Natural Garden
Adjoining a stone-built property in rural Wiltshire, our clients' garden was comprised of a large expanse of grass surrounded by low walls on all four sides.
We were asked to refurbish the garden with new trees and shrubs and lay out pathways and flower beds.
The client was looking for a design that incorporated natural shapes, features that would add interest to the garden and a planting scheme that reflected the property's cottage style.
Site Inspection
The site primarily consisted of a large flat grassy area, with no shape and landscaping. Planting was very sparse with an apple tree and one flower bed offering the only floral interest.
Access was provided by a single linear concrete pathway, which led from one end of the garden to the other.
While functional, a number of tired utility structures detracted severely from the appeal of the current garden.
Work Carried Out
While the current flat area offered a fantastic blank canvas, it was clear that much work needed to be done to improve the shape and interest of the garden.
We began by clearing the old structures and pathways, and constructing three sculpted banks, which broke the rectangular nature of the garden's boundaries into three equal areas and provided curving pathways that led around the garden.
We wove a living willow arbour in one of the areas, towards the focal point of the garden, offering interest and a shady spot for contemplation.
In the second area we constructed a still water pond. Local stone was used to add carbonate content to the water, helping to keep the water clear. Plants included native emergent and semi-emergent aquatics, ferns, bog & marsh plants and wild tall grasses to add shade.
The third area was returfed and left as a lawn area.
Mixed hedgerows were planted beside the stone walls to soften their starkness and provide a haven for birds and other wildlife.
Large wildflower beds were planted close to the house to create stunning splashes of colour visible from the kitchen from spring through to autumn.
All plants used in our scheme were native species and in keeping with what may have been found in the property's garden around the time of its construction.
Throughout the design and construction of our clients' garden we endeavoured to create the feeling that the garden had evolved naturally into its new form, as if it were an integral part of the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Project Summary
| Location | Atworth, Wiltshire |
| Budget | £4000 |
| Duration | 4 weeks |
