Thanks everyone for your comments. No final decision made yet as regards choice of house but I know what questions to ask now. And I will definitely have a proper garden not a barren space.
I have a large area with decking and 2 small patio flagged areas, the top flagged area now has a greenhouse on and the decking has lots of pots and planters on it.
I wouldnt call it dead though as Verdun suggests, horses for courses and having decking can be both practical in all weathers along with nature/wildlife friendly.
The problem with decking is when it's put in the wrong place. Needs to be sunny as they get very slippy in even light shade if they get wet, and they need a lot of scrubbing to get the mossand algae off! Shady areas are better with gravel if you need a spot for a seat or table. We have a lot of rain up here so a hard landscaped area of some sort is vital unless you want to get a raft to sit on!
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Has to be done properly Verd. In a previous house we had French doors leading out onto it from the dining room (south facing). I left a bit to plant into at one end and had a retaining timber wall at right angles to it to match the deck, creating a planted terrace, and I had planting along the rest of the side where the handrail was as well. At my last house however, the previous owners put deck right round the new extension which came to the back door. That was our main entry and it was in shade all day apart from a few hours late in the day in summer. Like an ice rink. It had been badly done too and the rain just gathered on it. The bit at the other side was lovely as we had French doors in straight out onto it from our bedroom.The rest should never have been put in. Classic case of lack of knowledge. They can look awful if they're just stuck in the garden and they don't connect with anything too.
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Posts
Thanks everyone for your comments. No final decision made yet as regards choice of house but I know what questions to ask now. And I will definitely have a proper garden not a barren space.
I have a large area with decking and 2 small patio flagged areas, the top flagged area now has a greenhouse on and the decking has lots of pots and planters on it.
I wouldnt call it dead though as Verdun suggests, horses for courses and having decking can be both practical in all weathers along with nature/wildlife friendly.
The problem with decking is when it's put in the wrong place. Needs to be sunny as they get very slippy in even light shade if they get wet, and they need a lot of scrubbing to get the mossand algae off! Shady areas are better with gravel if you need a spot for a seat or table. We have a lot of rain up here so a hard landscaped area of some sort is vital unless you want to get a raft to sit on!
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Has to be done properly Verd. In a previous house we had French doors leading out onto it from the dining room (south facing). I left a bit to plant into at one end and had a retaining timber wall at right angles to it to match the deck, creating a planted terrace, and I had planting along the rest of the side where the handrail was as well. At my last house however, the previous owners put deck right round the new extension which came to the back door. That was our main entry and it was in shade all day apart from a few hours late in the day in summer. Like an ice rink. It had been badly done too and the rain just gathered on it. The bit at the other side was lovely as we had French doors in straight out onto it from our bedroom.The rest should never have been put in. Classic case of lack of knowledge. They can look awful if they're just stuck in the garden and they don't connect with anything too.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
I have decking that is rotting and I would like to lay paving slabs. Is this an expensive or hard job please?
Hi Christineella
Have a look here http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/garden-diy/how-to-lay-a-garden-patio/231.html
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Thanks for that link Dove, of help to me too as I have a lot to put in this year