Seasonal Choices in Landscape Design

The importance of the strategic phase of any project can’t be overstated. From feasibility to early concept designs, TGP is well-versed in the skills required to create future-proofed plans for places that make a real difference.

But how do you ensure the end result works not only in the sunny months of summer, but also in cold, dark winter months, when adverse weather and changing seasons change the environment?

This is why thorough planning of your space before breaking ground is key to creating places that thrive – no matter the time of year.

Some key elements to take into consideration are accessibility, adaptability and aesthetics.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important factor in every project we deliver at TGP.

In winter months, the accessibility of community spaces can be impacted by snow and ice, meaning roads and footpaths must be designed responsibly to avoid slipping hazards.

The fundamentals of what we do often provide solutions to these issues before they are even considered. A great example of this can be seen in our work on the Cramlington Dementia Garden project. We prioritised the health and safety of users by including seating and handrails to provide stability and safety throughout the space. These elements, whilst important all year round, are crucial design elements in colder months when some surfaces and footpaths may be more slippery than usual.

Accessibility can be further enhanced by simply turning on the light. Whether that means implementing low-voltage LED lighting throughout an environment or illuminating pathways and signage for increased visibility, those darker days of winter can be easily tackled with some early planning.

Adaptability

We keep the end-user at the forefront of our minds at all times, which can mean different things for different people at different points of the year.

A great example of this can be identified in the Springfield Road housing project in Glasgow. This project, in the early design stages, is being created with the community and the environment at its heart. As with any project on Scottish soil, the impact of some adverse weather that seasonality can bring must be considered.

So how can we use rainfall to the project’s benefit? The integration of a rain garden and sustainable drainage systems (SuDs). These solutions focus on collecting rainwater, temporarily storing it before slowly releasing it to prevent flooding. These systems, combined with robust plant species, ensure that the space is equipped to support all seasons of Scottish weather, from stunning sunshine to riotous rainfall.

Aesthetics

We believe in designing landscapes that are as functional as possible, without losing sight of the beauty of the space. Various strategies can be applied to ensure an engaging visual appeal, no matter the time of year – something we’re dedicated to enhancing in every project we work on.

Choices like evergreen planting and year-round interest can provide consistent, ongoing structure in a space to reduce the harsh impact of the seasons. Due diligence in the research and planning stage of any project can ensure our team has the information we need to make the best possible choices for aesthetic solutions.

A contemporary twist on the norm can be substituting greenery for artistic stonework and sculptures. Our work with Aberdeen City Council resulted in the memorial Rainbow Garden – a picturesque garden to provide a place of reflection and peace for the community.
A stunning archway provides a dramatic entrance, whilst artwork by Maga Quille provides a centrepiece for the garden that will enhance the space all year long.

At TGP, we see seasonality not as a barrier to progress, but as a way to challenge ourselves to create future-proofed solutions that are built to last.