Inspired by near by Trentham Gardens, the brief was to create a contemporary family space, that gave that Capability Brown essence, vistas to view, with flow and movement throughout the year in a naturalistic sustainable style. With a large patio containing a cooking area and focal water feature; plus to include something from Wales which is a favourite place they love to visit.
This garden in Stone Staffordshire was originally dominated by a large tree planted in the middle of it. Geoff and Gill had tried various things to work around the tree but to no avail. This totally foreshortened the view and lead to great frustrations.
The tree was deemed dangerous and had to be felled; this sincerely was a release for the clients and they finally were freed from the frustrations they’d had for many years before.
Added to this was work carried out by others in the garden had been inferior with the existing patio beginning to collapse/ subside and dangerous, a step out through the main patio doors couldn’t be seen clearly and was a constant source of tripping or falling fear.
The garden store originally dominated the view under the holly; this has been moved out of sight; into its own courtyard area along with the dustbins now hidden in stores. With a potting bench attached this is now an area where the clients can pot and propagate.
The holly has now become the feature tree, excellent for wildlife itself, but under planted with shade loving plants that also attract wildlife; this concept extends out into the borders, with birch, hazel and others, giving colour texture and depth; something the original garden was totally lacking.
Feature granite and sandstone boulders add to this, surrounded by lush planting that includes grasses, foxgloves, evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees.
The deeper borders add depth plus a gazebo is now a focal point, extending your view across the garden space but also somewhere to sit and view the garden from another vista.
A 120 square metre porcelain patio adds a sleek contemporary style for family parties and evenings out looking at the stars, with a pizza oven and serving area built in.
Two of the borders; the raised bed and lower border were left to be planted by the client as she likes a flamboyant style and requested an individual space to plant and change schemes seasonally.
The clients also love Wales, this is incorporated by the welsh slate stone monolith water feature sourced from Wales and the shingle/ cobble beach below it, which now sits as the main focal point on the edge of the patio.
Finally they have a garden they can use, even at night as lighting is incorporated throughout, uplighting feature plants; they now have space where they can be inspired that is low maintenance.
Gill and Geoff finally have their slice of Trentham Gardens and Capability Brown that they have so much wanted for many many years.
Slide the handles across to see the before and afters of the garden.
Click images for larger view...
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