The boys began landscaping the main area of the garden, removing the lawn with a mini digger. They worked to the garden design plan, marking out sections that would be paved, and new borders that would be planted. The timber screen went up first, which works beautifully to screen off the garage. It is easy to traverse around it between the garage and garden, and it gives an idea of mystery, as well as being the perfect structure for plants to climb up.
We used large format, 900x900mm porcelain slabs, and they look fantastic, really fitting the space, sweeping across the garden.
Along with the paving being laid, the boys also constructed an aluminium and galvanised steel pergola, off set to one side of the garden, with large porcelain stepping stones coming off the other. These structures are strong and robust, with adjustable, tilting louvres for shade control, and have an integrated drainage system to help keep the space dry below it. It creates a compelling, and refined profile, and makes a great focal point, combined with practical outdoor protection.
Alongside the pergola, the boys started to mark out the knot garden. HEDGING?
Once the gravel was laid and the borders were dug over and planted, the design started to come into its own. Along with mature trees and shrubs, we have included a variety of perennial and evergreen plants that will fill these borders with colour and seasonal interest. As it is an open, south facing garden, the drought tolerant plants and grasses that we have chosen for the gravel garden will thrive here.
The mini parterre inspired garden has a large water feature planter in the centre. The sound of water trickling here will be perfect across the bright patio. This section of the garden has been edged with matching grey, porcelain tiles, creating the perfect blend.
The narrow pathways within the edging will have a self binding natural aggregate called hoggin. This is a mixture of clay, sand and gravel and when it is compacted down it creates a firm, semi-permeable surface. The contrasting colour of the warm ochre tones of the hoggin with the grey porcelain will be wonderful.
Jerry surveys the garden, positioning and adjusting plants as they are added to the design.
We really enjoyed laying the hoggin, it felt relaxing whilst we compressed the hoggin down into each narrow channel. Jerry planted the parterre hedging plants a week after this, once they had arrived from our supplier.
Whilst experiencing the hottest summer in fifty years, it was a joyous morning to return to this garden to see it flourishing. Our customer absolutely loves it and has added lots of beautiful touches; with different seating areas, planters and lighting, a separate sun umbrella and bbq area.
A change that was made at the end of the construction was adding in two lawns. Our customer decided that she wasn’t keen on having such large gravelled areas. The real beauty of gardens are that they are ever evolving spaces, which ebb and flow through the seasons, and the years.
The pale porcelain compliments the red brick, and sets off the aluminium/steel pergola well. The planters soften the edges of the structure, blending it with the rest of the garden. Corten steel planters are a fantastic product for the garden, changing with weathering and will become more subtle over time.
Along with the planters, our customer also added a tree fern in a pot, this will need to be protected with fleece during the winter months. It adds interest and is a good focal point in this part of the garden. The tree fern is by the timber screen that we constructed, which hides the garage, creating a pathway behind it to the garage door.
We love the idea of having different seating areas – they can be used at different times of the day, depending on whether you want to be in or out of the sunshine. After taking the photos, I felt like I could have stayed in the garden all day. It feels so welcoming and tranquil.
I think the part of the garden that I particularly love is the parterre with yellow hoggin. It looks amazing with the water fountain urn trickling away in the centre. Definitely gives the wow factor!
Next to the parterre is a bbq area, with a wide border filled with lush planting. This includes trees that will grow and provide shade and interest through the seasons. Many of the plants in the sunniest spots are drought tolerant and won’t require much watering once they are established. Throughout the recent heat waves of this summer our customer has been diligent with the watering to ensure all the new plants remain healthy and develop.
We are all thrilled with the outcome of this garden. What started out as a new build with poor quality soil has been transformed into a beautiful oasis. Check back in with us soon to see some more of our projects.
