The presence of a suburban area allows you to realize all your fantasies. But its form makes adjustments to the desired. Some owners of narrow sections initially do not know how to properly and profitably equip the territory. In any case, you need to carefully approach the design. Here, all information about the territory is taken into account: topography, wind rose, groundwater occurrence, soil composition, orientation with respect to cardinal points, etc.
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to choose a land plot of the desired shape. In addition, sometimes when buying, first of all, we pay attention to its price and convenient location. And after a while, having taken up the design, we evaluate the shape of the territory. Therefore, you need to properly equip the landscape design of a narrow site for a comfortable stay in it.
The advantages and disadvantages of a narrow section
First of all, you should decide on the purpose of using the entire site. For example, if the territory is only 5 acres, and most of it should be used as a garden, then the design will be quite complicated. But if the territory is large, well-lit, the landscape design of the narrow section will be convenient, attractive and comfortable for owners and guests.
The advantages of an elongated territory include:
- Can be easily zoned.
- Proper design allows you to use every part of the territory.
- A find for lovers of grapes and vines.
Do you want to grow vegetables in a suburban area? Proper planning will hide this area from the eyes.
There are also disadvantages of such a territory:
- It is not always possible to build a house with the desired layout on it.
- Location near the road does not allow good sound insulation.
- The landscape design of the narrow section does not include a garden with tall trees. They will conceal and obscure the space.
- It is impossible to enclose the site with a high fence, it can block the access of light.
- The design of such a site is best entrusted to specialists.
Design Features
The last remark is relevant not only for narrow sections. After all, inept planning with a good location and advantageous configuration can easily be turned into an unattractive, uncomfortable and unsuitable for living space. But qualified specialists will help to properly arrange the territory in such a way that no one will remember what form it was and whether it was located well.
If you cannot consult a specialist, there are practically no extra funds, and the garden plot is small, you can start planning the plot yourself, using the tips below.
Location and layout of the house
Regardless of the shape of the plot, its main element is a residential building. If you are just going to build it, you need to determine its location. It is better that the orientation of the end walls be west and east, because this way the house will receive a lot of light every day. It is better that the building has a rectangular elongated shape. Often in such areas, buildings are built along the entire site.
It is possible to design a “carriage" type. In this case, all the rooms are located one after another. In the middle of such a house is a long corridor. Remember, you cannot build a building excessively narrow. The width of the house should be more than 6 m. In another case, it will be uncomfortable to live in such a house.
The way out of this situation is the construction of a two-story house with an attic. The construction of an extensive basement should also be taken into account. There may also be a sauna, a gym.
Territory zoning
The landscape design of a narrow section involves a preliminary division of the territory into zones, the main ones include:
- representative;
- special;
- private;
- transit or buffer;
- sports;
- garden;
- playground.
Representative area
A representative area is located directly in front of the house. Often it is called the front zone. The landscape design of a narrow long section in this area is often represented by a small lawn with alpine hills and flower beds. In this zone, spectacular, ornamental plants should be planted. Remember that care for this territory should be the most thorough, because it is in full view of everyone.
Specialists in landscape design of a narrow long section argue that the ideal proportion of the distribution of the representative area on the lawn and the house is 3: 1. In areas of this form, it is better to use an asymmetric lawn, on which you should place small flower beds, plant several rose bushes.
If there is no possibility to equip a buffer zone on a plot, then a representative parking lot can be allocated in a representative one. Remember: vehicles should not be placed strictly in the center of the site.
Private zone
Most often, it is separated from the representative zone by trellises, pergolas, and a low picket fence. Landscaping of a narrow long section must necessarily include low structures, plants. They should be light and delicate, and not large and voluminous. Indeed, in this case, the space will be "eaten up".
It is recommended that flowering plants and vines be used to separate such zones. It is desirable that these plants bloom in gentle pastel shades: blue, pink, white.
In the private area, a relaxation area is often located. Each owner of a country house has his own. For example, someone wants to equip a green office, or a gazebo for talking with loved ones over a cup of tea. Some do not imagine their life without barbecue, which means that an attractive brazier should be placed here.
Specialized Zone
Outbuildings should be located in a special zone. Men can set up a workshop. There may simply be taut ropes for drying clothes. But in any case, this site should not be viewed from the recreation area. The area is fenced in the same way as the previous ones, using vines. The vineyard looks attractive for these purposes. Access to this area should be easy.
Desired, but optional zones
The buffer zone must precede the representative zone. There is often a parking lot. Often counters are placed in it. Separate the area with dense shrubs or a high fence.
Playground must be placed immediately behind the recreation area. The separation between them should be symbolic, because children should be supervised by adults.
A sports ground is located between the recreation area and the specialized area.
The garden is often located at the end of the plot. It should adjoin directly to a specialized zone.
Expanding Space With Light
Visual expansion of the space is the main task of a specialist in landscape design of a narrow section. Photos of attractive territories with correctly located zones look spectacular. Everything is in place here.
Visual expansion of space can be achieved with the help of light. Remember that in the same way you can reduce the territory.
To visually increase the territory, it is necessary to bring the rear wall closer, and the side walls to push it apart. But if you have already divided the site into zones, the approach of the back wall will be pointless. So, how can light be used in landscape design of a narrow section with a house?
- Planting blue flowers against the wall, you can visually move it away.
- To expand the space, use white, pink and blue flowers.
- Even if a small area, plant snow-white flowers on it. White roses look spectacular.
Visual illusion
This method allows you to visually increase the space due to decorative deciduous plants. The suburban area will be wider if:
- In the flower beds, first plant small plants, and in the background - tall ones.
- Shrubs and trees with light foliage are planted in the foreground, and with dark - in the background, on the border of each zone.
- Large-leaved plants should be planted close, and small-leaved plants in the background.
The landscape design of a narrow summer cottage looks spectacular if hosts with light leaves, light pink bushes and Wangutta spirea plant alternately at the house.
You can achieve an amazing effect if you plant low plants with large light foliage at the entrance to the house, for example, hosts with light green leaves, then medium-sized white or pink roses, and Wangutta spiraea in the background.
Conclusion
Often from the existing suburban area we want to create our own personal paradise. And it does not depend on what form he has. Large rectangular spaces can be dealt with independently, but elongated ones ... In this case, it is better to contact a specialist who will provide several photos of the landscape design of a narrow summer cottage. From them you can choose the best, most attractive and most profitable option.