Winter is a great time to plan your NEW GARDEN for next Spring!

Garden Design by Lime Orchard
Inspirational design can enhance as well as extend your outdoor living space. Translate your dream garden into a design reality with Lime Orchard's Garden Design Service
It's simple to access our design skills to enhance your garden and extraordinary good value this Winter with our special offers!

DON'T MOVE - IMPROVE!

A great garden adds value to you house and enjoyment for your family!

A well-designed, well maintained garden is an investment as it brings lasting enjoyment, can extend your living space and can add value to your property. Investing in your garden will give you access to a wide range of high quality landscape materials that provide an extension to your living space and add instant interest from mature plants.

£100 OFF

Any garden design fees if you book your garden design project before 31st December 2011

(For projects over £400 including VAT)

The Lime Orchard Garden Design Team provides a range of services including initial consultation, garden survey, design drawings, 3-D presentation drawings, construction drawings, setting out plans, and planting plans. Each design produced is bespoke for your garden and requirements.

 £500 OFF
Any garden construction work, if you book before 31st December 2011
(for projects over £5000 including VAT)

Once your design is complete, we can transform your garden in to reality!

Lime Orchard works with experienced local landscapers that you can be assured will provide the quality you require. We project manage the construction, bringing together the various skills and trades so you don't have to shop around to find a surveyor, electrician or tree surgeon, whilst ensuring your queries are dealt with along the way. We can assist all of our customers with their needs, no matter what the size, shape or complexity of the garden project.

 

 

FREE Visit to discuss your garden.

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PLUS

Garden Design Consultation - 2 hours with a qualified garden designer followed by a written report explaining how to give your garden

"THE WOW FACTOR"

-Usual Price £150- 

Call Judy or Mandy on 0845 539 1467 (local rate) or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk

to book your free visit and view the lovely gardens we have built for our happy clients
or see our show garden at Reg Taylor's Garden Centre, Southwell, Notts
For details on  the Lime Orchard franchise opportunity click here

Planting by the Professionals

If you want to up the style stakes in your garden, but don’t want to go for a full garden makeover why not consider our Planting Scheme service?


Our professional planting team can overhaul an existing bed or border in minimum time but with maximum impact - guaranteed to deliver instant gratification! Our unrivalled professional knowledge of plants, combined with proven design expertise can work wonders on any problem areas in your outside room – or can simply be used to create a dramatic new focal point.

So, whether it’s a whole new planting scheme or redesigning an individual border, dealing with a problem area or simply looking to improve your property's kerb appeal, we can help. Better still, because we buy through trade nurseries we can offer you the best prices on the supply of plants, typically less than you would pay from a garden centre! So go on, you know your garden’s worth it!

Garden Security Alert!

Much as we might all revel in the joys of extended summer evenings, according to insurance company Aviva, the welcome additional hours of daylight can signal a distinctly unwelcome flurry of activity from opportunist thieves. 

New figures from Aviva predict a 25% rise in the number of backyards, garages and sheds being targeted as soon as Britain’s clocks go forward for British Summer Time. 

Bicycles, lawnmowers, garden tools and children’s outdoor toys represent the most likely targets, with the average haul at this time of year usually totalling around £900 worth of goods. 

Aviva estimates that thefts from outside the house can increase as much as 10% once the evenings get lighter, compared with the dark nights of January. Household underwriter at Aviva, Jonathan Cracknell says “Extra light means that all those expensive power tools, bikes and golf clubs could now be on full show for everyone to see, including a passing criminal … Garden security or lack of it, is much more visible so we would urge all homeowners to make sure their sheds and summerhouses are properly secured and remember to clear up the garden every evening so there is nothing left lying around to tempt the opportunist thief”.

You have been warned!

Boring British Garden Design?

A report which featured in The Guardian at the beginning of the June, questioned whether or not British gardens are stuck in the past. The debate followed a comment made by celebrity gardener Monty Don on a BBC Radio 4 programme which inferred that Brits are overly conventional in their approach to garden design “The British are obsessed by plants, provenance of plants and there is a lot of one-up-manship” by contrast Don went on to add “Italians love design, love bella figura, the way things look and appear and don’t care how they achieve it. Gardens are more than just plants. Which is what you get in Italian gardens”.

To make such a sweeping statement which effectively denounces the whole nation’s design credentials is not only insensitive, it is also wildly inaccurate. There are still garden owners for whom the choice of plants will always remain the focal point for the outdoor room, and yes, certainly there are also those for whom a garden is simply not a garden if it is devoid of lavender and a bed of English roses. But to infer that all British gardens are lacking in individuality, innovation and sheer style is a travesty.

As the Guardian states “Brits are a whole load more creative and eclectic than (some journalists) suggest”. This country celebrates a myriad of garden styles, ranging from über chic urban, essentially English, ultra modern and naturally eco-friendly. If we are so backwards in our design thinking, how come our garden shows enjoy such a prestigious reputation around the world? We would concur with The Guardian’s comment that “British gardening and design really is a rich and varied tapestry, and long may it remain so”.

The design for every garden is bespoke, geared towards meeting the individual needs and aspirations of its owners. No two gardens will be the same, let alone the gardens of an entire nation! If you are in need of some design inspiration for your garden, call Lime Orchard on 0845 539 1467 for a free, no obligation visit.

Alfresco Dining

One of the greatest delights of summer is enjoying dining alfresco, whether it’s a formal entertainment opportunity or a casual family meal eaten au dehors, you need to ensure that you and your guests are not only sitting comfortably – but that the outdoor setting looks suitably stylish!
This season’s hottest trend is for mixing and matching the brightest colours, so whether you are thinking of investing in some super-sized oh so cosy bean bags, or funky new seat cushions or even a selection of dashing new tableware, opt for some bold colour clashes.

Fuchsia pink paired with a hot red or sparkling turquoise will add a dramatic touch, or try an out there orange with zingy green. The mixing and matching doesn’t just relate to colours either, combining different materials is also very much on trend, so a glass table can look super stylish matched with ultra contemporary (and practical) plastic or metal chairs. And if you are looking to introduce a little designer chic into your outside space, a moulded sofa-come-bench for the garden is the very latest ‘must have’ cool garden furniture accessory.

Staycation - here to stay?

With the amazing weather that we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of months, combined with the aftermath of the much debated credit crunch, the ‘staycation’ seems set to … stay!.
So rather than rushing around cashing in your sterling for euros, making holiday cover arrangements for the pets – and buying all those last minute travel essentials, why not make better use of your time and money by investing in your outdoor space?

Think how much pleasure you and your family will get from a revamped garden – certainly more than the short and sweet two weeks enjoyment derived from on the average summer holiday. And don’t forget any improvements made in the garden will not only enhance your family’s ability to spend more time in the outdoor room, it will also add value to your property.

According to popular web site UpMyStreet.com, a well-kept garden is a valuable asset with 73% of UpMyStreet users preferring a property with a garden than one with a guest room and 8 out of 10 people saying they were willing to a pay a premium for a property with a garden (according to Halifax, buyers are willing to pay a £10,000 premium to secure a property with a garden).

And if you needed any further persuasion regarding the merits of putting your hard earned cash into your outdoor space rather than towards a trip overseas, think about the positive impact you will contributing to our natural environment, by - quite literally - going green!

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - Highlights from 2011

From The Daily Telegraph

Eight gardens struck gold at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with The Daily Telegraph winning Best in Show (pictured). Designed by Cleve West the winning garden bucked the current trend for going tall, by taking the visitor into an intimate sunken garden surrounded by warm yellow walls, flowing water and delicate trees. The three 10ft high columns with one lying on the ground, at first glance appear to be ruins but in fact are a mixture of the old and the new in concrete and terracotta.

However, it was the jewel-like colour scheme of reds, pinks and yellows - including bizarrely parsnips - that earned the designer the title the ‘Heston Blumenthal of gardening’ awarded for his propensity to gravitate towards experimentation.

Every year, a number of key themes emerge from the show and 2011 was no exception. Popular trends witnessed at this year’s event were the inclusion of sculptures, water features and garden offices in the show gardens.

Another popular theme was the use of trees clipped into strong architectural forms and a departure from neat, manicured beds to more natural wild flower planting. Water features on display ranged from Mediterranean inspired pools to gentle flowing country streams, whilst sculptures were used on a tactical basis to create an architectural focal point or as means of introducing a contrast to a lush green landscape.

Garden offices on show were very much in keeping with the growing awareness of environmental issues, incorporating ‘eco-friendly’ features such as solar panels and the effective recycling of waste materials.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show - best ever for 2011?

When the curtain closes at the end of May, RHS Chelsea Flower Show recycles 98% of the material used in the show gardens. So while the blooms may remain dazzlingly colourful, the main event is most definitely green!

The organizers of this year’s prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show are promising that 2011 is destined to be one of the best RHS Shows in history. 2011 marks the 98th anniversary of the world famous event which is now widely recognized as one of the most celebrated annual shows in the world and the undisputed showcase for horticultural excellence, with visitors flocking from across the globe both to visit and exhibit!

Over the years the show has gone from strength to strength starting with around 244 exhibitors in 1913 to today’s overwhelming 600, including gardens, nurseries, floristry, educational displays and trade stands. RHS Chelsea Flower Show now regularly attracts 157,000 visitors every year, in addition to widespread international media attention.

2011 will see the unveiling of 17 show gardens, 15 smaller gardens and a hundred of the world’s best growers and nurseries. Unsurprisingly many of the inspirational gardens at this year’s spectacular show highlight the importance of sustainability and urban greening.

The B&Q Garden demonstrates how we can all make an environmental difference regardless of the size of our garden. The garden also increases awareness of environmental issues in a theatrical and imaginative way.

The ‘Monaco Garden’ reflects the character, personality and vibrancy of Mediterranean Monaco drawing attention to environmentally sustainable solutions to enhance urban living. Roof space, vertical walls and alternative energy sources combine to provide a green way of living ideal for busy urban spaces.

Reclaimed material features in many gardens with the stunning Cotswold stone walling and paving in ‘The Daily Telegraph Garden’ showing that reclaimed materials can still be breathtakingly beautiful, while recycled wood planks, wind turbines and galvanized containers to collect water are also on show at Chelsea this year.

This year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place 24-28 May 2011.

Spring Style Refresher

As the inevitable ‘spring cleaning’ fever begins to gather momentum, thoughts will soon be turning to getting the garden looking gorgeous for the official ‘start’ of the outdoor living season. If, once all the traditional tidying, weeding and clearing up is completed, you still feel a need to inject some extra sparkle into your outside room – but don’t have the funds for a full garden make-over, then it’s time to consult a garden stylist! Just as a professional wardrobe advisor can open your mind to all the latest ‘clothing’ fashion trends, whilst also providing guidance on the top wardrobe choices to suit your personal style, shape – and budget, all the same benefits can be gained from a consultation with a qualified garden stylist. 

Armed with all the latest up-to-the minute knowledge of what’s hot, what’s not in outdoor living terms, a garden stylist can provide a fresh new perspective on your outdoor living zone, delivering a selection of inspirational ideas all designed to offer designer kudos and instant gratification! Sometimes the simplest of measures can transform a drab outside living space into a super chic style statement! Visit the Lime Orchard web site for more details of the company’s recently launched Garden Stylist service.

Create the Perfect Kitchen Garden this Spring!

Lime Orchard Garden Design offers a simple modular raised-bed solution to help make 'growing your own' even easier!

Last year, a major food trends report commissioned by Sainsbury’s, predicted that in 2030, British families will spend less time eating out and more time at home cooking an increasing amount of garden grown vegetables. The report, produced by The Future Laboratory, forecasts that the trend of grow-your-own, which took off during the recession, will continue with far more than the current 15 million people likely to be planting vegetables and fruit on windowsills and gardens in the future.
And with the general public gaining inspiration from top chefs around the UK who have started their own kitchen gardens in order to secure the freshest possible produce the concept of a kitchen garden is destined to snowball.

Creating a dedicated kitchen garden within the outdoor room does not necessarily need to be at the expense of a visually pleasing, beautifully styled outside space. With a bit of careful planning, aesthetic appeal and designer good looks can happily sit alongside the undisputed functional benefits that a kitchen garden offers.

Lime Orchard is pleased to offer a full range of treated-softwood beds either in kit form for you to install yourself or as part of a hassle-free fully installed solution; including filling with quality topsoil and suggestions for mixed ornamental and edible planting .These self-contained, raised plots are ideal for getting children interested in gardening and make adding a vegetable crop to a corner of your garden simple! The Kitchen Garden Boxes are available in four different depths to suit your needs - each adding approx 9" (225mm).

Self-installed kit prices start from just £95.00 inc VAT for a 0.6x0.9m single depth bed up to £695.00 for a 2.4m wide bed up to four boards depth – suitable for most root vegetables. Prices ex. delivery dependent on area.

Why not contact us for more advice on how to create the perfect kitchen garden? Call
us on 0845 539 1467 or visit www.limeorchard.co.uk

Edible Gardens

Last year, a major food trends report commissioned by Sainsbury’s, predicted that in 2030, British families will spend less time eating out and more time at home cooking an increasing amount of garden grown vegetables. The report, produced by The Future Laboratory, forecasts that the trend of grow-your-own, which took off during the recession, will continue with far more than the current 15 million people likely to be planting vegetables and fruit on windowsills and gardens in the future.

And with the general public gaining inspiration from top chefs around the UK who have started their own kitchen gardens in order to secure the freshest possible produce the concept of a kitchen garden is destined to snowball.

However, the over-riding attraction of, and practical argument for, creating a dedicated kitchen garden within the outdoor room does not necessarily need to be at the expense of a visually pleasing, beautifully styled outside space. With a bit of careful planning, aesthetic appeal and designer good looks can happily sit alongside the undisputed functional benefits that a kitchen garden offers.
If you are thinking of introducing a touch of the Good Life to your outdoor room, here are a few suggestions to consider:

- sounds obvious but make sure that you site this part of the garden fairly close to the house to make access to the produce quickly and easy. This will also ensure the glorious scents associated with some of the plants will permeate into your indoor living accommodation

- don’t be under the impression that you need to have acres of space to create a kitchen garden. Even the smallest patio and window can house pots to grow herbs (purple sage offers a dramatic display of colour), edible flowers (eg nasturtiums, lavender and rose) and ornamental onions and garlic

- if time is in short supply, consider investing in the creation of some bespoke raised beds. Not only do they look great, their raised height makes light work of weeding and also negates the possibility of domestic pets straying into the family’s outdoor larder!

- if your garden contains a wall, fence or trellis, espalier trained fruit trees will create a dramatic design statement, whilst also delivering bountiful supplies of delicious fruit. In England, espalier training is usually done with apple and pear trees

- if you have areas of the garden which are uneven or where natural mounds occur forget about trying to level them out, instead look at creating a herb tump. These are raised graveled mounds (hoggins) which featured in 18th century garden design. They represent a beneficial way to grow sun-loving plants from the Mediterranean, providing good drainage.  Rosemary, fennel, lavender, chives and wild strawberries do particularly well in this type of environment

- the grow your own revolution can also be extended to rearing your own livestock. Whilst we don’t all necessarily want to entertain the idea of living with pigs and chickens, soaring numbers of people are taking up bee keeping as a hobby amidst concern over the decline of the honeybee. The British Bee Keepers Association has reported a 3.5 million jars of honey were produced by their members this summer and since 2007, the number of hives registered in Britain has doubled, to 80,000

Why not contact Lime Orchard for more advice on how to create the perfect kitchen garden?

New Year, New Garden?

If ever there was a time to rethink your outdoor living space it is the month of January!

Hopefully you have entered 2011 bolstered by the endemic bout of positive thinking designed to help us all take action to improve our quality of life! This burst of motivation could be just what is needed to take your garden to task and make those longed for improvements in your outside living accommodation.
Now is also the perfect time to start planning if you want your garden to be ship shape for spring – when (hopefully) we can finally start to enjoy some drier, warmer weather. Kick starting the process to getting to grips with your garden in January will save you having to join the queues later in the season. So when those around you are struggling to find a designer / landscaper with time to take on the job, you can sit back and enjoy your stylish newly transformed outdoor space.
Why not speak to a member of the Lime Orchard design team to get a fresh new perspective on how to get the very best out of your outside room? Visit www.limeorchard.co.uk for more inspiration

What's Hot for 2011

Well the current year is not even over but pundits are already out there making their predictions regarding the anticipated top garden related trends for 2011. 

The Garden Media Group (GMG) has identified a new umbrella theme titled ‘Gardening with a Purpose.’ Analysts are saying this ‘purpose’ may vary – involving anything from growing fruit trees and vegetables to feed the family, to maintaining garden planters and flowerbeds in communal public spaces But the overall trend will be that gardening will have some “greater” function over and above creating aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.The last 12 months has seen a sharp increase in the number of people with gardens in their back or front yards and an even larger increase in the amount of community gardens or allotments established, so all the signs are there that growing food for the table is already on the increase.
 

Market research specialist Mintel, backs this prediction up saying that modern city dwellers are exhibiting a growing love of gardening and a need for nature.

With fresh, organic produce still economically out of reach for the masses, the general public is finding alternative means to bring healthy home. In the US, 26% of internet users purchased vegetable seeds in the past year, 19% bought vegetable/flower garden fertilizer and 27% like to grow vegetables at home. While in the UK, 1 in 5 consumers now grow their own fruit & vegetables and the UK Allotment waiting list has grown 20% in 2010.

Another suggested gardening trend for 2011 is the arrival of ‘vertical gardens’ (illustrated here) which relates to the growing popularity of climbing plants, especially in outdoor rooms which have space limitations. These plants can be used tactically to provide privacy, screen eyesores, and draw the eye upward to create the illusion of space.

Lime Orchard will keep you posted on any new trends as and when we hear about them!