Improvement of the summer cottage with their own hands

Some city dwellers have a country house, others think about purchasing a summer cottage. Even the owners of comfortable apartments can not refuse such pleasure as outdoor recreation among the lush grass and bright colors. At the cottage you can not only enjoy the singing of birds, take a walk in your own garden, gather your whole family at the barbecue, many grow vegetables and fruits here.

Comfortable pastime on the estate is impossible without the improvement of the suburban area. Landscape design is a creative process, it is very laborious, it requires financial investments. In drawing up the right project, even on a small piece of land, it is possible to organize an original, attractive, and, moreover, practical green corner. If we consider the large area of ​​ownership, the arrangement is limited only by budget and imagination.

Features

You can also improve the territory without large financial and labor costs. The main work on the site can be done on its own, using a minimum of inventory. All decorative elements must be not only beautiful, but also functional. For example, elegant high lanterns should perform their direct function - to illuminate a large part of the territory, and forged benches not only complement the composition, but also be usable.

To make the most efficient use of the dacha, it must be properly planned. Before the start of work on the design it is necessary to determine the purpose of the territory. If the dacha is intended only for growing crops in the garden, does not have enough free space, you should not use the available improvised means for upgrading. Better to focus on well-groomed lawns, paved paths.

There is enough space for a garden, garden beds and recreation areas on a large garden plot. It can be ennobled on a large scale. The territory will have a pleasant pastime, if you build a cozy terrace, gazebo, swimming pool.

Preparatory work and detailed planning

Improvement of the site should begin with restoring order. In order to properly plan their actions, it is necessary to get rid of unused things, garbage. Cottage must be cleaned from dried shrubs, stumps, leaves, remnants of building materials, car parts. Many previously uselessly stored materials can be used for construction.

Before you begin to refine the plot of land near the house, you should make a project with a clear sequence. You can refer to the landscape designer or make a plan yourself. Planning should include the following steps:

• The recognition of the functionality of the problem. It is necessary to analyze the frequency of visiting a country house. If it’s crowded only on weekends, then it’s better to act according to a simplified scheme, to plant trees using unpretentious perennial plants, to build only summer buildings. With a long stay, from spring to autumn, the cottage can be landscaped with decorative fountains, sculptures, seasonal plants.
• Determination of the exact size of the site. The volume, nature of the work on the arrangement of the local area will depend on this. A small area, up to 10 acres, half of which is occupied by buildings and a vegetable garden, can be qualitatively improved in a few days. For registration put in 15-20 acres will take much more time, money and physical strength.
• The choice of stylistic direction. It should be noted that each element of the decor, whether it is a fence, gate or gazebo, must be in harmony with the surrounding nature. At the initial stage it is necessary to find out whether symmetry, regular geometric shapes are important. You can choose one particular style or give preference to a mixed type of design.
• Clarification of the need for outbuildings. At any cottage it is difficult to do without a barn, garage, summer shower, toilet, water pump facilities, a power-saw bench and other buildings. If they do not fit into the future design set forth in the project, they must be demolished, rebuilt or moved to another place.

Plot Fence

The direct purpose of the fence - the definition of the boundaries of the territory, its protection from outsiders. But besides these functions, it can be an aesthetic decoration of the yard. The inner side of the fence can be decorated in any suitable way, planting waving plants next to it. Versions of the garden fence varied. Sheathing can be made of the following types of materials:

• Metal. These include welded, forged structures, decking, mesh-chain-link. Any type has excellent performance properties. Fence sections can be combined with stone, brick;
• Tree. This group includes board, wall paneling, picket fence. Natural fencing - timeless classics. It is easily installed by hand without the help of specialists. You can buy ready-made sections or make yourself from unedged, ground bars, boards;
• Concrete. High strength, durable designs can be made from ordinary gray slabs or decorative prefabs. By staining the concrete eurofence, you can give an original look;
• Brick. Reliable fencing protects the area from the wind, but creates shade and prevents airing. The specifics of the material opens up wide design possibilities - the choice of pattern of masonry, color, a successful combination with stone, metal;
• Plastic. Most often used for temporary low fences. Decorative fencing can imitate any natural material. Most often it is used for zoning, highlighting flowerbeds, front gardens, play areas;
• Original solutions. Carry more decorative promise. This includes a hedge, a wicker fence. The most aesthetic, eco-friendly option of fencing.

Garden paths

One of the main design elements is footpaths and paths. The success of the project as a whole depends on their correct and successful design. You can create convenient and beautiful moves yourself from the available and any available materials. Before starting work, you should decide on the type of decor, the need for capital installation, whether it is possible to do with seasonal, removable material.

It is mandatory to make permanent paths from the gate to the veranda, porch, from the house to the economic structures. It is also necessary to improve the path leading to the garden and the land between the beds. The pass created by himself must meet the following requirements:

1. Wear resistance;
2. Lack of abrupt bends;
3. Ability to withstand heavy loads;
4. Sufficient width for easy access, transportation of garden equipment;
5. Non-slip coating;
6. Easy to clear debris and snow.

The type of material, the style of garden paths is determined at the planning stage. The color scheme of the decoration should be in harmony with the overall design, without disturbing the general perception of the landscape.

Decoration and landscaping of the site

To achieve an amazing result in the issue of landscaping the local area can only be subject to certain rules. First of all, you should consider the location of all plants. Compositions should be created taking into account the types of buildings present, decorative elements. When creating a new summer look, it is necessary to foresee the peculiarity of each shrub and tree, the ability of pictorial plant material to change its color, texture, volume.

Flower beds and flower beds

Even an inexperienced gardener can create a chic flower garden. The flowerbeds are always in sight, so it is necessary that the planted plants constantly delight the summer residents with their beauty. To achieve all-season flowering can, if you plant perennial flowers with constant disclosure. When making a flower bed, planting plants in the ground should follow the following rules:

• The shape, size, design of the flowerbed must be in harmony with the street elements of the garden;
• It is necessary to observe the density of planting flowers, take into account the characteristics of the variety;
• Positioned in the ground with respect to height. In the middle of the flower bed put the highest flowers at the edges - small;
• To pick up the plants in harmony on color.

Shrubs and lawn

Any household plot will look attractive if you correctly emphasize its advantages - the freshness of greenery, neat crowns of shrubs. Each lawn must be diversified with ornamental plants. Green areas can simply remain decorative areas or be a place for a family picnic.

The original design of the lawn will create a unique atmosphere. With it, you can select the geoplastics of the territory, complement the landscape design. Giving it a different shape you can create interesting shapes, green islands. Perfectly complemented by the beauty of the green carpet are small bushes of the original form (hydrangea, dwarf thuja, spirea).

Planted plants on the lawn should be according to certain rules. It is not necessary to place stunted species, since they will merge with the general background and will be inexpressive. Suitable shrubs from 0.5 meters. They are visible from a great distance and are visually perceived as a separate object. You should also consider the need and features of care for each type of plant. Shrubs should not prevent mowing grass and garbage collection.

Creating a garden - planting fruit trees

It is necessary to begin garden arrangement with the careful analysis of climatic conditions and soil. Clay, sandy soil must be supplied with fertilizers, peat, black soil. To select trees and varieties should be based on climate, local breeding, performance. It is possible to ensure the most successful distribution by drawing up a plot drawing with elevations of all buildings, cardinal points. Round the clock shaded places should be immediately excluded. They are best left for the pool, the pond.

Starting the planting of seedlings need to determine the number of future trees in the garden. On one weave you can place no more than 7 apples, cherries, pears. Mature trees will create each other shadow, bear little fruit. You can increase their number up to 15 pieces, if there is a possibility of periodic pruning of branches. The minimum landing distance is 3 meters.

Planting fruit trees is not recommended in the local area, the distance from the buildings should be at least 5 meters. Otherwise, developmental roots will damage the foundation, and branches may break the glass, damage the roof in strong winds. Also, do not plant crops along the paths close to the fence.

Creation of artificial reservoirs

Decorative pond - one of the most striking techniques in the design of the landscape garden. Even on a small area you can create an original artificial reservoir. First you need to decide on his appointment. It can be a small beauty pond, decorated with stone sculptures, fish breeding facilities or a swimming pool. It can be regular or landscape.

Build a reservoir should be in a suitable place in all respects. It should not be under the scorching sun, because it will promote the growth of algae and after a while the surface of the pond will turn into green and dirty. Also, do not place rates near the trees, otherwise you will have to constantly clean it from fallen branches and leaves. Waste settled to the bottom will contribute to decay.

The main problem when creating a pond is to avoid water dripping into the ground. Well, if the site already has rates. It can simply be cleaned, refined and maintained, periodically adding water. If it is decided to build a pond from scratch, this can be done from the most unusual improvised means. The basis for the reservoir can serve as the following items and materials:

• Old bath (metal, cast iron);
• Plastic trough;
• Special figured capacity;
• Concrete pouring;
• Polyethylene film;
• Natural, decorative stone.

Buildings, recreation and games area

Buildings should be located on the site strictly in accordance with the applicable construction regulations. This rule applies to areas of any size. If this item is ignored, there will be problems with their legalization. The main place in the country is given a residential house. All other buildings should be at least 10 meters away.

All buildings on the site must be aesthetic, clean and in harmony in style with each other. It is better to build them from the same materials. It is appropriate to build a barn, a bathhouse, a summer shower and a toilet, a gazebo, a garage, a smokehouse, and animal buildings on the territory of the villa.

Comfortable rest in the fresh air will take place with the greatest pleasure, if they are organized for this special areas. This may be a barbecue area on a green lawn, a cozy gazebo or a terrace by the house, benches and swings by the pool, a hammock, a chaise lounge in the middle of the garden. Interior items can be any. Also in the country it is appropriate to equip the playground, a safe corner for children's games.

BBQ area or summer kitchen

To build a summer kitchen in the country can be closed or open type. The choice depends on the frequency of site visits, the number of households and personal preferences of the owners. The designs differ in layout, design. Some will have enough of a small shelter with a barbecue stove when others prefer a higher level - a capital structure on a solid foundation with walls and a roof.

The barbecue area in the summer kitchen is mainly made of bricks. It does not have to be roomy, it can be used exclusively for cooking and storing kitchen utensils. The design can be directly under the open sky or in the cozy designer summer kitchen. It is better to have it closer to home, so as not to waste time on the transfer of dishes and dishes in the dining room.

Decorative items and buildings

Decor at the cottage should please the view, look beautiful and charge for a great vacation away from the bustle of the city. To install on the site you need practical, easy-to-use items. They must be necessarily resistant to the negative effects of the environment. For non-permanently operated objects, fun decorations made of the most simple materials will do:

• Unusual fences;
• Vertical, horizontal beds;
• Wooden benches and carvings;
• High flower bed in the old piano;
• Alpine slide;
• Decorative houses;
• Artificial well.

Lighting area

Mandatory elements in need of artificial light are: house territory, garden alleys, ponds, children’s, sports grounds, outdoor toilet and shower. To increase the comfort of staying in the territory in the evening, you can spend one of the following types of lighting:

• General For illumination of the main part of the territory, wall lamps are used on brackets, lights on support columns;
• Decorative. The main task is to create a painting. Use lamps of different shapes, LED-strip;
• Technical. Light is directed to the garage door, barn, outdoor toilet, greenhouse;
• Security. Lamps are located around the perimeter, trying to cover all parts of the fence;
• Marking. Separate areas of spotlight (steps, wicket, benches, paths) are distinguished.

Stylistic design

Comfortable cottage - an amazing place for a relaxing outdoor holiday. Each owner chooses the style of the site and the interior of the house to taste. To achieve the most emotional and physical comfort possible, if all the details will harmonize and complement each other.

A great idea to design a cottage for the residents of a big city is rustic style. An important role in this case is played by the elements of decor: carts, rocker arms, wicker fence, straw stuffed animals. The tracks can be laid out with wood, gravel, sand.

Landscape, natural style - almost untouched green oasis. There are no clear forms and lines. The garden does not require constant care and cleanliness. The decor is present only from natural materials. Great similarity with the landscape allotment has a country style device. There is a slight untidy, careless landing. Colonial, English landscape design styles are simple and concise. There are only smooth natural forms.

The main condition for self-improvement of the site is the observance of the uniform style of all buildings and zones. For each design direction is characterized by an individual presentation of natural beauty.

Landscaping Tips

Begin to equip the cottage should be with fixing the wishes of all family members and often visiting relatives. The place must be planned for the garden, garden, recreation area, workshop and other sites. The basis of the future project will be to determine a single starting point. You can create a truly beautiful, comfortable and useful site by listening to the recommendations of experts:

• All objects must be connected by a network of tracks;
• When choosing plants, one should take into account the peculiarities of the soil, topography, the presence of depressions and slopes;
  - Decor elements should be used concisely;
• It is not necessary to saturate the land with a large number of chaotic greenery. Высадку каждого кустарника, дерева, травы газона необходимо планировать. Каждый цветок в композиции подбирается по цвету;
• Plain buildings, boxes, fence defects can be hidden behind climbing plants.

Conclusion

For a comfortable stay in the country, the plot must be provided with all the necessary conditions. It is impossible to disregard any element in the territory. In addition to the attractive appearance, the scenery must be functional and safe. To spend time outside the city in a calm atmosphere, landscaping the area with their own hands, no doubt, all the household will want.