Landscaping a summer cottage: features and the best creative ideas

Owners of summer cottages want to design their garden areas to make them attractive while maintaining functionality. DIY plot near the house It's not difficult—this doesn't always require a large financial outlay. The key to decorating your property is imagination and a thorough approach.

Landscape styles

Landscape design helps harmoniously integrate all the components of a property. The choice of style and the expected cost are influenced by the architecture of existing buildings and the characteristics of the property. There are several styles of landscaping that are well-thought-out and appeal to summer cottage owners:

• traditional (classical or regular) style;
• landscape, otherwise – English;
• Mediterranean;
• ethno, otherwise known as village.

Each style has its own unique characteristics. In the case of traditional landscaping, symmetry and orderliness of form and line are its foundation. In a classically styled garden, paths are straight, and tree crowns are given geometric shapes. When designing a formal garden around a dacha, wood, stone, and metal are typically used, as plastic components don't fit the concept.

Landscape style features plenty of neatly trimmed lawns and shrubs, but unlike the classic style, paths are not linear, and ponds are designed to look as natural as possible. English style calls for abundant planting of flowers and other vegetation. The overall appearance of the garden takes on a delicate, refined, and romantic feel.

Ethnic style in home yard design involves planting numerous fruit trees and shrubs. The main decoration is a decorative well, a wicker fence, a wooden gazebo, or animal figurines. Rustic style has many secondary branches, such as country and Provence. In the case of rustic style, the entire property is utilized, leaving no space idle.

The Mediterranean style works well in areas with complex landscapes—elevation changes, irregular topography, and site shape. Characteristic features of this style include hedges, colorful flowerbeds, and sculptural compositions. This style typically includes olive and orange trees, but in temperate climates, these plants are often replaced by conifers.

Features of landscaping

Landscaping a private property involves more than just adding decorative elements (sculptures, flower pots) but also changing the landscape. Furthermore, landscaping the area around a private home also improves its sanitary condition. There are certain recommendations that simplify and enhance the final landscaping process:

1. There are many interesting ideas for improvement and site designHowever, the final concept must be chosen with due consideration for the style of the house and the existing buildings on the property.
2. You shouldn't overdo it with the volume of decorative elements - everything should be in moderation.
3. Stone is a versatile material that can be used to design various elements, such as paths, flower pots, gazebos, and more.
4. When a house is not lived in permanently, one should avoid planting plants that require constant care.
5. It is recommended to separate the recreation area from flower plantings using any type of fencing.

The first step, even before drawing up a landscaping plan, is to conduct a site inspection. This will help determine the planned scope of work and highlight details that were overlooked during other site inspections. However, in the case of landscaping, these details play a significant role. To avoid forgetting anything, it is recommended to take several photos of the site. After the inspection, you can begin drawing up a work plan.

Site improvement plan

Planning is the second most important step in the process after surveying the area. landscaping of a personal plotTo avoid misunderstandings, it's recommended to develop a plan with the participation of all family members, even if they may have different views and preferences. After discussing all the details with your loved ones, you should begin planning the changes:

1. A drawing is made on a sheet of paper, indicating the house and all existing outbuildings. Future features are marked out: a parking space, a vegetable garden, a gazebo, pergolas, arches, benches, ponds, and other elements.
2. Then they move on to specifics: they compile a list of plants they plan to plant for decorative purposes. This will help determine which areas need to be prepared—removing all stones, creating a raised area, or digging a pit.
3. The next step is identifying shaded areas, as some plants prefer shade. Besides identifying plants, identifying shaded areas will help you choose the optimal location for future recreation areas.
4. After the shaded areas, determine the locations where sun-loving crops will grow. This is done taking into account the sun's movement to ensure all plants receive the required amount of light.
5. To avoid difficulties when moving around the area, you need to mark out the locations of paths and trails between the landscaping elements in advance.

Stages of improvement

It's not a good idea to immediately begin installing decorative elements, laying paths, building gazebos, and the like. Preliminary work is essential to avoid a significant number of problems down the road. First, a thorough cleaning of the area is performed, during which all debris and large stones that may be on the ground surface are collected. All collected debris is separated into useful and unnecessary items, which are then removed. Then, the following steps are performed:

1. Utilities—electricity, sewerage, and water—determine the ease of access to the house and property. Utilities also enhance the space during landscaping. If installing sewer lines and a bathroom inside the house is not feasible, consider how to create a beautiful outdoor toilet and shower. Electricity is available virtually everywhere—wiring should be installed to enable lighting to complete and complement the property's design. Water supply is also important if a fountain or artificial pond is desired.
2. Landscaping buildings – when there are no existing structures on the property, the process is simpler. However, if there are sheds, gazebos, a toilet, or a shower, you need to consider how to integrate them seamlessly into the overall design. It may be necessary to demolish them and rebuild them elsewhere.
3. Garden bed layout – if you want to use part of your plot for gardening, you should review plant placement guidelines. To save space, you can find out which crops can be grown on vertical structures (pyramids or trellises).
4. Landscape design - for a well-maintained garden plot, it is necessary to harmoniously place landscape design elements on it (lawns, artificial ponds, gazebos, flower beds, flower gardens, alpine slides, etc.). You can also creatively arrange plants using pergolas.

Artificial reservoirs

If the property is large enough, you can install a swimming pool, a multi-level fountain, or an artificial pond. However, even in small areas, a pond can be created with great desire – its dimensions must be proportionate to the plot. For this purpose, you can bury a bathtub or other container in the ground and decorate it beautifully with stones or other elements. If no container is available, you can line the bottom of the future artificial pond with a thick film.

It's not recommended to place small artificial ponds in direct sunlight, as the water will evaporate quickly and mud will grow. To enhance the pond, you can create a unique floating flowerbed. The structure is made from a plastic container with small holes in the bottom. The inside of the container is lined with geotextile and filled with soil. To keep the floating flowerbed afloat, it is secured with foam.

Standard techniques for landscaping a site

Greening is one of the key components landscape design, which adds a finishing touch. Vegetation allows for a harmonious arrangement of diverse structures, conceals minor imperfections, and adds originality to a garden area. For example, landscaping can be used to decorate not only a garden area but also the walls of outbuildings and residential buildings. Thanks to the diversity of plant species, as well as their differences in necessary growing conditions, it is possible to achieve a unique and distinctive design. Landscaping elements include the following:

• shrubs, trees;
• flower beds, rock gardens, flower gardens;
• decorative beds (vegetable gardens);
• lawns;
• vertical gardens;
• hedges.

Shrubs, trees, ornamental garden

Shrubs and trees can be used to effectively zone the area and conceal unsightly outbuildings. These landscaping elements also complement recreational areas. In addition to ornamental plants, fruit-bearing ones can also be planted, such as viburnum, currants, apple trees, grapes, and the like.

A decorative garden bed, also known as a vegetable garden, is a unique landscaping element that combines utility and aesthetics. These beds can be of any shape, but the easiest are simple rectangular or square areas with a living (perennial) or wooden border. Both standard and dwarf vegetable crops can be grown in a decorative garden bed.

https://youtu.be/9YQRdrTiCRg

Flower beds and flower gardens

Flower beds are an essential component of any landscape design style. Creating a flower garden or a single flowerbed is possible even in a small backyard. There are no restrictions on the shape, the ornamental flowering plants grown, or other characteristics of flower beds. There are several types of flower beds, and they are classified as follows:

1. Regular flowerbeds are used to grow various plants with a clearly defined flowering period. They are arranged in a pattern.
2. Raised - a frame made of boards, bricks or stones, which is covered with soil and located above the general ground level.
3. Irregular - used for growing different plants that do not bloom at the same time, but throughout the warm season.
4. Carpet plants are planted densely and in a strict order, which serves to imitate the pattern on a carpet.
5. Monoflower beds are used to grow plants of the same species and/or with flowers of the same color.
6. Vertical – climbing and trailing plants are planted with vertical support; a good choice for small garden areas.

Vertical gardening

A modern design option for gardens and homesteads, vertical gardening is a landscape designer's innovative approach to landscaping the area around the home. This decorative option completes the look of the home's surroundings and utilizes available space effectively, as every centimeter is precious in small areas. Vertical gardening requires the construction of additional structures to provide a framework and support for the plants. The following structures are used for vertical gardening:

• arch;
• pergola;
• trellis;
• obelisk or support for plants.

An arch is a solution that zonates a site and smooths the transition from one area to another. If the space is large, three or more successive arches can be used to form a corridor entwined with ornamental flowering, evergreen, or fruiting plants. To smooth the transition, a unique feature—a fountain, sculpture, or plant—can be placed at the exit of the arched corridor. However, a single arch should not be placed off a path or in the middle of a lawn—it should lead somewhere or accentuate a unique landscape feature. A standard arch is 2.2 m high, 1.2 m wide, and has a side thickness of 0.5 m.

A pergola is a structure designed to support grapevines. It consists of several rows of columns supporting a latticework structure. A pergola can be used for any climbing plant and can be positioned over paths, used as a screen, or used as a sunshade. It can also serve as a canopy over a porch or as a roof for a gazebo.

A trellis is a lattice structure with a strong frame and thin internal slats. Unlike pergolas, trellises are fixed vertically. This structure can be attached to the walls of buildings, pergolas, or used as a stand-alone landscape design element. Obelisk-like supports are made in a variety of shapes, most often geometric. Obelisks are suitable for growing climbing plants and can be positioned vertically or at an angle.

Hedges and fences

Fencing not only protects a property from prying eyes but also serves as a way to demarcate a space while simultaneously adding beauty. When choosing a fencing style, it's important to consider many factors, the most important, but not the most important, being the fence's intended purpose. Other nuances to consider when choosing a fence or hedge style include:

• budget;
• parameters of the local area;
• the place where the house is located – city or suburb;
• stylistic design of the house and plot;
• relations with neighbors.

The above factors also determine the required material. Fences and hedges can be constructed not only from boards or brick, but also from metal, PVC, corrugated metal, or, instead of an artificial structure, from a living fence. A hedge, a beautifully trimmed plant, is an interesting option, a common but not trivial technique among landscape designers. It allows you to not only preserve the original purpose but also add additional greenery to the area.

Paths and tracks

Harmoniously placed paths in a garden can be as beautifying as lawns or vertical gardens. The key qualities for path design are convenience, aesthetics, and safety. Various layout techniques are used for landscaping, including straight sidewalks or paths that mimic natural features.

When selecting a material for paths, consider the overall structural characteristics of the proposed surfaces and the terrain. Certain path surfaces are only suitable for limited loads—gravel tends to disintegrate under pressure, while plastic bends and breaks. Common types of paths for private property include:

1. Stone is a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting material that, when properly processed, is easy to lay on the ground. It is available as prefabricated tiles, natural flat stone, and untreated shell rock.
2. Plastic – this material is used to make garden tiles that are resistant to moisture and rot. A wide range of colors and shapes are available, but they suffer from fading in the sun and low mechanical strength.
3. Concrete garden tiles are a common material for landscaping sidewalks and parking lots. They come in a wide variety of shapes. The downside is that they don't last very long—they tend to crumble.
4. Gravel is a less expensive and easy-to-install material. Its appearance makes it suitable for various types of natural landscaping. It's easy to install, but it tends to crumble under point loads.

The least labor-intensive of the suggested garden path surfaces is gravel. It is also used as a base for stone or concrete pavers. Before beginning the work, it is recommended to mark the curves and clear the surface of vegetation and significant uneven areas. Treating the soil with a plant repellent is also acceptable, as this will prevent weeds from growing through the pavers.

Using hedges

Hedges are a good way to demarcate space. They are grown in various heights, up to 2 meters. Low varieties, up to 50 cm, are often called green borders. Such a fence allows you to protect specific areas from wind, dust, prying eyes, and noise. Depending on the type of hedge planted, different design techniques are used:

1. Ornamental shrubs are planted densely and grown to the required height.
2. Fruit-bearing shrubs do not look as elegant as ornamental ones, but they can add a natural touch to the area.
3. Trees are rarely grown as fences, as there are difficulties with their formation.

When selecting vegetation for a hedge, it's important to consider the overall objectives. When you need to completely isolate a section of the area from outside influences, it's best to use tall, dense shrubs—such a wall can be up to 1 meter thick. When pursuing decorative purposes, you can consider plants that suit your taste, for example, those with beautiful flowers or unusual structures.

Closet design

This type of structure isn't considered a popular addition to a property, and owners often hide it in the farthest corner. However, unlike a gazebo, this space is regularly visited, including by guests. This factor indicates the need for decoration. Depending on the type of structure, various design options can be considered. The following methods are suitable for decorating a classic wooden closet:

• intertwining with climbing plants;
• arrangement of garden figurines;
• painting in bright colors;
• applique decoration;
• hanging flowerpots on the walls.

If the toilet building is more substantial, other design options can be explored. Examples include incorporating vernacular elements, placing trellises along the walls, decorative plaster, or natural stone cladding. Often, the toilet is simply whitewashed on the outside, complementing the design with unusual elements near the doorway or playful signs.

Lighting

Lighting in the outdoor area improves navigation in the dark and ensures safe movement. Depending on the type of lighting, various effects can be achieved, from simple illumination to a romantic or formal atmosphere. Key areas for light sources include the porch, paths leading outside, and access to utility buildings (toilet, bathhouse, gazebo). Common types of lighting:

1. Fluorescent lamps are gas-based lamps that produce a bright glow. Depending on the type, they emit either cool or warm light.
2. Solar-powered lamps are an autonomous lighting option that reduces costs and allows you to illuminate the necessary areas.
3. LED lights are considered a bright, energy-saving type. These lamps require power but illuminate large areas with low power consumption.

Proper lighting of the property also requires installing a sufficient number of sources around the property. They are positioned so that even the most remote corners of the property are visible at night, even with dim lighting. The driveway outside the property is also added to the necessary lighting areas, ensuring visibility of the gates and any unauthorized visitors for safety.

Recreation and play area

By its very nature, a private home or dacha is associated with outdoor recreation. Therefore, spaces designed for entertainment and socializing are a necessary element of the property. Based on the size of the plot, available resources, and the desired functional areas, a wide range of options are developed, including:

• gazebo;
• terrace;
• bathhouse;
• barbecue;
• pool;
• swing;
• children's area;
• sports ground.

On a large property, it's possible to arrange each element separately, taking into account accessibility and necessity. For smaller spaces, combining different zones into one is recommended, for example, a gazebo-terrace with access to a barbecue. This area allows guests to sit at a table near the house and cook over charcoal without separating from the group.

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Original ideas

To design a private house plot or a country cottage, it is not necessary to use ready-made design examples. original ideas, which are recomposed and reworked to suit a personal vision. A common example is the use of climbing plants to decorate vertical surfaces such as walls, artificial hedges, or doorways. To create a unique and personalized design, you can use rare plant species and original arrangements.

Designers often recommend using the idea of ​​a living gazebo as a unique element. This option is unique, as it can't be copied exactly, and the atmosphere of a living space sets a person's best mood, brings inspiration, and promotes relaxation. To create such a unique structure on a site, use the following procedure:

1. A well-lit location with additional free space is chosen on the site.
2. Tree seedlings are selected from flexible varieties – birch, viburnum, maple, linden, willow and others.
3. After marking out the shape of the gazebo, trees are planted at points on the outline with a distance of 1 m between them.
4. Additional support posts are placed between the seedlings along the contour and the branches of the plants are attached to them.
5. When the trees reach a height of 2-2.5 m, the roof frame is woven from the top branches.

The branches that form the walls and roof are intertwined in various ways. For example, willow is woven into complex multi-strand braids or created into unique mesh-like weaves. Lighting is suspended from the ceiling, but temporary—simply weave a hook into it. For additional decoration, planters with a variety of flowers are used, or a flowerbed with shade-loving flowers is created under the outer wall.