Get your garden summer ready
April 7, 2019by Cormac HanrattyBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingPatio design0
We specialise in supply & fit patios in Dublin & meath call us today for free consultation
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April 7, 2019by Cormac HanrattyBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingPatio design0
We specialise in supply & fit patios in Dublin & meath call us today for free consultation
September 15, 2017by James BullockBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingMaintenanceTree Surgery0
Inspiration for your garden is everywhere. Image sources are everywhere. I suggest looking to Pinterest for inspiration. Tumblr, design websites and blogs are everywhere and will whet your appetite or a garden design or a tree service or a job by an expert tree surgeon. But before choosing the design for your garden I suggest researching the details. For instance, you might fall in love with a stunning garden landscaping.
Video is also a wonderful source of inspiration. YouTube and garden design Dublin blogs are a great source for ideas. The beauty of video is that you can view the ideas in 360 degrees.
The real world. Look around you. Inspiration is all around us. Whether in the city , the suburbs or the countryside. Reality is as good as it gets. You might be walking down the street and see a garden design that piques your interest. It can instantly bring to life an idea you have been mulling over. Seeing how a plant, a space or a design works in conjunction with its immediate surrounding. I find inspiration around me all the time as I visit gardens in Dublin and Meath in my daily life. If I see something I like, I copy it. If I see something I don’t like, I think why it doesn’t work, and how can I make a garden design better.
With real life experience it gives me a good idea of how a garden fits together. For instance, you can get a feel for the dimensions of a seating area or a water feature in conjunction with the rest of the garden. See if it works and flows naturally.
If you are like me, you will have read tonnes of garden maintenance and design ideas. Lists or listicles such as ‘Top Gardening Ideas’ or ‘The Very Best Tree Service’ are everywhere nowadays. While they are good for basic ideas and will answer your garden landscaping questions at a superficial level. They are mostly giving the same answers and tips you will get everywhere else. The real devil is in the detail. And that is why I always like to do my preliminary research online. And then take my research into the real world to iron out the details. For instance, visit your local garden centre. Talk to the experts. Read forums and go to Boards.ie where you will have all your garden landscaping questions answered.
The best tip I can give you is take your time. Garden design is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. A garden doesn’t come to life overnight. It takes time. A garden landscape will grow with you and change over many years. A well thought out garden should be flexible and dynamic. It can changes as much as the clothes on your back or the hair on your head. The most important thing is to enjoy your outdoor space. Whether it’s sipping lemonade in a deckchair or bouncing your grandchild on your lap.
For all tree surgeon, tree service, gardeners dublin, landscape gardeners & landscapers Dublin don’t hesitate to contact us at OakleafLandscaping.ie
September 15, 2017by James BullockBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingMaintenanceTree Surgery1
Looking for inspiration for your garden? It’s as simple as entering a search on the internet. Look for a design style you like. And then choose the visuals you want to see. To help with ideas and inspiration I suggest start by looking at photos and videos online. And then to take your research further by looking at the real world. What’s around you.
The easiest thing is to start with images you like and then look for something similar. Find an image you like on the Google Search Engine and enter a search term like ‘garden design’, ‘tree surgery, or ‘garden design tips’ under the tab ‘Google Images’. You should find a long list of images which will act as a source of inspiration.
This should give you more than enough garden styles and suggestions to get you started.
Narrow down the options to a niche or core style you like. Once the basics are in place, jot down a few things you like about each of them. For example, I like the colours. I like the plants. I like the lines. I like the style. No need to go too detailed. It’s just a rough guideline at this stage. For example, you might like the ‘colour pallete.
Look at your house. The style should not clash with your house. The garden maintenance needs to become an extension of the house. List the colours and the materials inside and outside your house. This will give you an even flow and natural feel. The easiest way is to go with your ceiling and or your floor for inspiration and then continue this look outside.
By now you have a selection of materials, lines, colours and styles.
Next we look at the ideas and activities you are looking to create in our garden. For instance, under the category ‘activities’ you are looking to list the things you would like to do in your garden. These are things you do outside the house such as BBQ, play with the kids, play with your pets or just sit and relax in your hammock.
Features are the items that you look at. Things like your plants, water features, trees, flower beds. These are the visuals that draw you into the garden and should complement the activities that you have listed.
While we are at it, dream BIG! Think about what you would like your garden to look like in 5 or 15 years. A garden is only limited to the extent of your imagination. A pirate ship for the kids or perhaps garden playhouses, kids treehouses and a sunken pond or swimming pool. Really, there is no limit to where you want to go with your garden design.
For all tree surgeon, landscapers Dublin, tree service, gardeners dublin, and landscape gardeners needs don’t hesitate to contact us at OakleafLandscaping.ie
August 7, 2017by Oakleaf LandscapingBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingMaintenanceTree Surgery0
Water features add something special to a garden. They give a garden a focal point and add sound and style. Even a small garden can benefit from a water feature like a decorative bird bath or small waterfall. It doesn’t have to be anything too big or fancy – even the smallest feature is soothing and interesting.
When adding your water feature make sure you consider these things:
– Where will it be? Light, wind and space will all impact.
– What will be your source of water?
– What size and scale can you add without dominating the garden?
– Do you need an electricity supply?
– How will you deal with standing water?
– Does it need to be child proof?
Oakleaf Landscaping can help with all this and more, from initial brainstorming of ideas, sourcing of materials, installation and maintenance. Call for a free quote.
Oakleaf Landscaping have been caring for gardens for over 15 years. We have grown to become one of the premier landscape gardeners in Dublin & Meath. For more information on tree surgeon, garden landscaping and garden maintenance contact us on 087 677 0480 or email info@oakleaflandscaping.ie
June 28, 2017by James BullockDesignLandscapingMaintenanceTree Surgery0
Today I want to give you some landscape design tips. Landscaping is pretty easy when you love what you do. Some people are scared off by it. So I think if I give you the basics, you should get the hang of it. And may even grow to love it. So let’s go.
I suggest starting with maple specimens. Usually it’s best to group them in the foreground. It’s not an exact science but try some coral bells in front and over intersperse with 2 or 3 red azalias. It’s best to group them. Place one here and one there. But maybe place 3 or 4 in a spot. There is no set rules. You might have an artificial lawn or real grass. But you might want to place some Japanese maples and gated leafs with new growth. These are beautiful plants. I try to place 4 of these in front and then 2 or 3 at the back.
Behind these I place the junipers. Usually 2 on one end and 2 on the other. Up front I like to place coral bells. There’s plenty of variety in these plants. I love them. For landscapers Dublin is a great place. I love how the gardens look. With hosta’s sometimes the weather can affect them, so I intersperse with Japanese maples. They have a lovely gated leaf. It’s a fantastic plant. Place 2 or 3 of these at intervals.
With the Japanese maple, I place some azaleas in between. It’s really interesting to place them in 2’s and 3’s and use a variety of whites and red to show off the colour. I have these in my own garden. It can bring out the colours nicely. If you have a nice waterfall Japanese maple I think it looks best alongside the azaleas and can look well alongside some carefully chosen garden furniture and well designed patio.
Over this I intersperse perennials. Just snip the flowers back and use this to fill in the landscape. The idea is to use 3 or 4 and then they can grow into each other. A lions head Japanese maple and some coral bells with some roses and next to that some flowering azaleas with variegated iris. Next to that I place some red leaf Japanese maples which look great alongside some complementary garden furniture. Frost can damage them so I opt for the hardy versions.
Coral bells look great planted en-masse. By the end of the summer you should see them in full bloom. Harry laughter walking sticks look great next to these. Don’t overlook the use of a tree surgeon.Try some Caroline weeping crabapple trees with this and maybe some roses. They really come to life once they are in bloom.
Amerias and variegated weeping Japanese maples go hand in hand. Use a variety of colours in the bed. Group them in 3’s and 4’s. Hairy ladders go together nicely with the amerias and look great bunched together.
The variety of different colours means you will never have a dull landscape. Many people think it’s lifeless but in Summer they really come into their own and require little garden maintenance. As I say, I have these in my own garden.
Variegated lazy Japanese maples are ideal for small gardens. Greens and reds are best side by side. Specimen maples take well in low growing sedum bunches and I would suggest an upright azalea interspersed with azaleas.
June 28, 2017by James BullockBuildConstructionDesignMaintenanceTree Surgery0
Landscaping is tough. It takes up a lot of time and effort. If you are thinking of taking on a big project you will need to plan in advance. While many people consider taking on these jobs themselves, sometimes the services of a landscape gardener are worth considering.
Money can be tight. I get that. And many people get great satisfaction from seeing the fruits of their own labour come to life. Gardening is a passion for some people. If you are one of them. You are lucky. If like me, you live and breath landscape gardening, then you will know where I’m coming from.
I suggest you have a clear vision of how your garden might look. Best to grab a pencil and paper and sketch out your ideas. Maybe add some features to the mix like garden furniture and get some costings.
I’ve seen the best plans fall apart without proper planning. This needs to be done from the outset. All the hard work, blood, sweat, muck and tears go to waste, for lack of planning. Not to mention hard earned cash.
Think about what kind of style you are going for. Will it be contemporary, rustic, natural, modernist? Think about the function of your garden. Will it be for simple living. Enjoying the outdoors, planting trees and vegetables.
Sketch out the basics. It’s a good idea to look at what your largest costs will be. And map these out first. Things like an artificial grass can make or break a budget. It pays to shop around. Labour should also be included. The number of hours it takes to complete a project should be estimated. Trees, plants, decking, soil and waste are all factors to look at.
Garden design is not easy. It can take years of practice to get it right. Employ the services of a landscape gardener for the tougher tasks such as build, design and use a tree surgeon. These are the jobs best left to an expert. Not forgetting the health and safety aspect.
Your home will have an influence on your eventual garden design & build. The style of the landscape should complement your home. Things like water features, outdoor furniture, patio, lawn and bedding should work together with the overall aesthetic.
Geometrical lines and shapes are the order of the day. Plants are arranged in an orderly fashion rather than a haphazard grouping. Closer arrangements will need more planning. Think about how big plants and trees can grow.
Natural formations will look more haphazard. Not necessarily thrown together, but less straight lines and random groupings. Again, the style of home will influence how the garden will look. Choice of plants, outdoor playhouse and outdoor furniture should reflect this.
Suited to smaller homes and gardens. City living and backyard will benefit from this style. Architecture, brickwork, water features and plants should work in harmony. Angular rows and gravel with hardy plants work best.
Rougher terrain with random natural plants. This works best also when time is precious and require little grounds maintenance. Slopes and gulleys can benefit from this look. A particular favourite of mine.
Roses abound with evergreen and natural plants. Azalias, random groupings and haphazard colours work best.
Let your imagination run wild. Use whatever colours are in your house as a pallet. It will pay dividends. If in doubt, do it anyway. You will thank yourself in years to come.
March 20, 2017by Oakleaf LandscapingDesignLandscaping0
With daffodils blooming and cherry blossoms on the way, it’s time to think about the coming months when sitting out in the garden might be possible. So where will you sit? Inviting garden furniture can turn your garden into an outdoor room. There’s nothing as sociable as having a few friends over for a barbecue or just a drink and chat ‘out the back’. But choosing the right furniture can be a little confusing. We can often just rush out at the first sign of the sun and buy the first thing available. Better to be more prepared.
Ask yourself these questions and base your choice on the answers:
1. How much space do you want to give over to furniture?
2. What will you need the furniture for? (Barbecues, dinner parties, just sitting for a while, outdoor reading?)
3. How much do you want to spend? (Remember cheap isn’t always the best option since garden furniture needs to be durable and weather strong.)
4. Will the furniture be in your garden all year, or do you have storage space? (If outside all the time go for durable and weather resistance materials.)
5. Will you be moving the furniture regularly? (If so, keep it lightweight.)
6. How many accessories will you need? (This drives up the cost a surprising amount when you add in cushions, covers etc.)
If you are looking for landscapers Dublin and Meath contact us today on 087 6770480
February 5, 2017by Oakleaf LandscapingBuildConstructionDesign0
Having a back garden and having an outdoor space you can enjoy and relax in are two very different things. A concrete area with a barbecue; a patio for garden furniture; decking with a swing seat; a flagstone area with a waterfall; or almost anything you can think of, can give you an outdoors room you’ll love. Oakleaf Landscaping offers free consultation and will design and build your dream space from beginning to end.
January 16, 2017by Oakleaf LandscapingBuildConstructionDesignLandscapingMaintenance0
Call us now to plan your Spring garden.
August 29, 2016by Oakleaf LandscapingBuildDesign0
A patio can be brought alive with the right paving slabs. But deciding which ones are right is the tough part. You must consider colour, shape, style and pattern. Also decide whether you would like natural or man-made stone. Oakleaf Landscaping can help you see what’s right for your space. Then you can sit back and enjoy.
Oakleaf Landscaping are a landscaping & tree surgery company and provide services around Dublin & Meath. Get in touch with us to recieve a consultation.
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