The client of this project had very clear ideas about what the space was to be used for and how she would like it to function. The existing bay tree, ivy and lavender bush was to be kept, as was the existing shed. The existing fences were old and worn and needed to be replaced.
The space should be both relaxing and suitable for entertaining, with a shaded area for 'quiet time' and a sunny area for
al fresco dining, and need be designed for adults only.
The only practical consideration within the space was that a significant proportion of the space is overshadowed by a large beech tree in the next-door garden, which would influence the positioning of foliage and hard landscaping features within the garden.
This garden was styled along the lines of a contemporary courtyard garden utilising a fusion of materials. 'Old' materials were mingled with 'new' in the use of stainless steel planters
on cobbles, and slate chippings bordering decking.
The existing fences were replaced and the space was given extra privacy with the addition of trellis to the top of the new fences.
A planting palette consisting of hardy and half-hardy specimens was chosen, with heavy emphasis on foliage and architectural plants.
A combination of evergreen and semi evergreen plants, intertwined with scented white blooms, were selected to give year round interest to the space, with 'showstoppers' such
as 'Dicksonia antarctica' and 'Cortaderia selloana' used to give the garden an added 'wow' factor. A sense of perspective and the impression of different levels was achieved with plants growing up through decking laid directly behind the house.
A spacious cobbled area gave the space a lived-in feeling, with the addition of large established plants to further detract from the sense of 'newness' that is so often present
in a recent build.
The layout of the garden used the idea of 'screening', carefully placing materials and plants to create different areas in the garden and generate the illusion of space.
"Choosing Earth Designs to design and landscape my garden was a great decision!
Katrina really listened to what I wanted - and to what I didn't! The proposed design totally fulfilled my brief and what's more was on budget, with no hidden extras. I also appreciated the various options that Katrina had considered and built into the proposal.
The actual implementation was carried out thoughtfully and totally professionally, with the minimum of inconvenience and mess. And the final result is just stunning."
