Plan a Garden That Can Move House With You
Think 'mobile' when planning your outdoor space and you can enjoy it wherever you move next
With lifestyles, life choices and professional demands continually evolving, owning and/or living in a home as a long term proposition is becoming less of an option – or a priority, for that matter – in today’s fast-paced world. This makes owning or planning for a dream garden very difficult and, if renting, not a wise investment … or does it?
For those of you with a small outdoor space to plan for, there are many great design ideas and products on the market which can allow you to design and create your own private dream garden that can actually move with you as – and if – required. That includes feature plants and pots, water features, screens, furniture and even garden walls. In fact, smaller courtyard spaces can almost be fully transportable apart from the floor surface and some larger established trees.
For those of you with a small outdoor space to plan for, there are many great design ideas and products on the market which can allow you to design and create your own private dream garden that can actually move with you as – and if – required. That includes feature plants and pots, water features, screens, furniture and even garden walls. In fact, smaller courtyard spaces can almost be fully transportable apart from the floor surface and some larger established trees.
Feature plants and pots
A good majority of plants can be potted, which makes them instantly portable. The pot itself is something you really need to choose wisely. First and foremost, it needs to be big enough for the selected plant in a long-term scenario and have a good watering system. Secondly, it needs to fit through the available openings to the space. Finally, but most importantly, it needs to look good.
The number and arrangement of the pots is another way to add you own design flair to the space. Whether it be three of the same pots in a row, or a cluster of different sized pots, the options are simply endless.
A good majority of plants can be potted, which makes them instantly portable. The pot itself is something you really need to choose wisely. First and foremost, it needs to be big enough for the selected plant in a long-term scenario and have a good watering system. Secondly, it needs to fit through the available openings to the space. Finally, but most importantly, it needs to look good.
The number and arrangement of the pots is another way to add you own design flair to the space. Whether it be three of the same pots in a row, or a cluster of different sized pots, the options are simply endless.
On the practical side, you will need to consider a few things: Firstly, always buy premium potting mix as your plant will perform significantly better. Secondly, always supply drainage to the pot with some gravel in the base – ensure an irrigation or dripper system is installed and the plants are watered regularly as they can easily dry out, and finally, remember to keep feeding your plant with a slow release fertiliser as recommended by your local nursery. No matter which way you go, adding a living green sculptural element to any space will help enhance your movable garden.
Feature plants in the ground
If your space has a particular spot where a pot is not suitable, or you prefer your feature plant to be in the ground, then you can actually plant your addition into the ground. I recommend buying a larger plastic pot and up planting your specimen in a good potting mix. You can then dig a hole, but make sure it is twice the size of the pot and a third deeper, then back-fill the hole to the correct depth with loose screenings for drainage and insert your pot to height. Back-fill the remaining space with screenings and top dress with mulch. This will ensure the plant does not get wet feet and although the roots will search for soil and water through the bottom of the pot, they should not bed in too deep and be too hard to move.
When it comes time to move, you may have to trim some of the roots, and if you do, you will then need to trim the canopy of the plant by about one third. You should also keep the roots moist with a piece of hessian or some water crystals. Also remember to feed the plant with some Seasol or a similar fertiliser to minimise the transplant shock. There is definitely some risk with this process and each plant variety will react differently so please see your local nursery for plant-specific transplant tips.
If your space has a particular spot where a pot is not suitable, or you prefer your feature plant to be in the ground, then you can actually plant your addition into the ground. I recommend buying a larger plastic pot and up planting your specimen in a good potting mix. You can then dig a hole, but make sure it is twice the size of the pot and a third deeper, then back-fill the hole to the correct depth with loose screenings for drainage and insert your pot to height. Back-fill the remaining space with screenings and top dress with mulch. This will ensure the plant does not get wet feet and although the roots will search for soil and water through the bottom of the pot, they should not bed in too deep and be too hard to move.
When it comes time to move, you may have to trim some of the roots, and if you do, you will then need to trim the canopy of the plant by about one third. You should also keep the roots moist with a piece of hessian or some water crystals. Also remember to feed the plant with some Seasol or a similar fertiliser to minimise the transplant shock. There is definitely some risk with this process and each plant variety will react differently so please see your local nursery for plant-specific transplant tips.
Water features
The market is simply flooded with great transportable water features. From water walls, to urns to pieces of water artwork, nearly every water feature can be designed to be movable.
A lot of water features can simply sit on a deck or some paving, as long as it is level; others you can build into a deck or dig into the ground, and you may choose to take the feature with you and leave the mechanics and base pond behind.
Water walls are a great way to create a backdrop to a space, and the sound of the water is very soft and subtle, which provides a calming sound. I’d avoid loud, noisy water spouts in small spaces as they can become a little overpowering and annoying. The simplicity of a classical urn slowly spilling over into a bed of pebbles is another fantastic idea which can sit in the corner, the middle or the focal point axis of any space – and the variety and options when it comes to pot selection means you can complement a traditional style property through to the most contemporary home. Garden artists are on the rise and are creating bespoke pieces of garden art where water is the focus. You can really put your own personality into the garden by selecting an artistic, one-off sculptural piece of water art.
More: How to Maximise the Visual Impact of Your Water Feature
The market is simply flooded with great transportable water features. From water walls, to urns to pieces of water artwork, nearly every water feature can be designed to be movable.
A lot of water features can simply sit on a deck or some paving, as long as it is level; others you can build into a deck or dig into the ground, and you may choose to take the feature with you and leave the mechanics and base pond behind.
Water walls are a great way to create a backdrop to a space, and the sound of the water is very soft and subtle, which provides a calming sound. I’d avoid loud, noisy water spouts in small spaces as they can become a little overpowering and annoying. The simplicity of a classical urn slowly spilling over into a bed of pebbles is another fantastic idea which can sit in the corner, the middle or the focal point axis of any space – and the variety and options when it comes to pot selection means you can complement a traditional style property through to the most contemporary home. Garden artists are on the rise and are creating bespoke pieces of garden art where water is the focus. You can really put your own personality into the garden by selecting an artistic, one-off sculptural piece of water art.
More: How to Maximise the Visual Impact of Your Water Feature
Sculpture and ornamentation
Garden art comes in many different forms, from Corten steel sculptures and stone spheres to traditional garden urns and ornaments. Positioning a focal point is a big decision and it is always best to either use an internal or external central vista point to define its place of show. The size of the piece is also very important as you want the focal point to be big enough to command attention, but not too big as to dominate the space. Careful consideration is required but it’s a great opportunity to have some real fun and purchase or even create your own piece that will follow you on your journey of life.
Garden art comes in many different forms, from Corten steel sculptures and stone spheres to traditional garden urns and ornaments. Positioning a focal point is a big decision and it is always best to either use an internal or external central vista point to define its place of show. The size of the piece is also very important as you want the focal point to be big enough to command attention, but not too big as to dominate the space. Careful consideration is required but it’s a great opportunity to have some real fun and purchase or even create your own piece that will follow you on your journey of life.
Feature screens
Feature screens are also very popular garden features, and are a great way to hide ugly fences, a blank wall, water tank or service area. Laser cut metal or timber artwork has come a long way and seems to have no ending with an abundance of new patterns, shapes and now even 3D push and pull options. Mounting a screen to a wall with removable fasteners to a fence with screws or to new posts allows you to have limitless options, all that can be taken with you when you move.
Feature screens are also very popular garden features, and are a great way to hide ugly fences, a blank wall, water tank or service area. Laser cut metal or timber artwork has come a long way and seems to have no ending with an abundance of new patterns, shapes and now even 3D push and pull options. Mounting a screen to a wall with removable fasteners to a fence with screws or to new posts allows you to have limitless options, all that can be taken with you when you move.
Green walls
There are a number of green wall systems that are a stand-alone structure and are a great way to soften an ugly wall space in a small courtyard setting. You will need to ensure you have a regular water supply to the green wall, and while they do create a bit of maintenance, they can really green up a space and make it feel alive.
Expert tips on creating a vertical garden
There are a number of green wall systems that are a stand-alone structure and are a great way to soften an ugly wall space in a small courtyard setting. You will need to ensure you have a regular water supply to the green wall, and while they do create a bit of maintenance, they can really green up a space and make it feel alive.
Expert tips on creating a vertical garden
Hanging baskets
There can be nothing better than seeing a funky or traditional hanging basket in a garden. Whether it hangs from a tree, pergola or outdoor structure, bringing living green architecture into a space, along with a splash of seasonal colour, is a great way to add your own personal touch – with the added benefit of it not being permanent.
Plants such as Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ or Pathos ferns really make a statement and look good all year round. Again, irrigation is critical, as is the strength of the mounting point, as you need to consider the long-term weight of the plant and pot.
14 ways to take your plants off the ground
There can be nothing better than seeing a funky or traditional hanging basket in a garden. Whether it hangs from a tree, pergola or outdoor structure, bringing living green architecture into a space, along with a splash of seasonal colour, is a great way to add your own personal touch – with the added benefit of it not being permanent.
Plants such as Sedum morganianum ‘Burrito’, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’ or Pathos ferns really make a statement and look good all year round. Again, irrigation is critical, as is the strength of the mounting point, as you need to consider the long-term weight of the plant and pot.
14 ways to take your plants off the ground
Furniture
To truly enjoy a garden space, you need to be able to spend time in it relaxing, entertaining just generally living in it. Good quality outdoor furniture can be an integral part of the big picture. It is also a great way to add your personal touch to the space with pops of colour, a splash of stylish decor or by selecting a chair or piece that is an architectural feature in itself.
So if you are renting, not permanently settled, or are temporarily away for work on a long-term basis and you love gardens, don’t forget you have plenty of tools and design ideas you can implement with the vision of taking your garden with you when you move to your permanent site or next temporary stopover. Get creative, have some fun and think mobile.
To truly enjoy a garden space, you need to be able to spend time in it relaxing, entertaining just generally living in it. Good quality outdoor furniture can be an integral part of the big picture. It is also a great way to add your personal touch to the space with pops of colour, a splash of stylish decor or by selecting a chair or piece that is an architectural feature in itself.
So if you are renting, not permanently settled, or are temporarily away for work on a long-term basis and you love gardens, don’t forget you have plenty of tools and design ideas you can implement with the vision of taking your garden with you when you move to your permanent site or next temporary stopover. Get creative, have some fun and think mobile.
TELL US
Have you planned a movable garden? What have you taken with you from your last home?
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Have you planned a movable garden? What have you taken with you from your last home?
MORE ON GARDENING
15 Mini Outdoor Spaces With Mojo
True-Blue Native Plants That Do Us Proud
7 Ways to Transform an Ugly Garden Wall
Another thing to consider before we get started is that if you have a garden feature that you really love and are thinking of selling your property, make sure you outline this in your section 32 contract of sale and make it clear to all prospective buyers to ensure there are no arguments. Otherwise, you could end up having to leave your prized garden feature behind.
So what garden pieces should you plan to take with you?