I Have always thought that the best gardens are those that make people happy and comfortable. Sure, great gardens look good, but they have to feel good too. The gardens that I admire most are relaxing, easy to move through, and not too hard to maintain. Paths and structures must be simple to navigate, while the plants selected must provide interest and serve a function without being bullies or prima donnas. As a landscape architect, I tackle these issues of comfort and utility every day. Here are seven practical tips that have helped me create enjoyable, livable gardens for myself and my clients.
Patios and decks are perfect spaces for outdoor entertaining. Plan for enough room to accommodate dining and mingling. Consider how many guests you’re likely to host regularly, and plan on at least 4 square feet of space per person. Outdoor dining means outdoor furniture, so leave a 3-foot-wide perimeter of open space around any furniture grouping to allow for comfortable circulation.
Be certain that any paving provides stability. Avoid slick surfaces or loosely set pavers that wobble. Paving materials such as polished granite or smooth outdoor tile may not offer enough traction in rainy and wintry climates. Gravel walkways are fine, but be sure to use unsifted gravel. Unsifted gravel contains aggregates of various sizes, which compact firmly and provide a solid footing. Sifted gravel is made up of aggregates of a similar size, which do not compact well and remain loose underfoot. Whatever material you use, make sure your paved surfaces are slightly sloped (1 to 2 percent) to keep water from pooling on them.
Outdoor stairs should ascend gently; otherwise, they are liable to seem daunting. Steps that have a rise of 6 inches or
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