7 Essential Elements for a Modern Garden Design
As we head into spring, it won’t be long until we can enjoy spending time in our gardens again. Now is a good time to take a look at the current state of your home garden. Does it need some maintenance? Does it need a complete upgrade? Contemporary garden designs have taken the interests of homeowners across the nation, particularly with those who have modern homes. So, what makes a garden modern? In this blog article, we will look at 7 essential elements for a modern garden design.
1) Plants & Flowers
What is a garden without plants and flowers? Traditional gardens are home to native plants, however contemporary garden designs incorporate aesthetically-pleasing plants and flowers to add interest. The key of modern gardening is to keep it simple with a focus on flowers such as white perennials and plenty of green foliage including grasses, hostas, yucca and phormium. Shrubs, hedges, trees and lawns should be trimmed regularly to maintain their shape.
2) Turfing
A luscious green and well-kept lawn is essential for any garden. Over the winter, lawns can become damaged by frost, look more yellow in colour and have patches in some areas. If this is the case in your garden, you might want to consider turfing or re-turfing your lawn. Turfing involves removing the existing grass and laying down fresh rolls of pre-sown grass. Once laid, you will instantly have a stunning, luscious green and nutrient-rich lawn. The best time for turfing or re-turfing is during the springtime, as this gives time for new turf grass to develop roots before summer.
3) Pathways & Patios
Stylish garden designs also contain some form of hard landscaping. Incorporating pathways and a patio adds balance to the space by breaking up the soft landscaping and vegetation elements. It also adds interest and makes the space more functional. Pathways allow homeowners and their guests to access one side of their garden to another without having to walk on the grass and cause soil damage. Outdoor living spaces are a popular trend in chic gardens, and a patio is a key element to achieving this. With a patio, homeowners have the option to create an al fresco dining space to host garden parties or a zen space to enjoy their morning coffee and read a book in peace. When choosing materials for pathways or a patio, stick to porcelain and earthy shades of stone and concrete to keep a clean-looking colour palette.
4) Fencing
Another element most gardens have is fencing. Not only does fencing provide security, privacy and increase home value, but it also adds aesthetics. When we look at modern types of fencing, we often look for styles that offer clean lines such as horizontal slatted fencing. Along with fencing, low white or stone garden walls can be used as planters for shrubs and flowers. Low white walls can enhance the colours of surrounding plants and add brightness to the space.
5) Decking
Timber decking is often used as a popular alternative to a concrete or stone patio. By adding a decked area with a few steps, it can create an aesthetically-pleasing and formal entrance to your garden. Traditional decking often has fencing around the border, but you can opt for open decking for a more clean and minimal look. This functional area is also the perfect place to entertain guests. When choosing decking materials, select a colour close to your timber fencing, so both timber elements complement each other.
6) Water Features
Ultra modern garden designs have extra additions such as water features. Having a water feature in your garden has many benefits, plus it looks elegant. Whether that is to enhance a small natural pond or the installation of water blades, you can’t deny the sound of dripping or flowing water is quite soothing and calming. For more information on water features, read our blog on How To Incorporate Water Features In your Landscaping Design.
7) Finishing Touches
With any garden design, it’s all about the finishing touches. These finishing touches are essential to make a garden stand out from similar designs. Some examples of finishing touches include lighting, outdoor kitchens, firepits, pergola, gazebos, or something as simple as an outdoor dining set, a lounge set or a hanging egg chair. Choose finishing touches that will make a great addition to your garden and enhance your existing design.
Want A Modern Home Garden? Contact Abingdon Complete Garden Services Today
Here at Abingdon Complete Garden Services, we pride ourselves on working with our clients on their modern garden and landscaping designs while providing a first-class service. With over 30 years of experience in garden and landscape design, we have upgraded hundreds of home gardens in Abingdon, Radley and nearby areas. To view examples of landscaping work completed by our talented team, visit our gallery. Whether you are looking to re-turf your lawn, install a pergola or a water feature in your garden this spring, there is nothing our team of garden landscapers can’t handle!
Start your spring garden transformation by getting in touch with us. You can speak to our team today via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve the garden of your dreams!