases the area on the upper level. The staircase in the centre and the planted zones connect the upper level perfectly with the garden on the lower level.
Once the natural stone wall and steps had been placed, the square had to be filled in. The Onsernone paving slabs for the seating area were cut to size and placed on the prepared surface. At the same time, the wooden privacy screen was Timber construction wagon mounted to protect against prying eyes from outside.
Choice of materials: Modern and natural
Shortly after the privacy screen was installed, the anthracite-coloured troughs were delivered and placed in front of the wooden walls. The planting strip creates a rounded and soft overall look. The dark planters were chosen to match the grey decking and create a modern look thanks to the straight lines. Once the troughs had been placed, the paving could also be completed. Parallel to this, the planting was placed around the staircase.
Despite the high privacy screen, the seating area already looks much more open and larger. The unused lawn has given way to natural stone, which provides a more natural feel than the previous surface. The new surface also creates a nice contrast between the new seating area and the house.
Planting: visual relationships and soft transitions
The varied planting of grasses and perennials in the troughs and next to the steps creates a soft transition between the two levels. In addition to the various ground cover plants, individual solitary trees were planted to create exciting visual relationships. By placing such highlights, the surrounding area automatically recedes into the background, which further enhances privacy. A wonderfully fragrant witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia) with yellow flowers is already an eye-catcher in spring. In addition, a fan maple (Acer palmatum ‚Shishigashira‘) has been placed in the corner, which is also beautiful to look at in autumn with its colouring.
The planting grew so quickly after just one season that we were able to take these beautiful photos at the customer's home just a few months after completion.
Plants used on the seating area
- Stipa tenuissima (feather grass)
- Hamelin (lamp cleaner grass)
- Aster novi-belgii ‚Schneeberg‘
- Dianthus deltoides ‚Flashing Light‘
- Heuchera micrantha ‚Palace Purple‘
- Hamamelis intermedia ‚Arnold Promise‘
- Osmanthus burkwoodii
- Acer palmantum ‚Shishigashira
- Various herbs
- and much more.
Development of the outdoor area at a glance
Here we can see the progress made in the garden at a glance. Where previously there was a rather random planting without any visual protection, there is now a strip of plants with a wooden screen. The outdoor area looks larger, more modern and unobserved, creating a lovely lounge area with plenty of privacy and beautiful planting.
