A garden to be proud of
It is our aim that Chef & Brewer gardens be interactive experiences that customers can immerse themselves in. Their layouts and designs should provide plenty of nooks and crannies for visitors to sit in, whilst being immersed in the beauty, shade, and privacy they can offer.Sustainability & biodiversity
Creating a sustainable and biodiverse garden is important for supporting local wildlife, improving ecosystem health, and enhancing the resilience of your garden to environmental changesBiodiverse planting: Incorporate a variety of native and pollen-rich plants.
Succession planting: Ensure plants enhance aesthetics or provide functionality.
Reclaimed materials: Use building materials or products from local businesses.
Avoid concrete: Opt for self-draining materials like compacted gravel and sand.
Add native wildflowers: Prevent monoculture and support local ecosystems.
Engage with local wildlife organisations: Learn how to aid local species through planting and design.
Hedgehog access points: Ensure safe entry and exit for hedgehogs.
Wildlife features: Include safe water features to attract and support various species.
Plant trees: Enhance water uptake and improve habitat sustainability
Planting
Create a garden that thrives year after year with our planting tipsFrost hardy perennials: They thrive in cold climates and return yearly.
Use productive plants: Include berries, currants, fruit trees, herbs, and some vegetables.
Sensory appeal: Use vibrant colours, fragrant scents, and varied textures.
Supports local wildlife: Use native and pollen-rich plants such as lavender.
Provide natural habitats: Hedges, shrubbery, and trees for wildlife.
Future growth: Design your garden with space to grow.
Community engagement
Engage with neighbours, friends and family through educational and interactive activities.Get crafty with friends: Why not try apple picking to avoid windfall and wasps and make cider or juice? Or collect for apple pie?
Fun for the kids: Count insects and plant species with children. Encourage clear up days in late winter so the garden is ready for spring
Wild flower love: If your garden is public facing, put up signage to explain the weeds and why it’s happening to avoid complaints and bring people on board.
Fall in love with nature again: Increased levels of insect activity might be off putting for some people but some activities to educate about insects might help with this. Spread positivity to help people deal with things like wasps and bees in summer.
Practicalities
Think about what your garden will be used for, ensure you are thinking ahead and not losing sight of the bigger picture.Easy maintenance: Maintainable garden features are preferred. Consider organising days to help with keeping the garden in a nice condition.
Garden structures and layout design: Consider how mowing, edging and weeding would need to be carried out. Improved infrastructure such as tap installations could also ease labour in the early stages of development.
Don’t over do it: Refrain from reducing seating capacity when changing the garden.
Be robust: Plant life should ideally be robust enough to withstand climate and clientele, such as kids playing, pets, drink spills etc.
Consider the layout: Garden layout should consider ease of use, so that you are able to move freely without being hindered.
Accessibility: Ensure you have table & chair access for wheelchair users and pushchairs.
Think about safety: Use stakes and supports for non-sturdy plants to aid in growth and ensure they do not encroach on seating areas.