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Good resources for learning about garden design?

vijaymahajan370vijaymahajan370 Posts: 1
in Garden design

(Websites or free ebooks preferred over videos, paid ebooks, physical books)

I want to basically learn Garden Design 101, how to think about and plan out the elements of the landscape in a visually pleasing way That works for our climate. Just bought a house and I’d ultimately like to tear out most of our lawn, but I don’t want to mess up our curb appeal. Any suggestions?







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Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 16,526
    When you say "our climate", where are you? The climate in Aberdeen is somewhat different to Cornwall.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,286

    Before the literati of the forum get involved, Vijay, I think it'll help if you disclose where you're located in terms of area, what sort of space you've got available, and whether you want to concentrate on flowers, veg, or some of each.  You may also be unaware that, to occupy many happy hours in your armchair whilst not glued to a screen, the average charity shop will almost certainly provide a good selection of books for next to no expense, as will the local library when it sells off stock that has been superceded by newer editions.

    Having said all that, there's no right or wrong to a garden.  You may be given advice on plants that won't grow in the same soil, or in a particular part of the garden, but it'll be best if you decide what you like to give others something to work on?

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,353
    Looking at other peoples' gardens is a good start. Take a walk round your neighbourhood and others nearby, and visit any public gardens that are open in your area.
    Find out which ones you enjoy and how/why they work, and think about what kind of garden would suit you and your needs. How much time and money will you have or want to spend on the garden and what will you need or want to have in it, from practical things (bins, washing lines, play areas etc) to garden features like sitting areas, pond, birdtable and so on.
    No course can do these things for you, but when you have done them you will be in a better position to profit from a course and may even find you don't need one as you have ideas of your own. There is always free advice on here :)
  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,120
    The RHS Encyclopaedia of Garden Design would be useful. There are lots of second hand copies here for under a tenner

    https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?sts=t&cm_sp=SearchF-_-home-_-Results&an=&tn=RHS+encyclopaedia+of+garden+design&kn=&isbn=
    Rutland, England
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,735
    Alan Titchmarsh Garden Design book in his How to Garden series is very accessible, covers all the basics, and is inexpensive. 
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • BenCottoBenCotto Posts: 4,120
    The Titchmarsh book can be bought for £2.74 on eBay inclusive of postage.
    Rutland, England
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,143
    An answer to @fidgetbones' question is needed for any advice to be appropriate. 
    I've no idea what Garden Design 101 is, for instance.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • chickychicky Posts: 10,322
    A good tip I was given is to take some photos of your current layout and overlay them with tracing paper, on which you sketch your ideas for the space.  It helps you get an idea of what things will look like before you start digging. 
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 82,735
    Hmmm 🤔 G*rden Design 101 is a website ... hope the OP isn’t just plugging it ...
    “I am not lost, for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost.” Winnie the Pooh







  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 50,143
    I did wonder @Dovefromabove....  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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