TOP TIPS FOR LANDSCAPING
Landscaping plays an important role in bringing your self build to final completion – but what should you pay attention to when planning a scheme? Read our guide to find out
Facit Homes (
facithomes.com) designed and built this house to maximise views of the surrounding woodland. The striking garden was masterminded by Area Landscape (
area-la.com)
1Plan ahead
If your goal is to build a house that sits harmoniously within its surroundings, integrating your landscaping plans during the early design stages of your project is a great route to enhancing your scheme’s overall success.
A proposal that takes the wider local environment into account will often be looked upon favourably by planners. This will be valuable when building in areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), where supporting biodiversity could improve your project’s chance of obtaining consent. You’ll also benefit from a well-conceived outdoor space once you live in the house – which is great if you’re installing a large picture window or a set of glazed doors to frame a prized view.
2 Employ professionals
While it is feasible to plan your new garden DIY, if you want a result that will quickly match the quality of your finished home, consider allocating some of your budget to professional design. Bear in mind that anyone can call themselves a garden designer, so it’s wise to ask around for local recommendations. You can also consult a professional body such as the Society of Garden Designers (sgd.org.uk). Most will offer a range of services, from a consultation or simple planting scheme to a full design and build service. They should always make an initial visit to your site to discuss your needs before preparing a masterplan. You can then find someone to build the garden or commission the designer to oversee the entire process.