Garden Transformation - Gravel & Planting Areas
Making Better Use of an Unused Garden Area in Merstham
This garden transformation in Merstham focused on turning a large but previously unusable section of the garden into a more practical outdoor space.
The customer had a substantial garden, but the rear section was not being used effectively. The ground needed to be excavated and reshaped before the area could be transformed into something the family could actually enjoy.
The aim was to create a combination of usable outdoor space, planting areas and a practical area for occasional gatherings, while keeping the project within budget.
The Customer's Brief
The rear section of the garden had become an underused area, meaning a significant amount of the available garden space was effectively going to waste.
The customer wanted to make better use of this part of the garden and create several different areas for different purposes.
One of the ideas was to create a play area using bark, along with a separate space where tables and chairs could be placed for occasional bonfire evenings and gatherings.
Keeping the project within budget was also important, so gravel was chosen for the main usable area.
Preparing the Garden
Before the new areas could be created, a substantial amount of excavation work was required.
More than 20 tonnes of material was dug out from the garden to prepare the area for its new layout.
This created a much more practical foundation for dividing the space into different sections and introducing the new landscaping features.
Creating the New Gravel Area
A gravelled area was installed to provide the customer with a practical space for placing tables and chairs when using the garden for occasional gatherings.
Choosing gravel also helped keep the project within the customer's budget while still creating a clearly defined usable area.
Timber edging was used throughout the garden to separate the different sections and create clear boundaries between the gravel and planting areas.
New Planting Areas
The transformation also included two dedicated planting areas.
These were incorporated into the overall layout using timber edging, creating defined spaces for planting while helping to break up the larger garden.
The combination of gravel, planting areas and timber edging gives the space a much clearer structure than it had previously.
Attention to Detail
A key part of this project was making the large garden work as a series of different spaces rather than leaving it as one unused area.
The timber edging creates clear divisions between the gravel and planting areas, while the layout provides distinct spaces for different uses.
This approach allows the customer to make much better use of the available garden without needing to cover the entire area with expensive hard landscaping.
The Finished Result
The previously unusable section of this Merstham garden has been transformed into a much more structured and practical outdoor space.
The new gravel area provides somewhere for tables and chairs, while the dedicated planting areas introduce separate spaces for greenery.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful landscaping and careful planning can make a large garden considerably more usable without necessarily requiring an expensive fully paved design.
Helpful Advice: Making Better Use of a Large Garden
Having a large garden does not necessarily mean that every part of it is being used effectively.
If you have an area that is currently difficult to use, dividing it into different zones can be a practical way to make more of the available space.
Consider:
Creating separate areas for entertaining, relaxing and planting
Using gravel where a practical, budget-conscious surface is required
Introducing timber edging to clearly define different areas
Creating dedicated planting beds rather than spreading planting throughout the garden
Removing unused or difficult areas before introducing a new layout
Planning the project around how you actually want to use the garden
A well-planned garden does not have to use the same material throughout.
Combining different surfaces and planting areas can create a more practical and interesting outdoor space.
FAQs
How can I make an unused part of my garden more practical?
Dividing the area into different zones can help. Depending on your requirements, this could include entertaining areas, planting beds, play spaces or pathways.
Is gravel a good option for garden landscaping?
Gravel can be a practical option for creating defined garden areas, particularly where a customer wants to keep the project within a specific budget.
Can landscaping include dedicated planting areas?
Yes. Planting areas can be incorporated into a wider garden design and separated from other surfaces using suitable edging.
Do you carry out garden transformations in Merstham?
Yes. D Sharp Design & Build carries out garden landscaping and transformation projects in Merstham and surrounding areas, including patios, pathways, fencing, planting areas and other landscaping work.
Request a Free Quotation
If you have an unused or difficult area of your garden that you would like to make better use of, D Sharp Design & Build can help you explore the possibilities.