When planning landscape design it is easy to think solely in two dimensions. However, you could be limiting the options available to you for your landscaping project. Whilst paving patterns, colour and texture are two dimensional considerations there are a range of three dimensional options to consider. These include garden walling, steps, seats, ponds, planters and more. Many provide a practical use within a landscape while others provide interesting focal points within a design.

In recent years, gardens have become considered more as an outdoor room in which relaxing, eating and playing have become commonplace. As a result, it is no surprise that a landscaped garden and, or driveway can add significant value to your home and to achieve a successful, sought after landscape design the planning process should not be rushed.

The majority of garden landscape designs generally require a patio and possibly a pathway but that doesn’t mean that the rest of the garden should be left as it is. It can be wise to split a landscape into different areas in order to meet the needs of different family members. This can provide practical functions for different areas and allow you and your family to get the most out of your garden.

You may find it desirable to plan the children’s play area at one end of the garden with the area for your relaxation at the other to keep noise and disruption to a minimum. Also, planning a play area away from shrubbery, in a place where trampling is not an issue, could be a worthwhile consideration.

To make the sectioning of your garden landscaping design a reality, use garden walling or balustrades. This can turn any gradient within your garden into regulated levels. With a wide range of walling styles and patterns available either matching or contrasting with your garden paving stone will not be an issue. Also, there are a large variety of shaped copings and pillar caps to provide the perfect finish to your design.

Steps will almost certainly be used in a multi level garden environment. Think about how the laying pattern you have used for the paving area will translate onto the steps and upper level. It is even worth considering drawing attention to the step by including a ‘split’ feature such as a circle or square paving kit across the different levels – this also acts as a safety feature drawing attention to the fact that the ground level changes.

Alternatively, low planter beds can provide a pleasant ‘blurring of the edges’ when it comes to dividing space with the plants and foliage creating a natural screen. They can provide an extremely low maintenance form of gardening by containing the planting in manageable areas. As a solution for the less active, or disabled, raised flower beds can offer distinct benefits.

But any raised bed needs to be effectively contained yet attractive. Clearance Paving provides various walling solutions from richly textured walling blocks and copings to imitation log sleepers that will allow consumers to quickly build beautiful walls and simple raised planters with ease. Many drystone walling effect products have false joints that make construction quick and easy yet provide an authentic, attractive rustic stone effect.

Entertaining in the garden of evening means lighting will often be required.  It can be used to separate areas of the garden or guide people to them. When integrated into hard landscaping it provides an effective way of achieving this without creating obstacles. Glo-lights cast a soft and atmospheric glow that is effective yet easy on the eye.  Easy to install, they are safe and practical flush fitting lights that give a subdued radiance to driveways, paths, patios and steps.

The use of aggregates and cobbles can also provide means of adding colour and form to the garden. Whether used to co-ordinate or contrast a scene with rockeries or paths, or for simple decoration they provide practical, long lasting and low maintenance products in a variety of colours, sizes and textures.

As the public becomes more architecturally and design focussed in the pursuit of aesthetically pleasing and functional gardens with low maintenance thinking in 3D will become much more common place.