Planting & Artificial Lawn
Dublin Period Home • No Side Access • Urban Setting
Designer
Barry Murphy
GreenTouch Advisory
Contractor
Vision Landscape Soluctions & GreenTouch
Project Size
40 M2
Value
€19 K - €25 K
Delivery
2 weeks
Project costs vary depending on timing and market conditions.
Enviromental Context
Orientation
South Facing
Ground Conditions
Sandy Loam
Exposure
Open
Microclimate
Wind Tunnel
Design Approach
A tired garden in a period rental property was redesigned to better reflect the quality of the house. The aim was a clean, formal layout with strong structure, low upkeep, and durable, hard wearing materials. The garden needed to suit a wide range of occupants, from professionals to short term tenants, while maintaining a consistent, high quality finish. Planting was designed for strong seasonal colour and visual impact without becoming overly demanding to maintain.
✓ Rendered walls creating a clean, backdrop
✓ Limestone paving for a durable, formal finish
✓ High impact planting for strong seasonal colour
✓ Artificial lawn for year round low maintenace
Kitchen Window View Before & After
How the design evolved
Access and logistics
All materials were brought through a split level period house with very narrow access and limited on street parking, shaping how the build was planned and sequenced.
Clearing and structure
All existing vegetation was removed, except for one retained tree. Ivy was supporting a failing boundary wall, which was taken down and rebuilt with a new foundation, then fully rendered.
Materials and finish
Materials and finish
Kilkenny limestone paving and a high-quality 40mm artificial lawn were installed to create a durable, clean, and structured finish.
Services and usability
Water and power were introduced, including two water points and electrical supply for lighting and outdoor use.
Planting strategy
Planting focused on strong seasonal colour and contrast within a simple, structured layout. The scheme included tulips and alliums for spring interest, with geranium, salvia, molinia, hydrangea ‘Limelight’, and rudbeckia providing summer structure and long-lasting colour. Hellebores were introduced for early season interest, alongside heuchera, euphorbia, and a mix of ground cover ferns for texture and depth. Planting was repeated throughout to create continuity and a clear, structured feel.