The design options in gardens and on terraces are as versatile as the choice of countless plants. However, a redesign does not automatically mean that an outdoor retreat needs a lot of space. Even small spaces have a lot of potential and can be used optimally. With good planning, the right choice of materials and individual planting, even small gardens and terraces can become places of relaxation with great privacy.
Design small squares, gardens and terraces - Our example
We followed how to make the best use of small outdoor spaces with this seating area. In December 2019, our maintenance team started the first work in the owners' garden. This garden area was half covered with lawn and the existing troughs served as fall protection with little privacy screening. The outdoor area was very exposed, difficult to furnish and therefore rarely used.
On the roof of a garage creates a modern seating area
Before starting work on site, of course, everything was first planned in detail. The wishes and needs of the clients were discussed, the current state of the garden was scrutinized, the roof load was analyzed and the plans were drawn up. A visualization was also created so that the clientele could take a look at the future seating area in advance. These steps are especially important because it is easier to make changes during the planning phase than during the remodeling process. As shown on the visualization, the stairs will be placed centrally in the future to create an open and inviting seating area.
The square was cleared to start the planned changes. The first thing to be tackled was the natural stone wall made of Maggia stones. This was placed where the stairs originally stood. The wall was built closer to the winter garden, since this space in between offers hardly any usable area. Thus, the area on the upper level increases. The centrally placed staircase and the planted zones perfectly connect the upper level with the garden on the lower level.
After the natural stone wall as well as the stairs were placed, the square had to be backfilled. The Onsernone floor slabs for the seating area were cut to size and placed on the prepared subsoil. At the same time, the wooden privacy screen from Holzbau Wagen was installed to protect against glances from outside.
Material choice: Modern and natural
Shortly after the installation of the privacy screen, the anthracite troughs were delivered and placed in front of the wooden walls. The planting strip provides a rounded and soft overall appearance. The dark planters were chosen to match the gray decking and create a modern look thanks to the straight lines. After placing the troughs, the pavement could also be completed. Parallel to this, the planting was placed around the stairs.
Despite the high privacy screen, the seating area already looks much more open and larger. The unused lawn has given way to a natural stone, which provides more naturalness than the previous surface. In addition, the new surface creates a nice contrast between the new seating area and the house.
Planting: visual relationships and soft transitions
The versatile planting with grasses and perennials in the troughs and next to the stairs provides a soft transition between the two levels. In addition to the various ground covers, individual specimen trees were planted, which provide exciting visual relationships. By placing such highlights, the surrounding area automatically recedes into the background, which further supports privacy. A wonderfully fragrant witch hazel (Hamamelis intermedia) with yellow blossoms already provides an eye-catcher in spring. In addition, a fan maple (Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira') was placed in the corner, which is also beautiful to look at with its coloration in autumn.
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.
Used plants on the seat
- Stipa tenuissima (feather grass)
- Hamelin (lampbush grass)
- Aster novi-belgii 'Snow Mountain'
- 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
At a glance, here we see the progress in the garden. Where before there was a rather haphazard planting without privacy benefit, there is now a planting strip with wooden privacy screen. The outdoor area appears larger, more modern and unobserved, so that a nice lounge area with lots of privacy and beautiful planting has been created.
