The Structured Approach

Cut down on gardening chores and water usage by replacing plants and lawn with attractive hard landscaping elements

- Lynne Yates And Loren Shirley-Carr

Lack of time is a common complaint, especially when it comes to gardening. The solution is to introduce hard landscaping elements that add to the appeal of your garden, but don’t need much attention. This way, it will look good all year round without too much effort or water. Here are some ideas to consider.

BUILD TERRACES AND STEPS

Slopes are difficult and time consuming to mow. Eliminate them and minimise erosion with levelled terraces connected by steps. “These can be built-in creative ways with garden slabs, stone or timber decking so that they become a feature,” says landscape designer Deidre Causton of Inspirations. Depending on the steepness or the size of your garden, they can be one continuous staircase leading to a destination, or placed intermittently as part of a meandering pathway.

RAISED PLANTERS