Landscape Design Ideas & Tips For Domestic Projects

23 August 2024

Landscape design can transform the look and feel of any garden. Whether you’re looking to landscape with artificial grass, decking or a range of water features, getting started on your landscape design project can be difficult.

This is why our team of landscapers from Outdoor Home Improvements, Landscape Construction Newton Abbot, are here to help with some of our best tips and tricks of the trade.

Resin bound pathway around flower bed

Low-Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

We know that gardening can be time-consuming at Outdoor Home Improvements, we offer a wide range of low-maintenance landscaping ideas. From helping you choose the right plants and shrubbery that require minimal intervention, to installing low-maintenance materials such as composite fencing and composite decking.

As well as offering our gardening services to help you look after your outdoor space, other low-maintenance landscaping ideas include:

  • Removing or reducing the size of your lawn and replacing the space with low maintenance patio or decking
  • Changing flower beds for plant pots
  • Add in pathways with weed membranes to prevent weed growth and move to pebbles, resin or patio pathways

For more information or ideas, see our blog post ‘5 landscaping project ideas for summer’.

Rules Of Landscape Design

When it comes to landscape design, generally speaking, there are no rules, as long as you’re happy with your garden landscaping project and it appeals to your aesthetic preferences, then you’ve done an excellent job.

That being said, there are a few rules and tips that we do recommend to ensure you’re getting the most out of your space:

  • Plan your garden design around the best place to sit, this could be the area that loses the sunlight last
  • Avoid following the fence line, create fun areas and spaces and avoid your garden being a rectangular or square space
  • Optimise your garden space by having items at various heights, ie, raised beds, trees, sunken ponds etc

When it comes to garden landscaping, you can make the rules, if you want to complete When it comes to garden landscaping, you can make the rules, if you want to complete some fake grass landscaping, or work with more natural materials, your space can become your muse and you can create what makes you happy and works for your lifestyle.

Do You Need Planning Permission To Landscape Your Garden?

In most cases, you don’t need planning permission to landscape your domestic garden. However, in some cases, you may need to seek out planning permission or building regulations.

Landscape Design Aspect Does It Need Planning Permission?
Returfing your lawn or installing fake grass Does not need planning permission
Paving your front garden to be used as a driveway? In some cases, this may need planning permission. See our blog post; ‘Do I need planning permission for my driveway’ for more information.
Adding raised flower beds to your garden Does not need planning permission
Adding patios, decking or pathways to your garden Does not need planning permission
Adding a summer house, outhouse or shed to your garden In some cases, this may need planning permission. Depending on the size of your garden and the size and purpose of the building you are installing
Installing a garden pond You will need planning permission if your pond is more than 20 square metre in size or is located within 10 metres of a road or your property boundary
Removing trees or shrubbery from your garden Some trees are protected by tree preservation orders, which means you are unable to prune or fell them without permission
Install fencing, walls, bushes or gates In some cases, this may need planning permission.
Adding outside lights As long as they don’t impact the structure of your building or affect your neighbours, you do not need planning permission

 

Please note that, as  Landscapers in Newton Abbot, we do recommend you speak to a member of our team or your local planning authority before attempting landscaping if you’re unsure if you need planning permission or not.

How Can Our Newton Abbot Landscapers Help You?

Interested in transforming the appearance of your garden? Contact our team of friendly landscapers today. With over 10 years of landscaping experience with a variety of garden designs, sizes, budgets and materials, no matter your idea, we will be able to help. See our past case studies for inspiration.

Or,  get in touch with our team today at sales@outdoorhomeimprovements.co.uk or by calling us on 01626 323525, or visit our showroom in Newton Abbot.

Landscape Design FAQ's

Having an attractive garden can add value to your home, while a poorly maintained garden can detract from your overall house value. This is why, adding low-maintenance landscaping aspects, such as:

As well as having clear and designated sections of your garden, that are easily accessible and manageable with regular pops of colour from flower beds. A well-landscaped garden can help potential buyers see opportunities within the space, helping to increase the value overall.

When it comes to landscaping and landscape design, there are no right or wrong ways to landscape your space. With 100s of ideas and combinations available, landscaping is all about making your outdoor space fit your style and work for your requirements.

For example, if you’ve got a young family, you may want to install artificial grass or turf to create an open space for them to run around in. Surrounded by durable plants and outdoor eating or seating areas. Or, if you’ve got a smaller space to work with, you may want to prioritise creating a relaxing area where you can be surrounded by nature.