 A harmonious and flowing garden design is an essential element in transforming one's outdoor space into an oasis of tranquility and beauty. At Penwarne Landscaping, we are committed to empowering people through simple garden design principles that improve the aesthetic appeal and functionality of their gardens.
With years of experience in the industry, we recognize the importance of creating a balance between hardscape elements and softscape elements in garden design. Integrating elements such as patios, decks, walkways, and water features can add structure and organization to a garden while providing a focal point for its design. Incorporating plants, trees, and shrubbery in garden design adds color, texture, and depth. Native plant species are always a preferred option as they thrive in their natural environment and require less maintenance. Additionally, planting perennials that bloom during different seasons ensures continuous color throughout the year. We believe that good garden design should consider the garden's exposure to sunlight, soil type, and water drainage. Understanding these factors helps us to make informed decisions regarding plant and hardscape placement. As a sustainable landscape design company, we encourage our clients to incorporate eco-friendly practices in their gardens. Water conservation practices, such as rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation systems, prevent water wastage while reducing water bills. Additionally, using organic fertilizers and pest control methods promote biodiversity and protects the environment. At Penwarne Landscaping, we pride ourselves in providing personalized garden design services tailored to our clients' needs and preferences. Our team of expert garden designers is always available to offer advice and guidance on garden design, installation, and maintenance. In conclusion, implementing harmonious and flowing garden design principles can transform any outdoor space into an inviting oasis of tranquility and beauty. By integrating hardscape and softscape elements, considering the garden's sun exposure, soil type, and water drainage, and incorporating eco-friendly practices, we can create a sustainable and vibrant garden environment that re-connects you with nature.
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 “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them” A.A. Milne. I’m all for letting things be in the garden. Wherever possible, if it will benefit wildlife and do no harm to family, pets, or the things I’ve intended to grow, I’ll resist disturbance and let Mother Nature guide me. Minimum mowing, never before the spring bulbs have finished doing their thing, leaving Dandelions to feed the bees (and occasionally me), I choose to accept the gifts that appear in my garden. Should a mysterious newcomer appear I’ll let them show me who they are before deciding if they need to be consigned to the compost heap or the brown bin of oblivion. Many plants that are considered weeds are just plants out of sync with our idea of the garden. If we dig a little deeper we can find that that funny looking thing that bursts unbidden out of the lawn or brings unexpected colour from between the pavers may be a blessing in disguise. Wild Violets I recently introduced a little mate of mine to some wild violets that had sprung up in a patch in the front garden. I offered him a flower to try as he is interested in wild food. He swiftly helped himself to several more flowers. It’s a joy to share my small amount of knowledge with someone so keen to learn. Wild violet leaves and flowers can be used raw in salads. They have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are rich in calcium, magnesium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They have been used historically to boost the immune system and brewed as tea to treat colds and respiratory infections. They were also popular with the Victorians as a symbol of modesty and faithfulness. The root and seeds should not be consumed as they may cause nausea. Violets are fairly distinctive but leaves should only be taken from flowering plants so as not to confuse them with Lesser Celandine which thrives in similar environments and is toxic. Wild Violets have a heart shaped leaf with a frilled edge. Lesser Celandine have yellow flowers and a heart shaped leaf. Primroses Symbol of youth, renewal and optimism. I've learned something too. My little mate shared Primrose flowers with me. I had no idea that they too were an edible plant. The flowers are sweet scented and delicately flavoured, the leaves are spicy and taste slightly of anise. Containing Vitamin C and minerals they make another valuable and surprisingly good addition to a spring salad. The flowers can also be used in jams and desserts. Primroses have historically been used to soothe the skin and are still used in skincare lotions and potions to this day. The flowers and leaves of Primroses can be prepared as a tea to relieve insomnia, anxiety and headaches. The roots can be used to treat a variety of ailments from coughs to rheumatism and arthritis. Cleavers Also known as Sticky Weed, Goose Grass and Bedstraw. I first became aware of this plant's beneficial properties when I noticed my wise old dog was selectively searching for and eating it. This prompted me to find out more about the plant I knew as Stickyweed. Fun to stick on the clothes of the unwary and good for you too! Cleavers enhance the function of the lymphatic system when taken as a tea. They are rich in Vitamin C, act as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and reduce congestion and swelling. Historically they have been used as a slimming aid (not by me!). The seeds can be dried, roasted and ground to be used as a coffee substitute. The next time something unexpected pops up in the garden, have a good look at it. There are many plant identification apps that can help identify the newcomer for you, if you can’t get on with apps, ask a bright kid who goes to forest school. You may have won the free food lottery or have been gifted a remedy for what ails you by Mother Nature.   A living wall is a vertically built structure intentionally covered with vegetation, it is also referred to as a green wall and for good reason. Not only does a vertical garden on an otherwise blank wall look extremely attractive, but there are huge environmental and sustainable advantages to be had too. With the addition of a green wall on a property, private or commercial, the heating and cooling bills can be reduced; it adds thermal benefits to a building, being the most natural form of cladding and aids in reducing urban temperature as well as pollution.
A green wall is an excellent noise insulator, reputedly to absorb over 40% more sound than a conventional building facade, ensuring a quieter environment at home or the office. A sense of well being is created, a positive effect on how the people feel, spirits are lifted, increased happiness and improved mental health, these are all benefits from vertical gardening. There are living wall modular systems that are available in a kit form to suit the vertical space available and budget. A drip irrigation system should be installed that will be connected to the mains water supply. It is an excellent opportunity to enhance biodiversity by increasing more plant life into an area, other than at ground level only. The chosen plants can be ones that are attractive to bees and specific habitat boxes can be incorporated within the structure that will provide refuge for a number of species such as butterflies, ladybirds and lacewings. A vertical garden can bring nature to an urban environment and whilst doing so improving the health of the people. With regards to plant selection, this depends on the aspect of the wall and the local climate unique to the area. There are, however, a huge variety of plants that can be used from annuals, perennials, succulents and even edibles. Spring is a good time to plant as the young plants will establish and grow together and it is important to have a year round interest, thus, incorporate plants with shape, form and colour of foliage as well as flowers. There are immense benefits to be had from a living wall, if space is limited at ground level, then why not consider growing vertically? It will be greatly appreciated by the people that use the building, people that are passing by and the biodiversity it creates will be appreciated too by nature. |
Welcome!Here at Penwarne Landscaping we are all passionate about gardens, and believe that outdoor spaces are just as important as indoor ones! In this blog, we regularly share our expertise along with tips and tricks that you can use to make the most of your garden and home. Archives
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