Many moons ago, in a previous working life, I used to spend much of my time with business specialists who were very good at stating the solution they would like to have for a perceived problem, without defining the problem well or at all. First ideas can be very attractive this way, it’s possible they will solve the problem, and there is a high chance the actual problem to solve is missed.
Whilst there is plenty of practicalities to resolve in the design process, at the start, we can tap into the more emotive elements that gardens can satisfy, focusing on how you want to experience your private space and the atmosphere you would like to create.
Here are a few questions to get started:
How would you like to feel in the garden
When you spend time ‘out in nature’ what do you like doing
How much time do you spend out in your garden today, what do you see yourself doing
What memories or stories do you have about gardens or from your family
What do you want to smell or hear
Would you like your garden to calm or invigorate
What do you like most about your current garden
Is there a view you wish to accentuate
What would you like to see out of your kitchen window, or anywhere else you spend time looking outside
Are there any areas or things we need to hide or minimise
Are there any aspects of the garden today that you have a strong reaction to. Perhaps take a walk around and observe your reactions to aspects of the garden
Have you seen any styles of planting you like or have favourite plants or materials you would like to include
To support the process I suggest creating a board of pictures that you find attractive. Pinterest is quite useful here.
You’re welcome to look at some of our boards for inspiration here