The finishing touches to an extensive property renovation project, the clients here had two key requests - a substantial kitchen garden, with space for a Greenhouse, raised beds and fruit trees and a level croquet lawn. As the clients are very busy, and keen to spend their time concentrating on growing produce, the ornamental planting was to be kept to a minimum whilst still offering year-round colour and interest.
The sight had been left to become overgrown and had developed into wilderness during the property renovation works (see below). A large plot, the site sloped from left to right and from the rear down towards the property. There was also a stand of mature trees to the rear of the plot which the clients were keen to keep to provide privacy from neighboring properties.
An important factor on this project was budget. The garden needed to be functional foremost. The terracing of the site and the materials used had to be considered carefully in order to fulfill the clients wishes with out blowing the budget. There were to be no fancy stone or brick terraces here!
The sight had been left to become overgrown and had developed into wilderness during the property renovation works (see below). A large plot, the site sloped from left to right and from the rear down towards the property. There was also a stand of mature trees to the rear of the plot which the clients were keen to keep to provide privacy from neighboring properties.
An important factor on this project was budget. The garden needed to be functional foremost. The terracing of the site and the materials used had to be considered carefully in order to fulfill the clients wishes with out blowing the budget. There were to be no fancy stone or brick terraces here!
Designed back in November 2019, Bel took a pragmatic approach to the design, ensuring that the final product would meet the clients expectations and budget. Bel designed 2 large level 'terraces' which would be used for the croquet lawn and kitchen garden areas. The level changes across the site would be pushed back towards the boundaries, creating tiered pathways and seating areas and a pathway to access the kitchen garden easily from the house. A raised pathway would also allow for an area to view the croquet lawn during play.
The kitchen garden would feature a large cedar greenhouse and a series of raised sleeper beds for permanent and short term crops, fruit, herbs and vegetables. An orchard area for fruit trees would be underplanted with wildflower meadow to attract wildlife. To the rear, the mature trees would be selectively pruned and rejuvenated then underplanted with woodland style planting, offering a wilder area within the garden.
The kitchen garden would feature a large cedar greenhouse and a series of raised sleeper beds for permanent and short term crops, fruit, herbs and vegetables. An orchard area for fruit trees would be underplanted with wildflower meadow to attract wildlife. To the rear, the mature trees would be selectively pruned and rejuvenated then underplanted with woodland style planting, offering a wilder area within the garden.
In order to add height to the large expense, Bel designed a series of square frame arches spanning the steps which rise from the lawn to the kitchen garden. Their profile is echoed in the step design and patio paving to create a cohesive look.
Following installation of the design scheme the planting beds which wrap around the lawn have been planted with a traditional mix of roses, shrubs and perennials to provide year-round colour and interest. Hedging has been used extensively to provide clean evergreen structural lines whilst being a low maintenance feature for the clients.
Landscaped in the summer and planted in November 2020, this garden will be a joy to watch mature over the next few years.
Following installation of the design scheme the planting beds which wrap around the lawn have been planted with a traditional mix of roses, shrubs and perennials to provide year-round colour and interest. Hedging has been used extensively to provide clean evergreen structural lines whilst being a low maintenance feature for the clients.
Landscaped in the summer and planted in November 2020, this garden will be a joy to watch mature over the next few years.
Do you want to know how much it costs to transform a garden like this?
See Bel's articles in the Advice Hub which advises on budgeting for your Garden Design or Planting Design project
See Bel's articles in the Advice Hub which advises on budgeting for your Garden Design or Planting Design project