Help with Garden design which includes a Flat walk on shed roof MANCHESTER

franksebem

Hi all

Just spent 3 hours browsing the web looking for ideas on what we can do with the triangular area at the side of our house in Manchester. It is nigh on impossible to describe it here because of the triangular shape of the area. To confuse things even further there is a 6 feet drop at the side where we are currently having a brick shed built. The idea is that the Brick shed roof will be used to house plants / herbs etc etc

I did want to enlist the services of a professional garden designer but I notice that some of them charge the earth (No pun intended) when all I require is some plans and ideas. Indeed, my close family are involved in construction so it would make sense for me to carry out the works. 

I know people will say to go and look at other gardens etc but the unique shape and constraints of this garden area makes things a little difficult. Personally, I just don’t have a create brain so it’s ideas and suggestions I mainly need. 

I am away this weekend but I intend to take some photos tomorrow and upload the here to give you guys some ideas of what we have to work with. 

If there is a designer close to M28 reading this please feel free to drop a comment in. 

Basically, we are not trying to create a Chelsea Bling type area. Just an area to utilise the current shape of the area we are working with. It would be even better if we could somehow integrate growing some edible stuff (instead of them clogging up the conservatory shelves). 

franksebem

PS…I don’t expect reply’s instantly. I guess that soon as I upload some diagrams and photos then things will be a lot clearer. 

Fairygirl

Just wait until you can add photos. Make sure they're clear, and show the area with enough definition.
It's fairly pointless until then because no one can visualise what you have, and therefore can't offer any suitable ideas and suggestions 

I doubt if any professional designers will offer much without a fee 

franksebem

Thank you. Totally get what you say. I should have been clearer…I fully expect to pay professionals. I guess their software alone won’t be cheap, let alone the costs they have incurred to become professional. What I should have said is something along the lines of…
I’ll pay for your ideas & knowledge but taking into account the small budget I am working with I fully understand that all I may get is some ideas and suggestions. Apologies if it came over that I expected a professional to give their time for free. 

Fairygirl

I don't think many professional designers use this forum, but what you will get is lots of very good advice for nothing. That means more dosh for your project too 

Many people on the forum have either done some design, or are simply very good at it, so you'll get some good ideas. No need to apologise at all - you certainly didn't come across as expecting a full blown design for nothing   

JennyJ

When you post your pics, tell us which way is North, which areas get sun at which times of day, and a bit more about what you want to use the space for, other than veg growing - sitting area, room for children's play equipment, etc. And is there soil, or is it to be a paved space?

franksebem

Jennyj. Thank you so much for those comments. I didn’t even know these things needed considering. You live and learn! Have to take into account we’ve only been here 7 months so I can’t (knowingly) answer some of those questions. Great that you are willing to assist!!

Fairygirl

For assessing the aspect, just take a look at where the sun rises and sets, so that you can determine North, and that will help for advice @franksebem.
It's  important for choosing planting, because some plants need a lot more sun than others etc. 

JennyJ

As well as which way's North, buildings or trees near the East, South or West sides can cast shade and affect what you'll be able to grow. It's better to take those things into account at the planning stage than to be disappointed later if your plants don't thrive

franksebem

Hi all

I am a little disappointed that I have had to shelve this idea.  You guys put forward some great points which led me to think that I hadn't weighed up the pro's and cons proper.  Better to be safe than sorry...I thank you all for your input.  However...I decided on a hybrid type thingy and I am happy to say that the brick shed and flat roof are finished to a high standard.  The roof is a proper rubber membrane roof sat on huge timbers which in turn are sat on lintels on the brick.  You can literally walk on the roof, which leads me to divert here...Now the shed and roof are finished I am changing course a little.  I want to lay a piece of artificial grass on the flat roof and decorate it with some plants in pots.  therefore, to avoid cinfusing my needs with this post (which is now dead in the water) I will now post another topic requesting ideas on artificial grass and plants etc.  

Thank you to everybody who posted to this topic.  I hope you will be as helpful in my next topic requesting plants etc.