Our client was a semi-retired academic with a love of nature. The initial brief was simple: No Lawn, retain the grandson’s existing play shed but screen it and surround with plating, water harvesting from the small sheds; a patio area and fairly low maintenance planting. Otherwise a free hand but with some initial concepts.
After the initial concepts, a gravel garden with ambling paths was decided upon with a pergola to provide summer shade, the garden being in full sun. The planting style was inspired by Beth Chatto’s garden with soft structure, varied foliage, seasonal flowering, and a muted colour pallet. Climbers were installed on wire frames to screen the hedging. An entrance arch was added to support the fragrant climbers.
Completion
2016
Location
Winchmore Hill, N21, London
Size
160 square metres
Features
The garden features gravel paths, a pergola for shade, Beth Chatto-inspired planting, and thriving climbers, offering a mature and vibrant haven that attracts wildlife and keeps the client happily immersed in its beauty.
What We Did
Climbers were installed on wire frames to screen the hedging. An entrance arch was added to support the fragrant climbers.
The client accepted the garden would need time to mature and ‘grow in’. We avoid the temptation to overplant gardens to make it look full initially and planted according to the plants eventual size.
As can be seen this worked well, after two years the garden is full and attracting bees butterflies and bird – The client is delighted but ‘complains’ of spending too much time in her garden.
