Terrace Garden Design: Making the Most of Views

If you’re a homeowner looking for a way to enhance your outdoor living space, you may want to consider terrace gardening.

As a terrace garden design enthusiast, I can attest to how a bit of creativity and planning can transform even the smallest of spaces into a stunning oasis.

One of the most important aspects of terrace garden design is making the most of the views around it.

In this blog post, I’ll share with you how to assess your site, choose the right garden furniture, use plants to complement views, create the illusion of space, embrace vertical space, and light the area for night-time views.

So, let’s get started!

Assessing the Site

When deciding to design a terrace garden, it is crucial to take note of the natural surroundings. This includes the views that are available from the terrace garden space. Taking into account views when designing the garden can take your garden to the next level.

Orientation is essential when designing a terrace garden because it affects the way that the views will be presented to the viewer. Orientation can also impact which plants will be suitable for the garden. For example, if a terrace garden faces towards the north, it will not get enough sunlight throughout the day. Therefore, plants that are shade-tolerant may be necessary to include in the garden design.

It’s worth considering which views are more dominant and should be the center of attention in the garden. By choosing a focal point for the viewer, such as a specific view or element, you can then decide which plants and structures will work best to enhance the focal point.

Overall, it’s essential to consider the site properly when designing a terrace garden. By doing a thorough site assessment, including taking note of the views and orientation of the garden, you can make the most out of the garden and turn it into something truly special.

Choosing the Right Garden Furniture and Structures

Enhancing the views of the terrace garden with the right garden furniture and structures can make a big difference in the overall design. To begin with, the furniture and structures need to be of practical use as well as aesthetically pleasing. Some types of garden furniture and structures that enhance the views include:

• Modular seating: Modular seating units can be configured in different ways to suit the space of the terrace garden and can also be easily rearranged to optimize the views.
• Dining Furniture: Outdoor dining furniture is a great addition to the terrace garden as it allows you to enjoy alfresco meals with great views all around you.
• Statement sculpture: Focal features such as statement sculptures can provide interest and a visual anchor in a spacious terrace garden.
• Trellis and Pergolas: Trellises and pergolas create vertical interest and also serve as a means of shade and protection for the terrace garden.

When positioning garden furniture and structures, the views should be one of the primary factors to consider. The furniture should be positioned in a way that enables good sightlines to the views. For example, placing a bench or a dining table along the edge of the terrace garden facing the mountains would provide a stunning view. Statements sculptures and garden art can be displayed in a prominent position, but it’s important to make sure that they don’t obstruct views when viewed from different angles.

In summary, when selecting garden furniture and structures to enhance the views:

• Choose pieces that are both practical and visually appealing
• Position furniture and structures in a way that creates good sightlines to the views
• Aim for an optimal balance of function and aesthetic appeal.

Importance of Plant Selection

Choosing the right plants is key to enhancing the views of your terrace garden. One way to select the right plants is by taking note of what plants are already in the natural surroundings, as they will complement each other nicely.

Another way to enhance the views using plants is by creating a layered view from the terrace garden. This can be done by using plants of varying heights and textures. Using a variety of plants can create a sense of depth in the garden, which in turn enhances the view.

When it comes to selecting the types of plants for your terrace garden, it’s important to consider various factors such as the amount of sunlight and the soil type, as different plants have different requirements.

One plant that can be used to create a layered view is the creeping fig. This plant has light green foliage and can be grown up walls to create a vertical layout. Another plant is the clematis, which can create a beautiful display of flowers in a range of colours.

Selecting plants that can be used as a screen for privacy without sacrificing views can also be a good option. One such plant is the bamboo, which can create a great barrier for privacy without blocking out any views.

Overall, choosing the right plants can highly influence the view of your terrace garden. Take note of the natural surroundings, incorporate plants of varying height and texture, and consider the possibility of creating a layered view.

Creating the Illusion of Space

In a terrace garden, creating the illusion of space is critical to giving it a spacious and open feel. To achieve this, it’s important to choose the right layout and design that gives depth and creates a sense of spaciousness. Strategic use of sightlines and focal points is also essential to this end.

When choosing a layout, make sure to keep the space uncluttered and open. Place the furniture in a way that makes it easy to walk around and use, without feeling cramped. Consider using furniture with slim profiles, like benches without backs or bar-height tables and stools, to keep the space feeling light and open.

Sightlines are critical to creating the illusion of space. Arranging the plants and furniture in a way that allows for sightlines across the terrace will make the space feel more extensive. Use tall, upright plants near the edges of the terrace to create a sense of depth and make it seem as if the terrace extends further than it does.

Focal points like water features or elaborate container plantings can help draw the eye and create the illusion of a larger and more interesting space. Place these features strategically, so they can be spotted from different vantage points.

By thoughtfully selecting a layout, using sightlines, and incorporating focal points, you can create the illusion of space and make your terrace garden feel larger and more open than it is.

Embracing Vertical Space

If you are looking to maximize your terrace garden’s potential, one area you cannot overlook is vertical space. Incorporating vertical gardens and features might seem challenging, but it can be a fun and rewarding process.

Using structures such as trellises, arbors, and pergolas is an excellent way to create more layers and views. Besides, these structures also add height, texture, and depth to your terrace garden. You can also add hanging baskets on the walls and railings, turning them into vertical gardens.

A crucial thing to remember when incorporating vertical space is to create a cohesive flow with the rest of your terrace garden’s design. You want the vertical elements to add to the overall aesthetic, not detract from it. Another essential consideration is the weight of the outreaching elements. It is critical to make sure that the vertical structures or plants you add do not exceed the weight limit of your balcony or terrace.

Some examples of plants that thrive in vertical spaces are creeping plants like ivy, roses, and climbing hydrangeas. Other good choices include trailing herbs like thyme, trailing petunias, trailing geraniums, and trailing succulents.

Incorporating a vertical small water fountain is also an excellent way to create a more zen-like atmosphere within your terrace garden. The flow of the water will add soothing sounds to your terrace garden and will attract birds and other wildlife.

Overall, embracing vertical space can create new and exciting views and dimensions in your terrace garden. With the addition of vertical elements, you can make your terrace garden more aesthetically pleasing while turning a small space into a haven of nature.

Lighting for Night-Time Views

When it comes to designing a terrace garden, many homeowners overlook the importance of lighting for night-time views. However, lighting is a crucial aspect of any terrace garden design, especially if you want to maximize the views after dark.

There are several types of lights you can use to enhance the night-time views from your terrace garden. One option is to install light fixtures that highlight specific features of your garden, such as trees, shrubs, or water features. This can create a stunning effect that draws the eye to different parts of the garden.

Another option is to use uplighting and downlighting to add depth and shadow to the garden. For example, placing a light fixture at the base of a tree will cast dramatic shadows on the surrounding area, while uplighting a textured wall can create an interesting interplay of light and shade.

The placement of lights is also important. Placing lights too close together can create glare and diminish the effect, while spacing them too far apart can leave certain parts of the garden in shadow. It’s important to work with a professional designer to determine the best placement for your lights based on the layout of your terrace garden.

Overall, lighting is a crucial element of any terrace garden design, allowing you to create an enchanting outdoor space that can be enjoyed long after the sun goes down. By choosing the right types of lights and strategic placement, you can enhance your night-time views and create a beautiful and functional terrace garden.

Working with a Professional Designer

Collaborating with a professional terrace garden designer is an excellent way to ensure that your terrace garden maximizes its views. I have personally worked with several garden designers, and I can attest to the benefits of their expertise and creativity.

The designer brings a fresh perspective and new design ideas to the table that you may have never thought of before. They can also suggest plants and structures that will enhance the views based on their experience working with other clients.

When working with a designer, it’s essential to communicate your vision and preferences for the design to ensure that the final product aligns with your expectations. Provide them with any pictures or inspiration you have to give them a sense of your style and taste.

I recommend looking for a designer with a portfolio of previous work that you admire. This will ensure that they have the necessary experience to help you achieve your vision.

Although working with a professional designer can be more expensive than doing the project yourself, the end result is usually more polished, higher quality, and long-lasting.

In conclusion, finding a professional terrace garden designer to collaborate with can be a wise investment that takes your terrace garden to the next level. Together, you can work to ensure that your terrace garden has the best possible views while also being functional and beautiful.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, terrace garden design is all about making the most of the surrounding views to create a tranquil and beautiful spot where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

By assessing the site, selecting the right furniture and plants, embracing vertical space, and planning for lighting, you can enhance the natural views and make your terrace garden the best it can be.

Now that you’ve got all these great tips, it’s time to take action.

Which strategy from today’s post are you going to try first?

Whether it’s choosing the right plants or adding some new garden furniture, I’d love to hear from you.

Please feel free to send me a message letting me know how you plan to enhance the views of your terrace garden.

And if you found this blog post helpful, please share it on social media so that others can benefit from these tips and make their outdoor space more beautiful.

Thanks for reading!