Landscaping tips for link house owners
You’ve just got the keys to your new home. Poring over countless magazines, you’re armed with great ideas on how to do up your living room. You go crazy over kitchen cabinet designs and you’re beside yourself with excitement on the amazing options for your bathroom’s décor.
Yet, when it comes to your garden, if you draw a blank on what to do, you’re not alone. But before you allow the grass to grow, add a few plants, or tile up the whole area, here are some other possibilities on how you can do up the area.
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Not a storeroom: A garden is a place where you can recharge, renew and reconnect
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First of all, that “patch of land” costs the same as the rest of your house. What an absolute waste of real estate if you don’t make use of your garden, wouldn’t you agree? Secondly, your garden is the first thing you see when you come home and the last thing when you leave. It is hardly a storeroom yet that’s how many people use it – they extend an awning and throw all their junk there – old bicycle, boxes and what-have-you.
Thirdly, and this is the part that many new homeowners fail to consider, your garden is a potential room. It’s not just exaggeration. Think about it – every room in your house has a specific purpose. And yet, there isn’t really a place that is just for you – a place where you can recharge, renew and reconnect with yourself.
Green matters
I’m sure that you have your favourite spots – the bedroom, the study, the kitchen – but a garden is all that and more. It is a place for fun, for rest, for contemplation, and, ultimately, a place to remind you that you’re a part of nature. Imagine opening your sliding doors or windows to the rich colours of nature, of tropical blooms and lush greenery. Imagine relaxing in an easy chair, surrounded by plants and enjoying the cool evening air with your family.
If you have a large garden, the main challenge is to create a holistic design within your budget. If you own a quintessential Malaysian link home with a small garden, the smaller area represents a different challenge altogether.
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Before and after: A beautiful makeover
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Tips for link house owners
If you’re contemplating on what to do for your garden, here are some tips and ideas that may help you along.
1. Don’t tile up your entire garden area
Whatever you do, don’t tile up your garden. I know it’s an easy option, and your contractor or friends would probably tell you how easy it is to maintain. But why would you want more tiles and concrete? Here is a great opportunity to turn your house into a real home – complete with a tropical garden façade. In fact, your garden allows great flexibility to design your home’s appearance – from a sleek and modern entrance to an exotic resort-style sanctuary. Isn’t that a lot better than a boring tiled-up floor?
2. Create a balance between indoor and outdoor space
Similarly, you may be tempted to extend your built-up space right up to your fence. I know lots of people who regretted sacrificing their lawn to accommodate a living room or bedroom extensions. Now, that house feels like a concrete fortress. If you have the extra land, go ahead, but do try to strike a balance between indoor and outdoor space. Otherwise, you’re only living in a huge air-conditioned box.
3. Allocate a budget
Just like any room in your new house, you need to allocate a budget to create a beautiful garden. It is more than just grass and plants. If you don’t invest a reasonable amount in terms of effort and money to ensure a beautiful design, you’ll probably get what you paid for – just grass with some plants.
4. Check if your garden is waterlogged
Before you start on your garden, first ensure that it is not waterlogged. A steady downpour should be able to confirm it. If it is waterlogged, you need to dig and remove any debris buried under the topsoil. Or get a gardener to place subterranean drainage pipes, which aren’t expensive.
5. Engage professional landscapers
Unless you’re quite the handyman, do engage professional landscapers or designers to help bring your dream garden to reality. You wouldn’t build your own kitchen cabinets and it’s no different for creative landscaping – it requires skill but the investment is definitely worth it.
Neo Nusantara creates beautiful landscapes for Malaysian homes.To learn more, visit www.neonusantara.com or call 03-7880 8018.
If you have a question for Desmond Ho, send an email to contents@starproperty.my
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