Original ideas for the improvement and design of a summer cottage
Content
A detailed plan is the key to a successful design
Usually, in the summer cottage, more attention is paid to the house and utility rooms. And on the backyard territory, they are often limited only to a garden, a vegetable garden and sometimes a specially constructed recreation area. In fact, landscaping the area on the site is quite simple, the main thing is to have a detailed plan of action.
In the plan, it is necessary to indicate everything: from the style of the future site and the zonal division schemes to the materials and tools that will be needed. The scheme painted in the smallest detail will help not only save time and effort, but also reduce material costs.
Parcel style
The style of the site is the main detail of the landscape design, with which all other elements and details must be coordinated. Starting from scratch in this matter is much easier, since it is possible to do everything at will from the very beginning. In the case of purchasing a house with an already equipped territory, it is more difficult to act.
Ready-made buildings and landscape design elements require thoughtful actions, so you should not make major changes. It is necessary to take into account the general nature of the design and the peculiarities of the environment. Also, when choosing a landscape style, you should "try on" the house and other buildings to it - they should harmoniously fit into it. Do not mix too different styles, such as folk and high-tech.
Also, when choosing a style, you need to take into account the size of the site and the surrounding landscape. A small plot is much more difficult to work with than a large area. It needs a more scrupulous and detailed approach.
Planning zones
An absolutely "bare" site is rarely found, so on paper you need to draw a diagram of the entire site and mark in detail the buildings, garden, vegetable garden, flower beds, paths, etc. If there are cultivated plants, for example fruit trees, then the site should be planned so as not getting rid of them - growing new ones will take a long time.
After it has been noted everything that is already there, it is necessary to note what is planned. By superimposing one diagram on top of another, it will be possible to determine what needs to be changed and what can be left as is. The standard project of a summer cottage includes:
- recreation area: gazebo, bench, oven, barbecue, etc .;
- playroom: playgrounds for games and entertainment with swings, sandboxes, labyrinths;
- household: all outbuildings (garage, storage room, cellar);
- gardening zone: areas with the most suitable conditions for growing cultivated plants, as much as possible protected from drafts, well lit, with good soil.
Zones can be removed and added at will, based on the capabilities of the territory and the wishes of the owners. The main condition is one - harmony and practicality.
Choosing a hedge
The choice of fencing depends not only on material capabilities. Also, items such as privacy, security, decorativeness, etc. should be taken into account. If the site is located near a forest or you are afraid of an unwanted neighborhood, then it is better to take care of a reliable fence made of durable materials. It is difficult for other materials to compete with a stone or forged fence, and they look great. But the price of such a fence for the entire land plot will be solid.
A fence made of cheaper materials will become less costly: inexpensive popular varieties of wood, plastic, tin, strong mesh.
To fencing the site, you can use compositions with stones.
Arrangement of territories
After developing a detailed diagram, you need to move on to the details. Here it is recommended to familiarize yourself with modern horticultural and building trends, which greatly simplify the tasks of a particular zone and allow you to use the space as efficiently as possible.
Garden layout
On large areas, you can afford to act the old fashioned way and set up a large vegetable garden with separate beds for all crops. But today, thanks to smart beds and greenhouses, you can achieve the same results in a compact area as in a large vegetable garden. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the details of setting up a "smart garden" and the rules of "useful neighborhood" for cultivated plants.
Do not forget about the advantages of greenhouses and greenhouses that allow you to grow plants and get a harvest even in winter.
"Smart" beds - the best option for a summer cottage
Galvanized beds look more interesting
Garden paths
You can't do without paths and paths in the country house, because they guarantee convenient and comfortable access to any place, and can also serve as a kind of zone divider. Garden paths can be made of any material: covered with coarse sand or pebbles, filled with concrete, paved with stones or tiles, as well as wood.
Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, when choosing, you need to proceed from the characteristics of the site: location (proximity or distance from moisture sources, lowland or hill), type of soil, general style of the landscape.
For the decoration of garden paths, you can use a felling of a tree
The combination of small stones and slabs will emphasize the style of the site
Sea pebbles are used to arrange paths in the garden.
Rest zone
Usually, the recreation area is located further from the house, since a barbecue or a gazebo with a barbecue oven is often planned. The best place is a partially shaded lawn in the garden or a place near an artificial or natural reservoir. The main requirement is the convenience of rest (the ability to retire) and safety (it is better to place the source of open fire away from buildings). Also, if possible, you need to choose a place with a beautiful natural view.
The recreation area will become a favorite place for all household members.
A quiet and secluded place is suitable for arranging a recreation area.
For the manufacture of garden furniture, you can use old Euro pallets
The resting place should be supplemented with an open fireplace
Playground
Comfort is an important requirement for the zone, but in this case, first of all, you need to take care of safety.Often, children play in the country without the close supervision of adults, so the playground should be away from the location of the barbecue, stove, reservoirs and other places that can pose a health hazard.
An open, well-visible place, not far from home, is ideal. Better with a safe fence, no holes or high slides.
Video "Useful ideas for giving with your own hands"
In this video, original and interesting options for the decor of the suburban area are presented.
Do-it-yourself gardening and decoration
Landscaping is most often associated with its landscaping. This is a great opportunity to decorate the area to your liking, as well as satisfy your gardening needs if you don't have one.
Landscaping is associated with landscaping
Shrubs and lawns
Previously, ornamental flower shrubs were chosen as an addition to flower beds. However, over time, they adopted an urban trend in which shrubs often play the role of a decorative fence. Also, they began to use not only decorative, but also cultural species, which not only bloom beautifully, but also bear fruit.
Lawn coverings appeared in the vastness of our homeland not so long ago. Previously, they sowed grass, which often had to be mowed and harvested. The appearance of the lawn has greatly simplified this task: it retains a bright green color for a very long time, and grows slowly. But it is more expensive and requires maintenance.
Alpine slide - an interesting option for decorating the local area
Flowering plants are used to decorate arches.
Ornamental shrubs look stylish and interesting
Flower beds
Today, thanks to the Internet, you can find any flower planting scheme to your taste. Flowers with different flowering periods are planted on the flower beds, and this makes them bright and fragrant from early spring to late autumn. The main thing is to find the right place and take care of the fertile soil.
Artificial reservoirs
Arrangement of an artificial reservoir requires not only space, but also material costs. But ponds can decorate the site in any style you choose. And correctly selected green spaces will create the image of an oasis. It can be a stream falling from a small hill or a small decorative pond with fish and water lilies, or it can be a semblance of a natural pool with modern details (lighting, heating).
A garden alcove can be built next to the reservoir
The decorative pond with a bridge looks interesting
An artificial reservoir with decorative elements will decorate the site
BBQ areas
Usually, barbecue ovens or barbecues are placed under a canopy. There are also many options for their location in semi-closed, closed and open gazebos. The main requirement is distance from home and adherence to fire safety techniques. Wooden and stone options look great in a hunting or rustic style.
Usually, barbecue ovens or barbecues are placed under a canopy.
The barbecue area requires additional lighting
Site lighting
Correctly located lighting devices will make the site not only comfortable, but also functional at night. Moreover, it can be both conventional, electrical, and modern, solar-powered devices. Lanterns along paths, flower beds, ponds, gazebo lighting, decorative lamps on lawns in the form of various shapes - you can choose any option that matches the general nature of the garden and living area.
Decorative elements
The chosen style dictates its own conditions, therefore the details must be chosen accordingly. It can be anything - figures, decorative mini-gardens, hammocks.The main thing is to be in harmony with the rest of the design details. You should not add romantic flower arches or wooden log cabins and wells to the hi-tech minimalism, and the strict technique in black and gray is unlikely to add attractiveness to the Mediterranean style or Provence.
Helpful hints and tips
Expert advice will help with the arrangement of a suburban area:
- do not copy a picture blindly seen in a magazine or on the Internet, proceed from the characteristics of your own site and material capabilities;
- do not overuse details and decorative elements, especially in small areas;
- if you do not plan a permanent or frequent stay in the country, plant unpretentious plants in care;
- separate zones, you can use decorative or "green" fences;
- take care not only of beauty, but also of practicality.
You can find many great ideas for landscaping a summer cottage. However, we advise you to soberly assess your capabilities and not start what you cannot finish. Let the decoration be as simple as possible, but complete.