Lifestyle GROUNDS & GARDENS
Come
outside GRAEmE mAnn
argues the case for better use of outdoor space
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LAST YEAR, The Guardian
newspaper raised the question of whether or not British gardens were stuck in the past? Perhaps the same could be asked about the landscaping of communal outdoor areas around many flats and estate blocks around the country. Many developers are already aware of the wishes of flat owners to enjoy more green space. In response they are adding larger landscaped areas to their developments in order to create inviting and liveable ‘outdoor rooms’. So the biggest challenge is not new build but existing blocks. Flat owners are often keen to find a way to update the communal areas around the many estates built over the last 20 - 40 years to reflect the needs and aspirations of residents, without breaking the bank . However, there is a fine line to tread in order to get the right balance between cost, functionality, health and safety and on-going maintenance.
Strategic planning While most Residents Management Companies (RMCs) will have a schedule of on-going improvements these tend to be reactive, addressing the short term needs and requirements of the tenants. I would question how many RMCs have a longer term strategic view and plan for the future needs of the landscaping around their block. On-going grounds maintenance may stop communal green space from sliding into neglect but without longer term planning how can residents be sure that it will continue to fulfil its amenity potential? In the past, commercial landscape designs were geared towards combining structure, security, a long season of ground cover and
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- if you were lucky - colour. There wasn’t a requirement to consider conservation/habitat management and increasing biodiversity, protecting species and their habitats, environmental management or sustainability. Today’s designers recognise that a good, well thought out garden can be a great asset to be enjoyed by residents. Each site should be bespoke and address the needs of both current and future tenants. A good design and well maintained communal outdoor space will encourage tenants to be proud of their space and will have an impact not only on the well being of the residents but may also be advantageous in letting or selling properties. Good curb appeal is all part of the selling strategy and encourages residents to want to respect the landscaping and form good communities. The new wave of naturalistic planting which has come from mainland Europe, has done away with the tired leggy shrubbery found in a lot of older developments. Neglected and looking grim for most of the year, these areas can quickly become dumping grounds for litter and at night can be quite frightening for residents returning home as you cannot see through the dense dark foliage. Far preferable is to open up the spaces, letting in more light and encouraging wildlife. Providing well-lit seating areas around scented plants and using plants vertically adds interest and many new projects include living walls in their design.
Making changes So what should you
take into consideration if you are planning to make some changes to the green space around your block? Commercial garden maintenance is a skilled occupation and your service
provider should be able to give advice on what changes and improvements can be achieved dependant on your budget. If your project area is large, complex and needs design on a master-planning scale, a landscape architect may be required to coordinate all aspects of the process from the site survey through to the contractors building the finished project and will deal with planning issues, designations, landscape assessments and even a consultation process if necessary. For small to medium sized projects, consider engaging the services of a garden
A landscape architect may be required to coordinate all aspects of the process designer. Such companies may have their own in-house team or work closely with a number of recommended designers. Together they can capture the requirements and aspirations for your outdoor space and turn these into workable and costed solutions. They will consider the soil type, the drainage, the angle of the sun, the season during which the plants will flower, the design, style, cost, quantities and quality of the finished area. Even small changes can make a big impact without costing the earth.
Grow your own With the added
pleasure and recent resurgence of grow-yourown, there is also the opportunity to get flat owners involved in tending and harvesting Summer 2012
Flat Living
