Alfresco Living: Garden Design

Finding Inspiration

There are many things to consider when creating your outdoor living space, such as where to start, how to make the most of the available space, which products to use and so on. Marshalls plc, as the leading manufacturer of innovative landscape products, aims to make the transformation process as simple as possible by providing the inspiration and expert advice to help you create your dream garden or driveway.

With gardening and garden design becoming more popular than ever, there is an abundance of opportunities to find inspiration. Leading garden and home interest magazines are crammed with beautiful garden ideas, tips and advice. There’s also an ever-increasing number of garden design TV programmes featuring garden makeovers, many of which Marshalls regularly contribute to.

So what is right for you? Every garden is different and everyone had different tastes so it’s important to choose a design that is suited to you and your lifestyle.

Bunny Guinness, TV presenter of ‘Guinness in the Garden’ comments on the importance of getting the initial design right:

“ Not only is it possible to change a boring, ugly building into something eye-catching and charming by flattering its good points and concealing its flaws, but you can also create a sanctuary that enables you to enjoy outdoor living to the full.”

Planning Considerations

Think about what ‘look’ you are intending to create when it comes to choosing paving materials. Paving flags are an ideal choice for paths, patios and utility areas throughout the garden but are not suitable for driveways or areas subject to heavy loadings, such as cars. For this purpose, block paving is recommended and this can also be used for paths, patios and edge details to stunning effect.

For garden patio use, paving styles fall into three broad groups:
Contemporary Paving – such as Marshalls’ Saxon, Regent, Argent and Perfecta ranges.
Traditional Paving – such as Marshalls’ Heritage, Haworth Moor and Natural Stone ranges.
Antiquarian Paving - such as the Chancery range.

Garden Design

Some homeowners may feel quite competent and create their own dream design but, should you require a helping hand, Marshalls have created a Garden Design Service to help you make the most out of your landscape garden or driveway.

We have teamed up with Guy Farthing, an experienced designer and winner of eight Chelsea Flower Show gold medals for garden design. Guy will work on information you provide to create a detailed plan of the perfect garden for you and your lifestyle. He will help you choose the right products and materials to suit your needs and budget.

A Professional Installation

If you don’t feel confident enough to create your own outdoor living space, Marshalls recommend you employ the services of a professional contractor, ideally a member of Marshalls’ Register of Approved Contractors and Installers. Since its launch three years ago, the Register, an established network of skilled and reputable contractors who have undergone strict vetting procedures, has gained enormous respect within the industry and is growing all the time, as more and more homeowners choose Approved Contractors to transform their gardens and driveways.

Significantly, all Register members are able to provide homeowners with a unique, insurance-backed, 10-year guarantee, covering both the product and the workmanship for the full period. In light of research from the Trading Standards Institute (TSI) which found that as many as 2.4 million people have had problems with people passing themselves off as tradesmen over the last two years, the Marshalls’ Register offers customers’ total peace of mind.

For further information visit http://home.marshalls.co.uk

'Lifestyle: Garden Designs for your Lifestyle'

Exotic gardens, Designer gardens, Rustic gardens – a unique idea for everyone’s taste. All featured in ‘Lifescapes: Garden Designs for your Lifestyle’, the new book by Sven Wombwell, TV’s youngest gardener. This inspirational book will give you advice and ideas so you too can create your dream garden that you’ll enjoy relaxing in for many years to come.

Gardens are becoming a more essential part of our home life, and Sven Wombwell suggests many ways in which to help us make the most of every garden, whatever shape, size or style. Make your own choices from the many proposed ideas in this book, and you’ll end up with your own unique garden to reflect your personal lifestyle.

To find out more information, visit http://www.futurelifescapes.co.uk/

Or click here to buy this book online, priced £10.00 (plus p&p).