Today is a good day to remember the garden design lesson that form follows function.
This is very present to me today after visiting a client who brought me in to consult on a project after he’d hired someone to build rock walls, patios & do some tiling. And after he’d bought all the materials to do the job.
I went by today & a tall drystack retaining wall had been constructed. It was shimmed from the front, rocks were wobbling, there were many vertical seams, and it bowed in the middle. I recommended most of it be torn out & rebuilt correctly. That isn’t something anyone wants to hear!
As well, we got out some landscaping paint and began designating where the new patio would go. This client had already purchased a cut stone patio kit to install. My concern, which is his now too, is that the patio is going to be too small for the function it is going to be asked to perform. We’re working on options to expand the patio, but a couple of hindsight is 20/20 lessons can be something you learn from before you start your project:
- DIY techniques are great, but sometimes hiring a consultant before you start will save you loads of agony and money in the long run
- Before you buy, know what you’re building. Really know what you’re building. Paint out the area for patios or drag a hose around the perimeter or anything to define your spaces.  Be sure your furniture will work in the space. Be sure the shape is right for view, privacy.
- Be patient. If you’re building a garden space, it will take lots of time and money. So, you want to do it right the first time, even if that first effort seems like it takes a long time!
