As the teen years near their end and we look forward to the roaring 20s, it’s the perfect time to look at the year just passed and remember the highlights (and some sadder times too.) Here’s the Vialii Review of 2019…
Asking us to choose our favourite garden is almost like choosing a favourite child! We love them all! But this year we loved creating the Modern Hot Tub Garden! As the name suggests, the hot tub is the central feature of this garden. But it’s so much more too – from pergolas to patios, garden room to in-built seating this is the perfect space for the whole family to relax in and enjoy.
The modern hot tub garden
Our favourite plant this year has been Amelanchier canadensis. This shrub (or small tree) is a great addition to any garden and provides interest throughout the year. The spring blossom is really pretty and is followed with dark fruits, great for the birds. In autumn the leaves turn glorious reds and oranges.
Amelanchier canadensis is a beautiful shrub
This was a hard choice with the teams taking lots of great photos this year but we have chosen our photo of the garden sculpture of the great Mr Vialii as our favourite of this year!
The great Mr Vialii in sculpture form!
We are all kids at heart and that’s clear by how popular this post was back in February this year! It’s a great way to deal with a sloping garden in a family friendly garden.
A great way to tackle a sloping garden
The contemporary take on a pergola has been a popular choice this year. With more geometric lines, often with extra timbers to provide screening and finished in a modern white paint, these pergolas give a modern touch to gardens.
A modern take on the traditional pergola
We couldn’t review 2019 without paying our respects to Ann Barnes, the much loved mum, mother-in-law and grandma of Vialii. You are missed every single day and our love for you continues to bloom all year round. Starting a new year without you breaks our hearts and you will never be forgotten.
Our beloved mum, missed every day
All at Vialii
Happy new year to all our lovely readers. As we move forward into 2014, we take a moment to have a review of 2013 and some of the highlights for Vialii and the trends that we saw…
A lovely visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in 2013
2013 saw our clients wholeheartedly embrace the outdoor room. From designer offices to simpler summerhouses we had several clients wanting to introduce outdoor living areas into their gardens. One of our favourites was this custom built garden pod which provided shelter from the rain and prevailing wind whilst still making you feel part of the garden. And with two more garden rooms already lined up for 2014 this trend doesn’t look like it’s going away…
The garden “pod” is a great focal point in this garden as well as somewhere to shelter from the weather
Our very own Lulu started up her own gardening blog for our sister company Vialii Garden Services in 2013. She puts us at VGD to shame with her regular, fun and educational blogs on all aspects of gardening. Click here to catch up on what’s happening in Lulu’s Garden…
Lulu launched her own blog, all about fun and interesting things to do in (or related to) the garden
2013 saw us being involved in two community garden projects. Our design of Provost’s Park in Bridge of Allan finally came to life in October and we completed our designs for the Jupiter Urban Wildlife Garden too. It was an honour to be involved in both projects and we look forward to spending time in both gardens in 2014.
The construction of our Provost’s Park design got underway in 2013
Our talented Vialii team sprouted new buds and grew well in 2013. Corrie and Gordon were joined by Neil on the maintenance side while both Connor and Kenny came on board for VGD in 2013. Jill also officially joined Michael working in the business in 2013 and with Lulu busily blogging away, Vialii became a true family business. We look forward to the team growing from strength to strength in 2014.
The Vialii team on a well earned night out
From a garden in Glasgow featuring lots of upcycled items, our own upcycled products made from old pallets to the “Upcycled Garden” for the Scottish Wildlife Trust, 2013 was the year for making the most of what you had.
Bespoke garden planters made from upcycled pallets
Well to be honest, every year is packed full of garden visits at Vialii Towers and 2013 was no exception. From Glendoick and Branklyn to Logan and Alnwick we had our fair share of wonderful gardens in 2013, not to mention the wonderful centenary of the Chelsea Flower Show.
Lulu providing a tour of Logan Botanic Gardens
We laid many new lawns with artificial turf last year – whilst it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the quality these days is great and can be a wonderful solution for gardens with issues with soil and light and for those with children and/or dogs.
Artificial turf can transform an area where real grass struggles
OK, the start of the year was pretty miserable but who cares when we get such a glorious summer?! The long, hot sunny days were wonderful for sitting enjoying gardens but also a lovely change when working outside building them too! Here’s hoping to a repeat in 2014!
An escape to the beach in the glorious summer of 2013
So, there you have it, 2013 in a nutshell (or a blog!) Here’s hoping that 2014 is as much fun.
Happy 2014 everyone.
From all at Vialii