It has been a good summer for relaxing around the pool, the occasional walk around the garden and thinking of things that could be done in the fall.

The garden is an evolving entity with different perspectives from every angle. It is only natural to see change as a function of a landscape and to visualize the finished product until the next time change is deemed appropriate. As the landscape is in 'full throttle' during this time of year the overall layout and perspective becomes more obvious than in the winter months, therefore a clearer vision of what could be changed or is growing too large or is out of place becomes more evident.

The garden is oft referred to as an extension of the house an 'outside' room and as with interior areas things get moved around and changed so the garden should be viewed with a similar perspective; not necessarily major changes but nevertheless changes to fit one's changing lifestyle or a more functional design layout.

I have recently been involved in projects that have required such an approach, especially older gardens where material has grown out of control owing to little if any maintenance over the years. It is apparent that many gardens having been developed then deteriorate simply by poor maintenance and a combination of poor design and maintenance. Of course changing the design layout can add more interest to the garden especially when additions or changes have been made to the house, or adding more recreational space; play areas etc all add new dimensions for outdoor 'living'.

As in life generally - excuse the pun - certain plants grow on you more than others i.e. specific plants are given preferential treatment to the detriment of surrounding areas, with the result they outgrow their space by becoming too big for the area in general. Growth association is important to accept in the long term life cycle of the garden, so plant spacing in conjunction with regular pruning together allow plants to mature as they grow side by side.

Planting too close to boundaries or buildings can also have adverse effects on 'maturity' with the result being heavy pruning by necessity that can well ruin the shape of a tree. Poor selection can lead to disappoint with the finished look of a plant when a determination should be made to relocate or discard, but the decision should be based on the plants assets or otherwise.

Hard landscaping features that once were functional can with time become outdated and non-functional. Considering installing a swimming pool, consider questions that will impact on its use e.g. Where is it to be located that will cause the least amount of disruption to the surrounding areas; what is the best surface to use and should it have a wall or fence, accessibility to kitchen, etc are all important points that can determine success or otherwise?

Footpaths are a good example of being an outdated design concept when invariably the original location is no longer the best route from A to B or is not wide enough to allow two people to walk side by side; the question to be considered what will suffice for the foreseeable future. Car/bike parking or reversing areas have changed and bays need increasing or enlarging; patio could be enlarged to be more functional and BBQ area is not as functional as it could have been.

Creating new features in the landscape not only increases the aesthetic value but oft changes the ambiance of the garden. Adding a gazebo as a focal point or simply adding ornamental containers or amphora within the flower beds adds a new dimension to the garden. Garden furniture located in areas where they are functional expands the activity areas especially when in a large garden, chairs and a table in a woodland setting offers tranquility, or when placed near the foreshore a quiet place to observe horizons or whale watching in season.

Statuary in its many forms becomes an interest that when used to highlight an area and its surroundings can make a bold statement and a point of discussion when entertaining. Lighting is an element that can unfortunately when misused counter the effects of what 'could have been', but when used correctly creates a wonderful ambience that can pin point statuary or focal points, create a gentle washing effect across the façade of the house, create up or down lighting to focus attention and softly illuminate a patio or deck.

Maintenance is dictated by the design of the garden and this can be labour intensive or low labour contingent on the design so change can be brought about simply by tweaking the layout to the point labour is reduced, which then allows more time to be spent in relaxing and admiring the fruits of ones labours!

MALCOLM D GRIFFITHS.

griffm@northrock.bm