“We have landscaped the space around the building, yet the result is quite different from what we intended.” “We were supposed to have picturesque paths and functional garden spaces, but we ended up simply planting a wall of thuja and sowing a lawn.” “Gardening is a great adventure, but replanting every year and sorting out the chaos is beyond our capabilities” – these are the reflections shared by those who have taken on the task of designing their own garden. When arranging a plot on your own, many surprises may arise, and the risk of making a mistake is high. That is why the practical knowledge, experience and sense of aesthetics possessed by a landscape architect are so important.
The designer – a specialist
– Garden design is only seemingly a simple matter. Some people think they can achieve a satisfactory result by copying a layout from photos published in a gardening magazine or simply through trial and error. Such an approach is risky and short-sighted. I know from experience that this usually results in a dubious visual outcome and a considerable financial loss. Working with an experienced designer guarantees that our future garden will be created with passion and thoughtfulness, and will serve us for years without requiring major intervention from the residents – explains Wojciech Średniawa, lead designer at Polbruk.
A designer not only possesses valuable knowledge and experience, thanks to which the entire garden plan will be tailored to the style and needs of its users. A designer is able to collaborate with the architect, contractor and homeowner, ensuring that the work is carried out on time and with the involvement of all parties concerned. What’s more, a designer’s role is usually not limited to simply creating a map and colourful designs. A designer will recommend solutions we might not have thought of ourselves, and will also select finishing materials: suitable slabs and pavers from the extensive range offered by Polbruk, such as the Avanti pavers for garden paths or the Polbruk Lamell slabs for a modern terrace. The designer will pay attention to the detail of the edging and will certainly propose solutions more interesting than a standard kerb, e.g. edging Polbruk Treo. Furthermore, they will specify in detail plants from a trusted supplier that will harmonise with the surroundings. The designer will also oversee the smooth progress of the work.
Choose a professional and you won’t regret it
A recommendation for a designer from a friend who is also a satisfied customer is sometimes not enough to make the right choice. Many projects and additional commissions are now carried out by subcontractors or third parties who do not guarantee the highest standards. – At present, there are many garden design services available on the Polish market. Choosing the best one may not be easy. The best indicators of a designer’s qualifications are: completed projects characterised by aesthetics and functionality, experience, availability and that ‘chemistry’ – adds Wojciech Średniawa.
The designer’s experience should be confirmed by a portfolio that reflects the diversity, quantity and sophistication of their completed projects. It would be ideal if the sketches were accompanied by photographs of the final stage, allowing you to compare the concept with the finished result. The designer’s availability is no less important – ideally, they should be based locally and able to meet with us not only during the initial consultation but also throughout the subsequent stages of the work. A shared understanding is also crucial. The quality of the project depends largely on the relationship built, and on a frank discussion of expectations, objectives, potential obstacles and the project budget.
The architect’s advantage over hobbyists
An experienced garden designer possesses specialist knowledge and a long-term perspective. During the work, they will make the most of the qualities and possibilities offered by the site designated for the project. They will take into account, among other things, the plot’s location, its sunlight exposure, plant growth and changes in users’ needs. They will lay out paths in the most optimal way, plan plants suited to our climate, and advise on how, for example, to finish a slope effectively using lawns Polbruk Abax, or how to reinforce the edges of fountains, flowerbeds or cascades with an elegant broken palisade Polbruk. As a result, the whole design will harmoniously complement our home and the surrounding architecture, whilst also reflecting the interests, needs and habits of the residents.
Let us remember that a garden is often a lifelong investment, so it is not worth skimping on the design. Besides, in this case, low price and high quality do not go hand in hand. It is better to commit to a wonderful design and, for example, spread the garden’s construction over several stages, which will not expose us to a single, large expense. We can start by preparing the ground and marking out and creating the paths, which is crucial for the garden’s future appearance and usability. Although we’ll have to wait a little longer, we’ll be able to enjoy exactly the garden we’ve always dreamed of.
By partnering with Polbruk, you can benefit from the paving design services of experienced architects. Experts from Poland’s largest manufacturer of pavers and road products are available nationwide.
