construction
The relationship of timber with garden construction is by far the most natural. Wood is a warm material, pleasing to the touch and eye. It is easy to work with, and equally suitable for bold, strong structures such as Pergolas and more detailed work such as Furniture, Trellis and of course Decking. Decking does provide an ideal solution to some common garden problems. A sloping site is a great challenge, but where different levels are required decking provides an economical solution.
Hard landscaping in Stone or paving provides the bones of the garden. It's the formal composition which supports the planting and the grass. It's our primary outdoor living space and often required so we can come and go from our homes. It can be the first thing our guests see and requires thought and application.
Boundaries require Fences, Walls or Screens which give definition to the garden, providing privacy and security. A hedge can either be formal or informal, and this may depend on your neighbour! A fence will often provide the backdrop for your planting and can range from the very rustic to the most contemporary of styles. The investment of a wall can add so much character and texture. Whether it is retaining or a boundary, made of Brick, Sleepers or Stone, the strong vertical lines are always a bold and worth while choice.
Ben's training and experience means that we specialise in the design and the construction of full scale landscape projects. But perhaps all that is required is a well considered Driveway, a Patio or Pergola. Or perhaps just a garden or Wall but always designed with flare and care to work within a particular home.
design
The initial concept, the practical requirement, these are what first inspire the design. The organisation of the hard landscaping, plants, grass and other decorative features will form the character of your outdoor space. When studying for his Diploma in Graphic Design there was the realisation that Ben found most of his inspiration within garden architecture. We provide a full Consultancy and Garden Design service where Ben will see the process through personally.
We can work together from your plans, initiate your ideas or embellish an idea to create the solution. But perhaps you have a fresh canvas and require the inspiration. That is where urban&rural can provide a total design service from concept to scale design. We will provide planting plans and always endeavour to be imaginative, exciting and unexpected in the garden architecture. We want your garden to be bespoke and personal.
makeovers
Not every garden needs to be re-designed. There may well be a lovely garden hidden beneath. Your outdoor space may just need claiming back from nature with a tidy up, some fresh turf and definition restored. Ben offers a Makeover service at urban&rural which is tailored to your requirements.
planting
Surely the most important part of the garden. The plants soften all the edges and provide the colour and movement and change throughout the year. Depending on what your requirements are, Ben will use his horticultural background to suggest a planting scheme for the small urban courtyard to the larger rural garden. We can provide and install full scale planting plans for you.
In today's world we do not all have the time to care for our gardens, but are reluctant to hand over that responsibility. So the low maintenance garden is often discussed. Perhaps keep the planting to pots and containers or keep your borders simple with evergreen shrubs, urban&rural will take time and consider the best solution for your environment.
details
Perhaps it is the small additions that are the unsung hero of the garden. Whether that be a striking planter, a well placed ornament or just some furniture, these details can be important to us. They punctuate the garden adding that focal point. Simply introducing a brightly coloured pot can bring some sunshine to a north facing courtyard for instance. An entrance to the house can often benefit from the definition of some planted pots and there should always be a spot in the garden you can sit and relax.
Ben will consider at the design stage details that will compliment the landscaping and urban&rural can recommend and supply Pots, Containers, Furniture and Features for your garden. Outdoor living is increasingly popular now a days, despite our weather. A conspicuous Pizza Oven is a wonderful addition to the terrace, or a Sail to provide either temporary or permanent shade. Great details for the more contemporary thinking family.
commercial
We have also worked with a number of commercial clients so are able to offer advice and guidance on a range of solutions for the space surrounding a business premises. Whether it’s a new car park or creating a contemporary outdoor space for employees and customers, we work with our commercial customers to create the best of their outdoor space. We've worked closely with housing developers and bring experience and good health and safety practice of new build environments.